Can I become pregnant after treatment?

It is recommended that women having treatment for breast cancer, including trastuzumab (Herceptin) and tamoxifen, use non-hormonal methods of contraception, such as condoms, Femidoms or a diaphragm.

Generally speaking, if you are 40 or over you should assume that you can still become pregnant unless you haven’t had a period for at least a year.

If you are under the age of 40 you should assume that you can still become pregnant unless you haven’t had a period for two years after completing your treatment. However, it is important to remember this varies for each individual.

How will my fertility be affected?

Some breast cancer treatments can cause infertility (being unable to get pregnant). This may be temporary or permanent depending on your age and the treatment you have. Some women will have been referred to fertility specialists prior to starting their treatment.

Hormone therapy

The drug tamoxifen is usually given for five years. If you have been offered tamoxifen and would like to become pregnant and you are in your late 30s or early 40s, then taking it for as long as five years may take you to the time when you could be facing a natural menopause.

How will I know if my fertility has been affected by treatment?

You may not be able to find out straight after your treatment has finished if you are still fertile. However if your periods have remained normal or returned after stopping it is likely that you will be able to get pregnant. If your periods haven’t returned you may need to contact your hospital team or GP who can then refer you to see a specialist (gynaecologist).

Pregnancy after breast cancer

As a general guide, many cancer specialists advise women to wait for at least two years following hospital-based treatment before becoming pregnant. This is to allow your body time to recover and also because the risk of the cancer coming back is highest in the first two years after diagnosis.

Waiting for this long may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are thinking about getting pregnant sooner, it is important to talk to your specialist team who can help you make an informed choice about the options open to you.

Infertility after treatment for breast cancer

Being unable to start a family or have more children can be very distressing and difficult to come to terms with. If you are concerned about any issues relating to your fertility you may find it helpful to talk through your feelings with a specialist infertility counsellor. Your breast care nurse, specialist team or GP should be able to arrange this for you.