Getting pregnant after radiation therapy. Is a possible pregnancy after breast cancer a reality or an unjustified health risk? Having a baby after radiation therapy

Hello, dear Evgeny Olegovich.

I don’t dare to hope (but I really want to) that you will remember me, but, nevertheless, now, when I stand at a crossroads, thinking about who else to turn to, the memory of you has surfaced in my head like a saving thread. Well, to make it more clear, I'll start in order. 5 and a half years ago I gave birth to a daughter. Mom bought me your book The Beginning of Your Child's Life. It’s not enough to say that I WAS indescribably delighted with it, I still re-read it from time to time, just to recharge myself with good emotions. And how many children grew up on it. I take care of her like the apple of my eye. When my daughter was about 5 months old, I finally made up my mind and wrote to you. And what was doubly pleasant, you answered me. Reasonably and thoroughly, and even gave contact numbers. But since there were no special problems with the child, I did not consider it necessary to tear you away from work or household chores. I just wrote you another letter with words of gratitude. But, probably, our mail (still regular) did not deliver it to you. And, nevertheless, I want to thank you once again for your work, for your attention. Thank you very much, and God bless you with health, as well as strength and patience for your difficult, but such a necessary work. And I will turn to you now, that's what prompted me. Life turned out so that I left my first husband, in my second marriage for more than 2 years. We love each other very much. And the husband, of course, really wants a child (he is madly in love with my daughter, I have never seen a more caring, patient, loving father, neither in my first marriage, nor in the families of friends and acquaintances), but due to various circumstances (figure, career, social life), I was afraid and put everything off. Finally we made up our minds. After all, I’m not getting any younger, and to take up a career right away means to postpone the birth of a child for an indefinite period, or even forever. We approached this very thoroughly. They were examined by doctors. Both are healthy. I have never had gynecological diseases, and no. Doctors unanimously said forward. And then... I broke my ankle. I had to take an x-ray. There was no delay as such (1 day). The test showed a negative result. The traumatologist sent me for surgery. I refused the operation, and then I was sent for various consultations, and as a result, I had to do another x-ray. I said that I might be pregnant. I was carefully covered (however, like the first time). As a result, it turned out that at this stage the operation is not vital, but in any case, you need to contact a gynecologist. The second test came back positive. Because I myself can’t really walk now (I won’t go to the antenatal clinic on crutches), my mother went ... If you heard in what form and with what words the words of the district gynecologist were conveyed to me. Well, in a nutshell, up to 18 days of vacuum, then abortion. Think it's okay, then take it out. I also had to listen to a lecture about my own stupidity. Yes, even on the phone. That almost a nervous breakdown came out of it. I called my husband, I couldn’t say a word, he quit his job, rushed in, and spent the whole day running around with me like a child. Then all friends and acquaintances began to call all conceivable and unimaginable acquaintances and acquaintances through familiar radiologists, traumatologists, gynecologists. Everyone unanimously says don’t fool around (sorry for the non-literary syllable, but, as they say, you can’t throw words out of a song), it’s okay to bear and give birth, with our ecology we get so many negative factors and emotions every day that this can’t will affect the child. That is, it can, of course, but not to such an extent as to take drastic measures. Radiologists even give chilling examples that before, when there was no ultrasound, they did an X-ray of the fetus, and they gave birth to nothing. I really, really want to believe it. Friends advised (as my own head already thinks badly) to look on the Internet if there is any information on my question, I found some sites, they gave answers to questions similar to my problem, but they are very ambiguous. And suddenly a revelation! Remembering you, I found your website (just super!!!) and address on the net and decided to try my luck again. I really value and trust your opinion, and I will be very grateful if you take the time to answer. Today is 14 days late. The very word abortion terrifies me. And the vacuum? DON'T WANT!!! But if, nevertheless, it is necessary, then the deadlines are running out.

Please help me. I hope very much for your help. Thanks in advance, best regards, Julia.

Julia, hello!

GIVE BIRTH FOR HEALTH, what is there to argue about? I see no reason to panic, believe me - the emotional stress of a mother for a fetus is more dangerous than radiation! By the way, do you have a new book? Every day, reread the epigraph to the chapter pregnancy. I'll tell you one story. When I was still a student working as a nurse in the intensive care unit, a friend came to the doctor (woman), quite elderly (as it seemed to me then a woman) with her granddaughter - a charming girl of five years old (blonde with blue eyes and huge bows). After leaving, the doctor told me that at the age of 49 this woman was diagnosed with uterine cancer and, given the very rapid growth of the tumor, the treatment began with radiation, and after 10 sessions it turned out that it was not cancer at all, but pregnancy was a rare case, Because I haven't had my period since I was 47. Those. She was not a granddaughter, but a daughter. I saw this child with my own eyes... Good luck and health, and thank you for your kind words.

06.04.2017

Pregnancy during cervical cancer is rare, approximately 3% of cases. At risk are women aged 28-32 years.

With pregnancy, the process of neoplasm progresses rapidly, so experts put a disappointing prognosis.

The age from 21 to 35 years is called childbearing, at this age women are interested: is it possible to get pregnant with such a diagnosis? It is possible to get pregnant with cervical cancer, but doctors do not recommend doing this until the woman is cured. Pathology interferes with the normal bearing of the fetus.

All methods of dealing with pathology reduce the chances of getting pregnant to zero. This is due to:

hysterectomy (surgery to remove the cervix);
radiation therapy. After treatment, the ovaries do not perform their functions.

If a cervical tumor (CC) is diagnosed in the early stages, then treatment is prescribed in the form of conization or loop excision. With such operations, the uterus is not injured and remains intact, and the patient has a chance to become pregnant after the operation.

But such types of therapy are acceptable in the early stages of the development of cancer.

There is one method of surgical intervention when the cervix is amputated. This operation is called a trachelectomy. Doctors remove the cervix and the upper part of the vagina, which contains the pelvic lymph nodes. As a result of the operation, the vagina becomes shorter. This operation is not new and has been used for 12 years. After the end of treatment, women easily became pregnant and bore children. But there are also disadvantages of trachelectomy ⏤ premature birth and miscarriage. This is due to the fact that there is no supporting function that the cervix is involved in.

A woman will not be able to give birth on her own, since the opening of the cervix was sewn up, so only a caesarean section is performed. Amputation of the cervix is possible only in the first stages of the development of cancer. No doctor will give you a full guarantee of what volume will be performed.

A histological examination for cancer cells is carried out during the operation, so the course of the operation can change at any moment.

Doctors do not rule out that cancer cells can quickly spread to the uterus, so it is possible that during the removal of the cervix, the uterus will also be removed.

When the patient was diagnosed with oncology at stage 1a or 1b, then the pelvic lymph nodes are removed along with the cervix. Because it is possible that there are no cancer cells in these lymph nodes. If they are not removed, then after a certain time, oncology will again make itself felt.

At the initial stage of neoplasm development, the lymph nodes are practically not affected by cancer cells. But, if suddenly they were noticed at least in one node, then after the surgical intervention, radiation therapy is performed. Radiation therapy is the cause of infertility.

Pregnancy with cervical cancer

It all depends on how long the pregnancy is for cervical cancer:

When a woman is in the second or third month, treatment is recommended, since six months after the birth, it may be too late, and the pregnancy is terminated;
Pregnancy after 14 weeks is not interrupted, treatment is not carried out. Therapy begins after childbirth. A caesarean section is scheduled and the doctors will immediately remove the uterus.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer during pregnancy has symptoms, just as it does not during pregnancy. Additionally, there is a problem in blood secretions (these are the main signs of oncology), during pregnancy they can be the cause of another phenomenon.

In the first months of pregnancy, bleeding can be a sign of a miscarriage. The reasons for this: intimacy, physical activity, weight lifting.

From the 14th week until the end of pregnancy, blood from the vagina may appear due to placental abruption or abnormal fetal presentation. When the patient bears a child, the walls of the cervix become sensitive, because of this they are more quickly affected by malignant neoplasms, and neoplasms also rapidly spread beyond it.

Often metastases spread to the axillary, subclavian and parasternal lymph nodes. Because of this, pregnancy itself negatively affects the development of cancer. Also, cancer negatively affects the gestation process. Often, pregnancy occurs prematurely or miscarriage at a later date. A woman is worried about pain in the pelvic area.

Cancer diagnosis

In the early stages of pregnancy, bleeding can be the beginning of a miscarriage, and in the last ⏤ obstetric pathology, for example, incorrect presentation or premature detachment of the placenta.

During pregnancy, a woman is seated on a gynecological chair and the cervix is examined. Doctors, fearing for the fetus, are afraid to perform biopsies, which in turn aggravates the situation.

With the help of cytological screening, you can get information about how often cervical cancer is diagnosed in pregnant women (0.36%). Of these, the frequency of detection of pathology of the integumentary epithelium of the cervix with signs of oncology is 0.33%, and with metastases outside the organ, 0.03%.

To diagnose cervical cancer in a woman who is in position, a two-stage diagnostic system is used.

During a gynecological examination, the doctor performs a cytological screening.
If cancer is suspected during cytological screening, then an in-depth comprehensive diagnosis is carried out.

According to the results of laboratory studies, experts determined that pregnancy in the 3rd trimester and the period after childbirth adversely affects the course of cancer.

Treatment of cervical cancer

When cervical cancer is diagnosed in early pregnancy, it is interrupted in any case, a small area of the cervix is excised for laboratory testing.

The second and third trimesters pass under colposcopic (regular examination of the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina under a special light) and cytological (take a smear from the vagina for laboratory testing) observation. 3-4 months after birth, a cone-shaped excision of the cervix is performed.

If a pathology of the integumentary epithelium with signs of oncology is diagnosed, cancer is at the initial stage of development, and a woman wants to give birth to a baby, then specialists carry out a functionally sparing treatment:

with the help of electrosurgical intervention, a cone-shaped fragment of the cervix is excised (electroconization);
liquid nitrogen is used to treat pathological changes in the cervix (cryolysis);
knife or laser amputation of the cervix.

Often specialists use radio wave surgery. With the help of this treatment technique, a non-traumatic incision is performed, soft tissue coagulation, and the tissues themselves are not destroyed. The incision is made due to thermal waves generated by the contact of soft tissues with the electrode. The electrode transmits high frequency radio waves.

For pain relief, ketamine is used, which is administered intravenously. Complications after surgery are rare. Therapy is selected for the patient individually and depends on her general condition and gestational age.

Treatment of cancer, which is at stage 1a, in the first months of pregnancy is carried out by extirpation of the uterus along with the upper part of the vagina.
A stage 1b tumor in early pregnancy or after childbirth is removed along with the uterus. If, after the operation, specialists notice deep lesions of the walls of the uterus or regional metastases, then they prescribe remote irradiation.
When stage 1b is diagnosed late, the woman is given a caesarean section and the uterus is removed, and external beam radiation therapy is performed a few months after birth.
When the neoplasm is at stage 2a, an extended hysterectomy is prescribed at any time of pregnancy and, after the operation, remote irradiation. If oncology was found after childbirth, then irradiation is performed before the removal of the uterus, and after the operation, if regional metastases and deep invasion are detected, remote irradiation is performed.
In the first trimester, with a diagnosis of cervical cancer at stage 2b, radiation therapy and remote irradiation are used, and the pregnancy itself is terminated. In the second and third trimester, a caesarean section and radiation therapy are prescribed.
A tumor in the third stage of development is treated in the same way as the second.

For any operation, endotracheal anesthesia is used.

Getting pregnant after cancer treatment?

After treatment of an oncological disease, it is possible to become pregnant and bear a child, but only on condition that the neoplasm was diagnosed at the initial stage of development.

Otherwise, it will not be possible to become pregnant, so the uterus will be removed.

All women who are faced with cervical cancer are interested in one question: is it possible to get pregnant? Doctors have recommendations on this matter: a child should be conceived no earlier than two years after the operation and after the body has fully recovered. There are times when the patient is allowed to give birth naturally.

Patients who have overcome cancer are at risk for miscarriage.

If cervical cancer is diagnosed in a woman between the ages of 25 and 35, then treatment must begin quickly, otherwise the neoplasm may spread to important organs. Treatment will save the uterus and give the woman the opportunity to give birth to a baby after a while.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Contraindications for radiotherapy

Despite the effectiveness radiotherapy ( radiotherapy) in the treatment of tumor diseases, there are a number of contraindications that limit the use of this technique.

Radiotherapy is contraindicated:

In violation of the functions of vital organs. During radiation therapy, a certain dose of radiation will affect the body, which can adversely affect the functions of various organs and systems. If the patient already has severe diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, hormonal or other body systems, radiotherapy can aggravate his condition and lead to the development of complications.

With severe depletion of the body. Even with highly precise radiation therapy methods, a certain dose of radiation affects healthy cells and damages them. To recover from such damage, cells need energy. If at the same time the patient's body is exhausted ( for example, due to damage to internal organs by tumor metastases), radiotherapy can do more harm than good.
With anemia. Anemia is a pathological condition characterized by a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells ( erythrocytes). When exposed to ionizing radiation, red blood cells can also be destroyed, which will lead to the progression of anemia and may cause complications.
If radiotherapy has already been performed recently. In this case, we are not talking about repeated courses of radiation treatment of the same tumor, but about the treatment of another tumor. In other words, if a patient has been diagnosed with cancer of any organ and radiotherapy was prescribed for its treatment, if another cancer is detected in another organ, radiotherapy should not be used for at least 6 months after the end of the previous course of treatment. This is explained by the fact that in this case the total radiation load on the body will be too high, which can lead to the development of severe complications.
In the presence of radioresistant tumors. If the first courses of radiation therapy did not give absolutely no positive effect ( that is, the tumor has not decreased in size or even continued to grow), further irradiation of the body is impractical.
With the development of complications in the course of treatment. If during the course of radiotherapy the patient has complications that pose an immediate danger to his life ( e.g. bleeding), treatment should be discontinued.
In the presence of systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus). The essence of these diseases lies in the increased activity of immune system cells against their own tissues, which leads to the development of chronic inflammatory processes in them. The impact of ionizing radiation on such tissues increases the risk of complications, the most dangerous of which may be the formation of a new malignant tumor.
When the patient refuses treatment. According to current legislation, no radiation procedure can be performed until the patient gives written consent to this.

Compatibility of radiation therapy and alcohol

During radiation therapy, it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol, as this may adversely affect the general condition of the patient.

There is an opinion among the people that ethanol ( ethyl alcohol, which is the active ingredient in all alcoholic beverages) is able to protect the body from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation, and therefore it should also be used during radiotherapy. Indeed, in a number of studies, it was found that the introduction of high doses of ethanol into the body increases the resistance of tissues to radiation by about 13%. This is due to the fact that ethyl alcohol disrupts the flow of oxygen into the cell, which is accompanied by a slowdown in the processes of cell division. And the slower the cell divides, the higher its resistance to radiation.

At the same time, it is important to note that in addition to a slight positive effect, ethanol also has a number of negative effects. So, for example, an increase in its concentration in the blood leads to the destruction of many vitamins, which in themselves were radioprotectors ( that is, they protected healthy cells from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation). Moreover, multiple studies have shown that heavy chronic alcohol consumption also increases the risk of developing malignant neoplasms ( in particular tumors of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract). Given the above, it follows that the use of alcoholic beverages during radiation therapy does the body more harm than good.

Can I smoke during radiation therapy?

Smoking during radiation therapy is strictly prohibited. The fact is that tobacco smoke contains many toxic substances ( esters, alcohols, resins, etc.). Many of them have a carcinogenic effect, that is, when in contact with the cells of the human body, they contribute to the occurrence of mutations, the outcome of which can be the development of a malignant tumor. It has been scientifically proven that smokers have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, and bladder cancer.

Given the above, it follows that patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer of any organ are strictly forbidden not only to smoke, but also to be near smokers, since inhaled carcinogens can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and contribute to the development of the tumor.

Is it possible to perform radiation therapy during pregnancy?

Radiation therapy during pregnancy can cause intrauterine damage to the fetus. The fact is that the effect of ionizing radiation on any tissue depends on the rate at which cells divide in this tissue. The faster the cells divide, the more pronounced will be the damaging effect of radiation. During intrauterine development, the most intensive growth of absolutely all tissues and organs of the human body is observed, which is due to the high rate of cell divisions in them. Therefore, even when exposed to relatively low doses of radiation, the tissues of a growing fetus can be damaged, which will lead to a violation of the structure and functions of internal organs. The outcome in this case depends on the gestational age at which radiation therapy was performed.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the laying and formation of all internal organs and tissues occurs. If at this stage the developing fetus is irradiated, this will lead to the appearance of pronounced anomalies, which often turn out to be incompatible with further existence. At the same time, a natural "protective" mechanism is launched, which leads to the termination of the fetus's vital activity and to spontaneous abortion ( miscarriage).

During the second trimester of pregnancy, most of the internal organs are already formed, so intrauterine death of the fetus after irradiation is not always observed. At the same time, ionizing radiation can provoke anomalies in the development of various internal organs ( brain, bones, liver, heart, genitourinary system and so on). Such a child may die immediately after birth if the resulting anomalies are incompatible with life outside the mother's womb.

If exposure occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby may be born with certain developmental anomalies that may persist throughout life.

Given the above, it follows that radiation therapy during gestation is not recommended. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer in early pregnancy ( up to 24 weeks) and radiotherapy is required, the woman is offered to have an abortion ( abortion) for medical reasons, after which treatment is prescribed. If cancer is detected at a later date, further tactics are determined depending on the type and rate of tumor development, as well as on the desire of the mother. Most often, such women undergo surgical removal of the tumor ( if possible – e.g. for skin cancer). If the treatment does not give positive results, you can induce labor or perform a delivery operation at an earlier date ( after 30 - 32 weeks of pregnancy), and then start radiation therapy.

Can I sunbathe after radiation therapy?

Sunbathing in the sun or in a solarium is not recommended for at least six months after the end of the course of radiotherapy, as this can lead to the development of a number of complications. The fact is that when exposed to solar radiation, many mutations occur in skin cells, which can potentially lead to the development of cancer. However, as soon as the cell mutates, the body's immune system immediately notices this and destroys it, as a result of which cancer does not develop.

During radiation therapy, the number of mutations in healthy cells ( including in the skin through which ionizing radiation passes) can increase significantly, due to the negative effect of radiation on the genetic apparatus of the cell. In this case, the load on the immune system increases significantly ( she has to deal with a large number of mutated cells at the same time). If at the same time a person begins to sunbathe in the sun, the number of mutations can increase so much that the immune system can not cope with its function, as a result of which the patient may develop a new tumor ( e.g. skin cancer).

How dangerous is radiation therapy? consequences, complications and side effects)?

During radiotherapy, a number of complications can develop, which may be associated with the effect of ionizing radiation on the tumor itself or on healthy tissues of the body.

Hair loss

Hair loss in the scalp area is observed in most patients who have undergone radiation treatment of tumors in the head or neck area. The cause of hair loss is damage to the cells of the hair follicle. Under normal conditions, it is the division ( reproduction) of these cells and determines the growth of the hair in length.
When exposed to radiotherapy, cell division of the hair follicle slows down, as a result of which the hair stops growing, its root weakens and it falls out.

It should be noted that when irradiating other parts of the body ( such as legs, chest, back and so on) the hair of that part of the skin, through which a large dose of radiation is administered, may fall out. After the end of radiation therapy, hair growth resumes on average after a few weeks or months ( if no irreversible damage to the hair follicles has occurred during treatment).

Burns after radiotherapy radiation dermatitis, radiation ulcer)

When exposed to high doses of radiation, certain changes occur in the skin, which, in appearance, resemble a burn clinic. In fact, no thermal tissue damage ( like a real burn) is not observed in this case. The mechanism of development of burns after radiotherapy is as follows. When the skin is irradiated, small blood vessels are damaged, as a result of which microcirculation of blood and lymph in the skin is disturbed. In this case, oxygen delivery to the tissues decreases, which leads to the death of some cells and their replacement with scar tissue. This, in turn, further disrupts the process of oxygen delivery, thereby supporting the development of the pathological process.

Skin burns may appear:

Erythema. This is the least dangerous manifestation of radiation damage to the skin, in which there is an expansion of superficial blood vessels and redness of the affected area.
Dry radiation dermatitis. In this case, an inflammatory process develops in the affected skin. At the same time, a lot of biologically active substances enter the tissues from the dilated blood vessels, which act on special nerve receptors, causing a sensation of itching ( burning, irritation). Scales may form on the surface of the skin.
Wet radiation dermatitis. With this form of the disease, the skin swells and may become covered with small bubbles filled with a clear or cloudy liquid. After opening the vesicles, small ulcerations are formed that do not heal for a long time.
Radiation ulcer. characterized by necrosis death) parts of the skin and deeper tissues. The skin in the area of the ulcer is extremely painful, and the ulcer itself does not heal for a long time, which is due to a violation of microcirculation in it.
Radiation skin cancer. The most severe complication after radiation burn. The formation of cancer is promoted by cellular mutations resulting from radiation exposure, as well as prolonged hypoxia ( lack of oxygen), which develops against the background of microcirculation disorders.
Skin atrophy. It is characterized by thinning and dryness of the skin, hair loss, impaired sweating and other changes in the affected area of the skin. The protective properties of atrophied skin are sharply reduced, as a result of which the risk of developing infections increases.

Skin itching

As mentioned earlier, exposure to radiation therapy leads to disruption of blood microcirculation in the skin area. In this case, the blood vessels expand, and the permeability of the vascular wall increases significantly. As a result of these phenomena, the liquid part of the blood passes from the bloodstream into the surrounding tissues, as well as many biologically active substances, including histamine and serotonin. These substances irritate specific nerve endings located in the skin, resulting in a sensation of itching or burning.

To eliminate itching, antihistamines can be used, which block the effects of histamine at the tissue level.

Edema

The occurrence of edema in the leg area may be due to the effect of radiation on the tissues of the human body, especially when irradiating tumors of the abdomen. The fact is that during irradiation, damage to the lymphatic vessels can be observed, through which, under normal conditions, the lymph flows from the tissues and flows into the bloodstream. Violation of the outflow of lymph can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the legs, which will be the direct cause of the development of edema.

Swelling of the skin during radiotherapy can also be caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. In this case, there is an expansion of the blood vessels of the skin and sweating of the liquid part of the blood into the surrounding tissue, as well as a violation of the outflow of lymph from the irradiated tissue, as a result of which edema develops.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the occurrence of edema may not be associated with the effect of radiotherapy. So, for example, with advanced cases of cancer, metastases can occur ( distant tumor foci) in various organs and tissues. These metastases ( or the tumor itself) can compress the blood and lymphatic vessels, thereby disrupting the outflow of blood and lymph from tissues and provoking the development of edema.

pain

Pain during radiation therapy can occur in the case of radiation damage to the skin. At the same time, in the area of the affected areas, there is a violation of blood microcirculation, which leads to oxygen starvation of cells and damage to nerve tissues. All this is accompanied by the appearance of a pronounced pain syndrome, which patients describe as "burning", "unbearable" pain. This pain syndrome cannot be eliminated with the help of conventional painkillers, and therefore patients are prescribed other medical procedures ( medicinal and non-medical). Their goal is to reduce swelling of the affected tissues, as well as restore the patency of blood vessels and normalize microcirculation in the skin. This will improve the delivery of oxygen to the tissues, which will reduce the severity or completely eliminate pain.

Damage to the stomach and intestines nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, diarrhoea, constipation)

Cause of gastrointestinal dysfunction gastrointestinal tract) the radiation dose may be too high ( especially when irradiating tumors of internal organs). In this case, there is damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, as well as a violation of the nervous regulation of intestinal motility ( motility). In more severe cases, inflammatory processes may develop in the gastrointestinal tract ( gastritis - inflammation of the stomach, enteritis - inflammation of the small intestine, colitis - inflammation of the large intestine, and so on) or even form ulcers. The process of promoting intestinal contents and digestion of food will be disrupted, which can cause the development of various clinical manifestations.

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract during radiation therapy can manifest itself:

Nausea and vomiting- associated with delayed gastric emptying due to impaired gastrointestinal motility.
diarrhea ( diarrhea) - occurs due to inadequate digestion of food in the stomach and intestines.
Constipation- can occur with severe damage to the mucous membrane of the large intestine.
Tenesmus- frequent, painful urge to defecate, during which nothing is excreted from the intestines ( or passing a small amount of mucus without stool).
The appearance of blood in the stool- This symptom may be associated with damage to the blood vessels of the inflamed mucous membranes.
Pain in the abdomen- occur due to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammatory lesion of the mucous membrane of the bladder. The cause of the disease may be radiation therapy performed to treat a tumor of the bladder itself or other organs of the small pelvis. At the initial stage of development of radiation cystitis, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed and swells, but in the future ( as radiation dose increases) it atrophies, that is, it becomes thinner, wrinkled. At the same time, its protective properties are violated, which contributes to the development of infectious complications.

Clinically, radiation cystitis can be manifested by frequent urge to urinate ( during which a small amount of urine is excreted), the appearance of a small amount of blood in the urine, a periodic increase in body temperature, and so on. In severe cases, ulceration or necrosis of the mucosa may occur, against which a new cancerous tumor may develop.

Treatment of radiation cystitis is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs ( to eliminate the symptoms of the disease) and antibiotics ( to combat infectious complications).

Fistulas

Fistulas are pathological channels through which various hollow organs can communicate with each other or with the environment. The reasons for the formation of fistulas can be inflammatory lesions of the mucous membranes of internal organs that develop against the background of radiation therapy. If such lesions are not treated, over time, deep ulcers form in the tissues, which gradually destroy the entire wall of the affected organ. In this case, the inflammatory process can spread to the tissue of a neighboring organ. Ultimately, the tissues of the two affected organs are "soldered" together, and a hole is formed between them, through which their cavities can communicate.

With radiation therapy, fistulas can form:

between esophagus and trachea or large bronchi);
between the rectum and the vagina;
honey rectum and bladder;
between intestinal loops;
between intestines and skin;
between the bladder and the skin and so on.

Lung injury after radiotherapy pneumonia, fibrosis)

With prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, inflammatory processes can develop in the lungs ( pneumonia, pneumonitis). In this case, the ventilation of the affected areas of the lungs will be disturbed and fluid will begin to accumulate in them. This will be manifested by coughing, a feeling of lack of air, pain in the chest, sometimes hemoptysis ( coughing up a small amount of blood with sputum).

If these pathologies are not treated, over time this will lead to the development of complications, in particular, the replacement of normal lung tissue with scar or fibrous tissue ( that is, to the development of fibrosis). Fibrous tissue is impermeable to oxygen, as a result of which its growth will be accompanied by the development of oxygen deficiency in the body. At the same time, the patient will begin to experience a feeling of lack of air, and the frequency and depth of his breathing will increase ( that is, there will be shortness of breath).

In the case of pneumonia, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs are prescribed, as well as agents that improve blood circulation in the lung tissue and, thereby, prevent the development of fibrosis.

Cough

Cough is a common complication of radiation therapy in cases where the chest is exposed to radiation. In this case, ionizing radiation affects the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree, as a result of which it becomes thinner, becomes dry. At the same time, its protective functions are significantly weakened, which increases the risk of developing infectious complications. During respiration, dust particles that normally settle on the surface of the moist mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract can enter the smaller bronchi and get stuck there. At the same time, they will irritate special nerve endings, which will activate the cough reflex.

Expectorants may be given to treat cough during radiation therapy ( increase the production of mucus in the bronchi) or procedures that help moisturize the bronchial tree ( e.g. inhalation).

Bleeding

Bleeding can develop as a result of the effect of radiotherapy on a malignant tumor that grows into large blood vessels. Against the background of radiation therapy, the size of the tumor may decrease, which may be accompanied by thinning and a decrease in the strength of the wall of the affected vessel. The rupture of this wall will lead to bleeding, the localization and volume of which will depend on the location of the tumor itself.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the effect of radiation on healthy tissues can also be the cause of bleeding. As mentioned earlier, when healthy tissues are irradiated, blood microcirculation is disturbed in them. As a result, blood vessels can expand or even become damaged, and some of the blood will be released into the environment, which can cause bleeding. According to the described mechanism, bleeding can develop with radiation damage to the lungs, mucous membranes of the mouth or nose, gastrointestinal tract, urinary organs, and so on.

Dry mouth

This symptom develops when irradiated tumors are located in the head and neck. In this case, ionizing radiation affects the salivary glands ( parotid, sublingual and submandibular). This is accompanied by a violation of the production and release of saliva into the oral cavity, as a result of which its mucous membrane becomes dry and hard.

Due to the lack of saliva, taste perception is also disturbed. This is explained by the fact that in order to determine the taste of a particular product, the particles of the substance must be dissolved and delivered to the taste buds located deep in the papillae of the tongue. If there is no saliva in the oral cavity, the food product cannot reach the taste buds, as a result of which the taste perception of a person is disturbed or even distorted ( the patient may constantly experience a feeling of bitterness or a metallic taste in the mouth).

Tooth damage

During radiation therapy of tumors of the oral cavity, darkening of the teeth and a violation of their strength are noted, as a result of which they begin to crumble or even break. Also due to impaired blood supply to the dental pulp ( internal tissue of the tooth, consisting of blood vessels and nerves) the metabolism in the teeth is disturbed, which increases their fragility. Moreover, impaired saliva production and blood supply to the oral mucosa and gums leads to the development of oral infections, which also adversely affects dental tissue, contributing to the development and progression of caries.

Temperature increase

An increase in body temperature can be observed in many patients both during the course of radiation therapy and for several weeks after its completion, which is considered absolutely normal. At the same time, sometimes an increase in temperature may indicate the development of severe complications, as a result of which, if this symptom appears, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

An increase in temperature during radiation therapy may be due to:

The effectiveness of the treatment. In the process of destruction of tumor cells, various biologically active substances are released from them, which enter the bloodstream and reach the central nervous system, where they stimulate the thermoregulation center. In this case, the temperature can rise to 37.5 - 38 degrees.
The effect of ionizing radiation on the body. When tissues are irradiated, a large amount of energy is transferred to them, which can also be accompanied by a temporary increase in body temperature. Moreover, a local increase in the temperature of the skin can be due to the expansion of blood vessels in the area of irradiation and the influx of "hot" blood into them.
main disease. In most malignant tumors, patients have a constant increase in temperature up to 37 - 37.5 degrees. This phenomenon may persist throughout the course of radiotherapy, as well as for several weeks after the end of treatment.
The development of infectious complications. When the body is irradiated, its protective properties are significantly weakened, as a result of which the risk of infections is increased. The development of infection in any organ or tissue may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature up to 38 - 39 degrees and above.

Decreased white blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood

After performing radiation therapy, there may be a decrease in the concentration of leukocytes and hemoglobin in the patient's blood, which is associated with the effect of ionizing radiation on the red bone marrow and other organs.

Under normal conditions, leukocytes ( cells of the immune system that protect the body from infections) are formed in the red bone marrow and in the lymph nodes, after which they are released into the peripheral bloodstream and perform their functions there. Red blood cells are also produced in the red bone marrow ( red blood cells), which contain the substance hemoglobin. It is hemoglobin that has the ability to bind oxygen and transport it to all body tissues.

During radiation therapy, the red bone marrow can be exposed to radiation, as a result of which the processes of cell division in it will slow down. In this case, the rate of formation of leukocytes and erythrocytes may be disturbed, as a result of which the concentration of these cells and the level of hemoglobin in the blood will decrease. After the cessation of radiation exposure, the normalization of peripheral blood parameters can occur within several weeks or even months, depending on the received radiation dose and the general condition of the patient's body.

Periods with radiation therapy

The regularity of the menstrual cycle may be disturbed during radiation therapy, depending on the area and intensity of radiation.

The allocation of menstruation can be affected by:

Irradiation of the uterus. In this case, there may be a violation of blood circulation in the area of the mucous membrane of the uterus, as well as its increased bleeding. This may be accompanied by the release of a large amount of blood during menstruation, the duration of which can also be increased.
Irradiation of the ovaries. Under normal conditions, the course of the menstrual cycle, as well as the appearance of menstruation, is controlled by female sex hormones produced in the ovaries. When these organs are irradiated, their hormone-producing function can be disrupted, as a result of which various menstrual cycle disorders can be observed ( until the disappearance of menstruation).
Irradiation of the head. In the head region is the pituitary gland - a gland that controls the activity of all other glands of the body, including the ovaries. When the pituitary gland is irradiated, its hormone-producing function may be impaired, which will lead to ovarian dysfunction and menstrual irregularities.

Can cancer recur after radiation therapy?

Relapse ( recurrence of the disease) can be seen with radiation therapy for any form of cancer. The fact is that during radiotherapy, doctors irradiate various tissues of the patient's body, trying to destroy all the tumor cells that could be in them. At the same time, it is worth remembering that it is never possible to exclude the possibility of metastasis by 100%. Even with radical radiation therapy, performed according to all the rules, 1 single tumor cell can survive, as a result of which, over time, it will again turn into a malignant tumor. That is why after the end of the treatment course, all patients should be regularly examined by a doctor. This will allow timely detection of a possible relapse and timely treatment of it, thereby extending the life of a person.

A high likelihood of recurrence may indicate:

the presence of metastases;
germination of the tumor in neighboring tissues;
low efficiency of radiotherapy;
late start of treatment;
improper treatment;
depletion of the body;
the presence of relapses after previous courses of treatment;
non-compliance by the patient with the recommendations of the doctor ( if the patient continues to smoke, drink alcohol or be exposed to direct sunlight during treatment, the risk of recurrence of cancer increases several times).

Is it possible to get pregnant and have children after radiation therapy?

The effect of radiation therapy on the possibility of bearing a fetus in the future depends on the type and location of the tumor, as well as on the dose of radiation received by the body.

The possibility of bearing and giving birth to a child can be affected by:

Irradiation of the uterus. If the goal of radiotherapy was to treat a large tumor of the body or cervix, at the end of the treatment, the organ itself may be deformed so much that the development of pregnancy will be impossible.
Irradiation of the ovaries. As mentioned earlier, with tumor or radiation damage to the ovaries, the production of female sex hormones can be disrupted, as a result of which a woman will not be able to become pregnant and / or bear a fetus on her own. At the same time, hormone replacement therapy can help solve this problem.
Pelvic irradiation. Irradiation of a tumor that is not associated with the uterus or ovaries, but located in the pelvic cavity, can also create difficulties in planning pregnancy in the future. The fact is that as a result of radiation exposure, the mucous membrane of the fallopian tubes can be affected. As a result, the process of fertilization of the egg ( female sex cell) sperm ( male sex cell) becomes impossible. The problem will be solved by in vitro fertilization, during which germ cells are combined in laboratory conditions outside the woman's body, and then placed in her uterus, where they continue to develop.
Irradiation of the head. Irradiation of the head may damage the pituitary gland, which will disrupt the hormonal activity of the ovaries and other glands of the body. You can also try to solve the problem with hormone replacement therapy.
Violation of the work of vital organs and systems. If during the course of radiation therapy, the functions of the heart were impaired or the lungs were affected ( for example, severe fibrosis developed), a woman may have difficulty during gestation. The fact is that during pregnancy ( especially in the 3rd trimester) significantly increases the load on the cardiovascular and respiratory system of the expectant mother, which, in the presence of severe concomitant diseases, can cause the development of dangerous complications. Such women should be constantly monitored by an obstetrician-gynecologist and take supportive therapy. They are also not recommended to give birth through the birth canal ( the method of choice is delivery by caesarean section at 36-37 weeks of gestation).

It is also worth noting that the time elapsed from the end of radiation therapy to the onset of pregnancy plays an important role. The fact is that the tumor itself, as well as the ongoing treatment, significantly deplete the female body, as a result of which it needs time to restore energy reserves. That is why it is recommended to plan a pregnancy no earlier than six months after the treatment, and only in the absence of signs of metastasis or relapse ( re-development) cancer.

Is radiation therapy dangerous for others?

During radiation therapy, a person does not pose a danger to others. Even after irradiation of tissues with high doses of ionizing radiation, they ( fabrics) do not release this radiation into the environment. An exception to this rule is contact interstitial radiotherapy, during which radioactive elements can be installed in human tissue ( in the form of small balls, needles, staples or threads). This procedure is performed only in a specially equipped room. After the installation of radioactive elements, the patient is placed in a special ward, the walls and doors of which are covered with radioactive shields. In this chamber, he must remain during the entire course of treatment, that is, until the radioactive substances are removed from the affected organ ( the procedure usually takes several days or weeks).

The access of medical personnel to such a patient will be strictly limited in time. Relatives can visit the patient, but before that they will need to wear special protective suits that will prevent the effects of radiation on their internal organs. At the same time, children or pregnant women, as well as patients with existing tumor diseases of any organs, will not be allowed into the ward, since even minimal exposure to radiation can adversely affect their condition.

After removing the sources of radiation from the body, the patient can return to daily life on the same day. It will not pose any radioactive threat to others.

Recovery and rehabilitation after radiotherapy

During radiation therapy, a number of recommendations should be followed that will save the body's strength and ensure maximum effectiveness of the treatment.

Diet ( nutrition) during and after radiotherapy

When compiling a menu during radiation therapy, one should take into account the peculiarities of the influence of ionizing study on the tissues and organs of the digestive system.

Radiation therapy should:

Eat well processed food. During radiotherapy ( especially when irradiating the organs of the gastrointestinal tract) damage occurs to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract - the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines. They can become thinner, inflamed, become extremely sensitive to damage. That is why one of the main conditions for cooking food is its high-quality mechanical processing. It is recommended to give up hard, rough or hard food, which could damage the oral mucosa during chewing, as well as the esophageal or stomach mucosa during swallowing of the food bolus. Instead, it is recommended to consume all products in the form of cereals, mashed potatoes and so on. Also, the food consumed should not be too hot, as this can easily develop a burn of the mucous membrane.
Eat high calorie foods. During radiation therapy, many patients complain of nausea, vomiting, which occurs immediately after eating. That is why such patients are advised to consume a small amount of food at a time. At the same time, the products themselves must contain all the necessary nutrients in order to provide the body with energy.
Eat 5 - 7 times a day. As mentioned earlier, patients are advised to eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours, which will reduce the likelihood of vomiting.
Drink enough water. In the absence of contraindications ( for example, severe heart disease or edema due to a tumor or radiation therapy) the patient is recommended to consume at least 2.5 - 3 liters of water per day. This will help cleanse the body and remove by-products of tumor decay from the tissues.
Eliminate carcinogens from the diet. Carcinogens are substances that can increase the risk of developing cancer. With radiation therapy, they should be excluded from the diet, which will increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Nutrition during radiation therapy

What can be consumed?
cooked meat; wheat porridge; oatmeal; rice porridge; buckwheat porridge; mashed potatoes; boiled chicken eggs 1 - 2 per day); cottage cheese; fresh milk ; butter ( about 50 grams per day); baked apples ; walnuts ( 3 - 4 per day); natural honey; mineral water ( without gases); jelly.	fried food ( carcinogen); fatty foods ( carcinogen); smoked food ( carcinogen); spicy food ( carcinogen); salty food; strong coffee ; alcoholic drinks ( carcinogen); carbonated drinks; fast food ( including porridge and instant noodles); vegetables and fruits containing a large amount of dietary fiber ( mushrooms, dried fruits, beans and so on).

Vitamins for radiotherapy

When exposed to ionizing radiation, certain changes can also occur in the cells of healthy tissues ( their genetic makeup can be destroyed). Also, the mechanism of cell damage is due to the formation of so-called free oxygen radicals, which aggressively affect all intracellular structures, leading to their destruction. The cell then dies.

In the process of many years of research, it was found that some vitamins have so-called antioxidant properties. This means that they can bind free radicals inside cells, thereby blocking their destructive action. The use of such vitamins during radiation therapy ( in moderate doses) increases the body's resistance to radiation, at the same time, without reducing the quality of the treatment.

Antioxidant properties have:

some trace elements e.g. selenium).

Can you drink red wine while having radiation therapy?

Red wine contains a number of vitamins, minerals and trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of many body systems. It has been scientifically proven that drinking 1 cup ( 200 ml) red wine per day contributes to the normalization of metabolism, and also improves the excretion of toxic products from the body. All this undoubtedly has a positive effect on the condition of the patient undergoing radiation therapy.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that the abuse of this drink can adversely affect the cardiovascular system and many internal organs, increasing the risk of complications during and after radiation therapy.

Why are antibiotics prescribed for radiation therapy?

During irradiation, cells of the immune system are affected, as a result of which the body's defenses are weakened. Along with damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the respiratory and genitourinary systems, this can contribute to the emergence and development of many bacterial infections. Antibacterial therapy may be needed to treat them. At the same time, it is worth remembering that antibiotics destroy not only pathogenic, but also normal microorganisms that live, for example, in the intestines of a healthy person and take an active part in the digestion process. That is why after the end of the course of radiotherapy and antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to take drugs that restore the intestinal microflora.

Why is CT and MRI prescribed after radiation therapy?

CT ( CT scan) and MRI ( Magnetic resonance imaging) are diagnostic procedures that allow you to examine in detail certain areas of the human body. Using these techniques, one can not only detect a tumor, determine its size and shape, but also control the process of ongoing treatment, weekly noting certain changes in the tumor tissue. For example, with the help of CT and MRI, it is possible to detect an increase or decrease in the size of a tumor, its germination in neighboring organs and tissues, the appearance or disappearance of distant metastases, and so on.

It should be borne in mind that during a CT scan, the human body is exposed to a small amount of X-rays. This introduces certain restrictions on the use of this technique, especially during radiation therapy, when the radiation load on the body must be strictly dosed. At the same time, MRI is not accompanied by tissue irradiation and does not cause any changes in them, as a result of which it can be performed daily ( or even more often), posing absolutely no danger to the health of the patient.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Beating cancer is never easy. Chemotherapy or radiation attacks both the tumor and healthy cells.

Quite often, the reproductive system suffers. However, modern medicine, fighting cancer, is trying not only to remove the threat to life, but also to eliminate the negative consequences. Therefore, do not give up: the opportunity to have a child remains.

Can fertility be preserved?

The answer to this question depends on many factors. Reproductive medicine offers several options depending on the following factors:

at what age the patient suffers the disease;
what is the nature of cancer;
at what stage it was discovered;
whether the tumor is hormone dependent.

It often happens that a person, faced with a terrible diagnosis, does not think about procreation in the distant future, because the need to be cured comes to the fore. The problem will be updated in the future. Many types of cancer today are considered curable. When the disease goes into remission, many may think about having children.

Doctors believe that it is necessary to think about such a question in advance. But a lot depends on the patient. If there is a risk of irreversible damage to the reproductive function, you can protect yourself and deliberately take the necessary measures.

What can a woman do?

Modern medicine offers women protection only during radiation therapy. During irradiation sessions, the abdominal area is covered with special screens. In addition, the desired result can be achieved by moving the ovaries from the irradiation zone. This is a laparoscopic surgery performed on an outpatient basis. The ovaries are separated from the fallopian tubes and fixed behind the uterus or in another area. At the same time, it is important to maintain the blood supply to the organs.

If a woman is undergoing chemotherapy, such manipulations will not bring an effect. A protective effect may bring temporary inhibition of ovarian function.

An effective way is to pre-freeze the biomaterial:

Ovum. A procedure similar to that carried out before IVF. The greater the patient's ovarian reserve, the more eggs she can store. After recovery, she will be implanted with her own egg, fertilized with the sperm of a partner or an anonymous donor.
Embryos. If the patient already has a partner, you can immediately grow and preserve the embryos.
ovarian tissue. This experimental technique is effective in young patients and is allowed only in the absence of ovarian metastases. In the future, follicles will be obtained from this tissue in the laboratory.

If the tumor directly affects the ovaries, perhaps the only way out will be the use of donor oocytes.

Whatever measure is taken, the reproductologist must take into account the recommendations of the oncologist. Women whose tumors were hormone-dependent are at greater risk. They can only be allowed. After all, hormonal stimulation can cause a recurrence of cancer.

Is the embryo healthy?

Expectant mothers who have overcome cancer are concerned about the health of such children. Some suspect that if the egg was taken from an organism already affected by cancer, it is also diseased to some extent.

There is no need to be afraid of this. At its core, cancer is an abnormally dividing epithelium. And the egg is a cell of a different type, and it cannot be affected by a tumor.

As for the risk of inheriting the disease, it exists in relation to only certain types of cancer:

ovaries;
endometrium;
mammary gland;
stomach;
large intestine;
lung.

Sometimes familial diseases include acute leukemia and melanoma. But cancer is not directly inherited; children may only inherit a slightly higher risk of the disease than the average. Whether this risk is realized or not is impossible to answer in advance.

What can a man do

Cancer and its treatment have a negative impact on the male reproductive system. In a strong half of humanity, the testicles suffer. During radiation therapy, they, like the female ovaries, are protected with screens that reduce the dose of radiation. Unfortunately, no methods have been invented to protect male reproductive function from the effects of chemotherapy. However, medicine is developing in this direction.

When an oncological disease is detected, young people are strongly advised to save their biomaterial for the future. This can be done by freezing sperm or testicular tissue (obtained from a biopsy), from which it will be possible to extract spermatozoa for IVF later.

Testicular tissue is more susceptible to radiation and chemotherapy damage than ovarian tissue. Therefore, men are not advised to fully rely on possible protection measures and secure the possibility of having children in the future.

Thus, cancer is not an obstacle to having children in the future. The main thing is to foresee all the scenarios for the development of events and to protect yourself to the maximum.

Many women, having survived chemotherapy during cancer treatment, are afraid to have children, believing that the child may adopt a genetic predisposition to cancer or be born with abnormalities. Some believe that pregnancy after chemotherapy is impossible due to reproductive disorders.

Undoubtedly, chemotherapy drugs have a devastating effect on the female body, and in particular on the ability to conceive and bear children. But doctors noted that the endometrium does not suffer, which means that the uterus is able to accept a fertilized egg. This increases the chance of bearing a healthy baby.

What effect does chemotherapy have on a woman's organs:

The function of the ovaries is reduced or lost altogether, this is expressed in a decrease in the number of follicles that mature into an egg for further fertilization. If the follicles are destroyed, amenorrhea occurs and menstruation is absent. This can last for several months, and then the cycle is restored, and the woman is again able to become pregnant. The prognosis depends on the drugs that were used to treat oncology.
The uterus practically does not suffer from chemotherapy, but blood supply and the ability to grow can be disturbed in it, which cannot but affect the course of pregnancy. A woman does not become infertile, but there is a risk of being unable to bear a child. Pregnancy after chemotherapy is fraught with miscarriage or premature birth. A negative consequence may be an ingrown placenta or too little weight of the child.

If the ability to become pregnant is lost, a woman can use other methods of conceiving a child.

Can I Get Pregnant During Chemotherapy?

The drugs used to treat oncology have a different destructive effect on a woman's body. It depends on the following factors:

woman's age;
the type of medication and the degree of its toxicity;
the duration of the course of chemotherapy.

The main side effect after treatment is amenorrhea, in younger girls the menstrual cycle may return, and in older women, as a rule, menopause occurs.

The effect of chemotherapy on a woman's ability to conceive is not fully understood, science cannot unequivocally state whether pregnancy will occur or not. Therefore, every woman of childbearing age undergoing treatment should take care of contraception. Pregnancy during the course of chemotherapy is strongly discouraged. This is due to the following negative consequences:

pathological development of the fetus or its death due to the toxic effects of heavy chemicals;
when pregnancy occurs, the female body begins to rebuild and prepare for bearing a child, the hormonal background changes, which can cause a sharp increase in a malignant neoplasm and the appearance of metastases.

Therefore, at the time of treatment, the doctor selects the method of contraception individually, but if pregnancy occurs, it must be interrupted.

Pregnancy after chemotherapy

After undergoing a course of chemotherapy, not every woman dares to give birth, especially since the risk of becoming infertile is very high. But still, many people wonder if pregnancy is possible after chemotherapy. In many women, reproductive function is restored over time, the period depends on many factors:

localization and severity of oncology;
types of drugs used for treatment;
duration of treatment;
the state of the immune system and the body's ability to recover;
woman's age.

Based on averages, young and strong women recover in 3-5 years. A woman under 30 is quite capable of conceiving a child and carrying it out without resorting to auxiliary methods. Those who are over 30 years old may not recover, but they are quite capable of giving birth to a baby using artificial insemination.

Chemotherapy for men

Treatment of oncology in men also includes courses of chemotherapy, which negatively affects the reproductive capabilities of the body, which is expressed in the following changes:

The mobility and quantity of spermatozoa are significantly worsened, which significantly reduces the ability to fertilize the female egg. Thus, a man can become infertile.
Drugs used for treatment have a toxic effect on germ cells, causing genetic changes in them. A child at conception can adopt these cells, the birth of such children can end in deformity. The greatest negative impact on the reproductive function of men is exerted by such medicines as: Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide.
Irradiation of cancer cells can also lead to male infertility, this is due to the fact that radiation therapy has a detrimental effect on sperm motility. In young men, recovery occurs after 1.5 - 2 years. If the exposure was total, fertility may not be restored.

Oncology of the reproductive organs has a particularly negative effect on the ability of a man to fertilize female cells.

Side effects after chemotherapy

Chemotherapeutic drugs are administered intravenously and have a detrimental effect not only on cancer cells, but also on healthy ones. A patient who is undergoing a course of chemotherapy feels bad, but then improvement occurs, pathological cells are destroyed and the body begins to gradually recover.

Normal cells are affected to a lesser extent, this is due to the fact that pathological cells divide faster, and drugs act mainly on them. In addition, healthy cells have the ability to recover, despite the side effects suffered:

baldness, most often complete;
development of osteoporosis;
anemia;
the most severe complication is leukemia;
problems with the heart and blood vessels;
nausea accompanied by vomiting;
problems with the stomach and intestines can cause a complete loss of appetite;
stool disorders;
psychoemotional disorders;
puffiness;
complete loss or temporary decrease in reproductive function;
inflammation of the eyes, accompanied by lacrimation.

The severity of side effects after treatment with chemotherapy drugs depends on the form of oncology, the age and body of the patient, as well as the composition of the drugs. Chemotherapy does not always have a negative impact on a man's fertility and a woman's ability to bear children.

Men can be subject to psychosomatics, this often causes temporary impotence, loss of interest in intimacy. At such moments, it is very important to support a man morally; over time, sexual function can fully recover. After a course of treatment for two years, a man must use barrier means of protection (condoms) in order to avoid conception and the birth of an underdeveloped child. Physical and mental abnormalities may not reveal themselves immediately, but manifest themselves in a child after a few years.

When pregnancy occurs immediately after chemotherapy, a woman is usually offered to have an abortion, the risk of developing fetal pathologies and premature birth is too high.

How to restore reproductive function after chemotherapy?

Today, there are modern methods for restoring reproductive function. To eliminate violations after radiation therapy and chemistry, special treatment is prescribed:

intake of antioxidants, which have the ability to attract toxins and remove them from the body, they are mainly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as greens;
agonists that affect germ cells, inhibiting their function during treatment, so they are minimally exposed to chemicals;
phytohormones to restore hormonal levels and the ability to conceive;
herbs that restore the maturation of the egg.

If the ability to conceive is lost, IVF can be used. The older the woman, the fewer eggs in her body mature and the less likely it is to become pregnant. Therefore, before starting a course of chemotherapy, a woman is offered to preserve healthy eggs and store them until a favorable period for fertilization.

Male infertility after a course of chemotherapy does not always occur. In young men, the ability to fertilize often recovers spontaneously after a few months. If the spermatozoa are mobile, but are not able to leave the testicles, surgical treatment is performed.

Some men agree to donate sperm for storage with a view to later using it to fertilize their wife's cells. Modern science has the ability to select the most mobile samples and apply them in the future.

An important aspect for the restoration of reproductive function is lifestyle, nutrition, sleep and rest, the presence of positive emotions.

Childhood cancer risk

Children born to cancer-prone parents are no more at risk of developing cancer than those born to healthy parents. A child can only genetically inherit a predisposition to oncology.

No cases of development of cancerous tumors in children born from cured parents have been reported. But to conceive a healthy child, it is better to plan pregnancy 2-3 years after a course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or radiation. These recommendations are related to the need to restore the body of a woman and a man after taking highly toxic drugs.