Fertility

How the female reproductive system works

Women have two ovaries located in the lower abdomen, to the left and right of the uterus. The ovaries contain a lifetime supply of eggs. From puberty onwards, one immature egg matures into a mature egg each month. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain then send signals to the ovaries to produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and ensure that the body can prepare for a possible pregnancy every month. If the egg is not fertilised, menstruation follows. The supply of eggs decreases with age. When the supply is exhausted, a woman enters the menopause.

Fertility problems in women

Some female survivors of childhood cancer may experience fertility problems (menstruation, pregnancy and having children) as a result of certain treatments they have received.

The effect, if any, depends on:

• The tissues and organs involved in the cancer

• The type, dosage and combination of treatments

• The age at the time of therapy

Here you will find more information about fertility problems in women.

To understand fertility, it is useful to know how the male reproductive system works, for both men and women.

How the male reproductive system works

The testicles are located in a loose pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testicles produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone. When a sperm fertilises an egg, pregnancy can occur. When boys reach puberty, the pituitary gland (a small gland in the brain) releases hormones that cause the body to produce testosterone. Testosterone causes many changes during puberty. It causes sperm to mature and the male sex organs to grow.

Testosterone also causes other changes, such as:

• The voice becomes deeper

• The penis and testicles become larger

• Hair grows on the face and body

• Muscles become stronger

Fertility problems in men

Some men who had cancer as children may experience fertility problems as a result of certain treatments they received. This may affect sperm production, male hormone production and the ability of sperm to fertilise an egg.

The effect, if any, depends on:

• The tissues and organs involved in the cancer or treatment

• The type, dosage and combination of treatments

• The age at the time of treatment

For many conditions that affect fertility, there are ways to improve the chances of having children. 

Here you will find more information about fertility problems in men.