Step 2
Consider What
Matters Most
What are my choices?
Learn more about building a family after cancer.
What is most important to you?
These are some factors that women say are important to consider when making a decision about family-building after cancer.
This exercise can help you think through what matters most when it comes to having a child and becoming a parent.
Consider how important each of these factors is to you. Read about the implications if any of them are of concern to you.
Having a child that is genetically related to me
This requires using your egg (fresh or frozen) to make an embryo.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- IVF using your own fresh or frozen eggs
- Surrogacy using your own fresh or frozen eggs
- Consider fertility preservation for future IVF or surrogacy
Having a child that is genetically related to my partner
This requires using your partner’s sperm (or if you are in a same-sex relationship, her egg) to make an embryo.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- IVF using your partner’s sperm or egg
- Surrogacy with your partner’s sperm or egg
Health risks if I carry a pregnancy
Speak to your doctor about potential health risks associated with pregnancy.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- Surrogacy with your own fresh or frozen eggs or embryos
- Surrogacy with donor eggs or embryos
- Adoption
Health risks to a future child, such as passing on a genetic risk for cancer
Speak to your doctor about whether your cancer has a known genetic component or hereditary risk. Ask to be referred for genetic testing and a genetic counseling session for more information and guidance.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- IVF using preimplantation genetic screening
- IVF with donor eggs or embryos
- Surrogacy with donor eggs or embryos
- Adoption
Physical toll of IVF procedures
For example, taking hormone injections and the egg retrieval process
Speak to your fertility doctor about what IUI and IVF involve and what to expect when taking hormone injections and with the egg retrieval process.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- Surrogacy with your frozen eggs or embryos
- Surrogacy with donor eggs or embryos
- Adoption
Emotional toll of IVF or surrogacy
For example, coping with failed attempts and uncertainty about chances for success.
Many women will need to undergo multiple IUI or IVF cycles to be successful. This is true whether the procedures are for the intended parent to get pregnant or a surrogate. Talk to your fertility doctor about your chances of success with IVF procedures or surrogacy.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- Adoption
Emotional toll of the adoption process
For example, potentially long periods of waiting or if the birth parents change their mind.
Speak to your adoption agency about what to expect at each step of the adoption process and the challenges that adoptive parents may face.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- IVF
- IVF with donor eggs/sperm
- Surrogacy
Religious or ethical beliefs about reproductive medicine
Some people do not want to use assisted reproductive technology because of religious or ethical beliefs. These are personal decisions based on your beliefs, values, and priorities.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- Adoption
Cost
The financial cost is a significant component of many people’s decision-making about family-building.
Family-building option(s) if this is a concern:
- IUI or IVF (if successful in beginning cycles)
- Adoption through the foster care system
Higher cost options include:
- IVF when multiple cycles are needed
- Surrogacy, particularly if donor eggs or embryos are used
- Adoption, depending on agency and legal fees
What should I do next?
Gather information and plan for future family-building.
