Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer can be life-changing news for many women. It can be a difficult time filled with uncertainty, fear and anxiety. For many women, the thought of not being able to have children can be devastating.

However, having ovarian cancer does not necessarily mean that motherhood is completely off the table. In fact, with advancements in medical technology and treatment, more and more women with ovarian cancer are becoming mothers. Here’s what you need to know about becoming a mom with ovarian cancer.

The Potential Impact of Ovarian Cancer on Fertility

Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly cancers in women. It’s often detected at a later stage because of the location of the ovaries, which are deep within the abdominal cavity.

While treatment for ovarian cancer can be successful, it sometimes involves removing one or both ovaries, which can have a significant impact on fertility. Depending on the stage of the cancer and the treatment required, chemotherapy and radiation may also be used, which can further damage the ovaries and affect fertility.

However, even with these factors to consider, there are still many ways women with ovarian cancer can pursue motherhood.

Becoming a Mom through IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a popular option for women facing infertility, including those whose ovaries have been removed or damaged as a result of ovarian cancer treatment.

During IVF, eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos. The embryos are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus, where they can develop naturally.

For women who have had their ovaries removed or who cannot produce eggs, donor eggs can also be used during IVF. This can be a viable solution for women who still have a functioning uterus but lack viable eggs.

Egg Freezing for Future Use

An alternative option for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is to preserve their eggs through egg freezing. In this method, eggs are extracted from the ovaries, frozen and stored for future use.

This way, the woman can use her own eggs to create embryos and become pregnant even after cancer treatment.

Egg freezing can be done at any age but is most effective before the age of 35.

Women undergoing cancer treatment may only have a short amount of time to undergo the egg retrieval process, so it’s important to discuss these options with a fertility specialist as soon as possible.

Surrogacy for Women with Ovarian Cancer

Women who have undergone previous cancer treatment and cannot carry a baby to term due to uterine damage or other complications can opt for surrogacy. A surrogate mother carries a fertilized embryo for another woman who cannot carry a child herself.

Surrogacy can be done in a number of ways, including using the woman’s own eggs and a donor sperm or even using a donor egg and sperm.

This approach is a great option for women who want to have a biological child but are unable to carry a pregnancy to term.

Adoption as an Option for Motherhood

Adoption can be a great option for women who have undergone cancer treatment and are unable to carry a child themselves.

Adoption doesn’t require a woman to go through any additional medical procedures and can be a less stressful option for those who have undergone cancer treatment. By adopting, women can still experience the joys of motherhood without going through any additional medical procedures or risks.

Fertility Preservation Options Before Treatment

One of the best things women diagnosed with ovarian cancer can do is to discuss fertility preservation options with their healthcare provider before undergoing cancer treatment.

In many cases, the cancer treatment can be delayed to allow for the preservation of eggs or other fertility preservation procedures. Talking with a fertility specialist early on can provide women with the necessary information and resources to make informed decisions about their future fertility.

Financial Assistance for Fertility Treatment

Finances can be a significant barrier for women looking to pursue fertility treatment. It is important to know that there are organizations that offer financial assistance to women undergoing cancer treatment who wish to preserve their fertility.

Some of these organizations include the Livestrong Foundation, the SAMFund, or the Baby Quest Foundation. These organizations offer grants to women so that they can afford to undergo fertility treatments while going through cancer treatment.

Coping with Infertility as a Result of Cancer Treatment

Facing infertility as a result of cancer treatment can be difficult emotionally, in addition to the physical toll that cancer can have on the body. Women who are struggling to cope with infertility should seek out a support group.

A support group can provide a safe space for women to share their experiences, as well as get advice from other women who have gone through similar experiences. Women can also talk to their healthcare team about accessing mental health services to help them cope emotionally and mentally with their infertility diagnosis.

Conclusion

While a diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be devastating, it does not necessarily mean that motherhood is completely off the table.

Women who have undergone ovarian cancer treatment have a number of options to pursue motherhood, including IVF, egg freezing, surrogacy, and adoption. These options provide hope and opportunities that may not have been available in the past. By discussing fertility preservation options with a healthcare provider early on, women can make informed decisions about their future fertility.