The Psychosocial Impact of Cancer-Related Infertility on Women

Abstract

The objective of the current article was to assess the psychosocial impact of treatment-related infertility or the possibility of infertility on young women with cancer in contrast to the general population. Literature on the subject of female infertility among the general population and treatment-related female infertility among young women with cancer was identified and examined in the context of what is known about the psychosocial impact of infertility among the general population. Women whose fertility was affected by cancer treatment were likely to experience negative emotional reactions, which can strain their relationships. Additional concerns included receiving inadequate information about infertility, enduring distress, and feeling uncertainty regarding fertility status.

Desire for children, difficulties achieving a pregnancy, and infertility distress 3 to 7 years after cancer diagnosis

“…In addition, cancer survivors who have become infertile report a strain in intimate relationships, being rejected by partners, and difficulties beginning new relationships [19]. Even when there is no confirmed infertility, many survivors express fertility-related distress, including worry regarding premature menopause and fear of future infertility [20, 21].…”

Communication Difficulties and the Experience of Loneliness in Patients With Cancer Dealing With Fertility Issues: A Qualitative Study

“…The psychological impact of cancer-related infertility is comprised of emotional distress, reproductive concerns, loss of identity, depression, and grief (Carter et al, 2005(Carter et al, , 2010Gorman, Bailey, Pierce, & Su, 2012;Perz, Ussher, & Gilbert, 2014). Infertility can also place strain on couples' relationships (Penrose, Beatty, Mattiske, & Koczwara, 2013;Perz et al, 2014). Single cancer survivors with the potential for fertility problems may experience difficulties in starting new relationships because of past rejection or the fear of being rejected by a potential partner (Zebrack, Casillas, Nohr, Adams, & Zeltzer, 2004).…”

Fertility Preservation in Female Patients with Breast Cancer – a Current Overview

“…The potential loss of fertility due to chemotherapy causes devastating emotional stress in many patients 26 , commonly associated with episodes of depression, anxiety, grief, anger, relationship break-ups, and reduced quality of life in general 27 , 28 . Accordingly, particular importance is attached to preserving ovarian function during and after chemotherapy, both with regard to fertility as well as maintaining healthy bone and cardiovascular systems.…”