After a cancer diagnosis, you may be asked to make fertility decisions before you’ve given much thought to whether you want to have a child in the future. Even if you think, “But I don’t want kids” or “My family is complete”, you may be encouraged to consider fertility options to keep your choices open for the future. These decisions are personal, and you need to feel comfortable with your choices.
 | Learn more about the optionsGenerally, people make decisions they are comfortable with – and have fewer regrets later – if they gather information and think about the possible outcomes. Ask your fertility specialist to explain each fertility option, including risks, benefits, side effects, costs and success rates. See examples of questions you can ask. |
 | Talk it overDiscuss the options with people close to you (such as your partner, a friend or family member). Ask your cancer specialist whether you should see a fertility specialist or oncofertility specialist. You can also get a referral from your general practitioner (GP). As well as explaining your fertility options, these specialists can help with contraception and hormone management to prevent ovulation during cancer treatment. |
 | Expect to experience doubtsIt’s common to feel unsure when making tough decisions. Keeping a journal or blog about your experience may help you come to a decision and reflect on your feelings. |
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Dr Sally Reid, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Adelaide) and Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Dr Sarah Ellis, Clinical Psychologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital and UNSW, NSW; John Booth, Consumer; Hope Finlen, Haematology Nurse Consultant, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Dr Michelle Harrison, Medical Oncologist – Gynaecological cancers, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Melissa Jones, Nurse Consultant, Youth Cancer Service SA/NT, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Dr Violet Kieu, Clinical Director, Melbourne IVF and Fertility Specialist, The Royal Women’s Hospital, VIC; Prof Declan Murphy, Consultant Urologist, Director – Genitourinary Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne, VIC; Stephen Page, Family and Fertility Lawyer, and Legal Practice Director, Page Provan, QLD; Ann Retzlaff, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; A/Prof Kate Stern AO, Fertility specialist, Gynaecologist and Reproductive Endocrinologist, Royal Women’s Hospital and Melbourne IVF, VIC; Georgia Webster, Consumer.
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