Your feelings

Being asked to think about the future when you have just been diagnosed with cancer can be hard. Having children may not be something you are thinking about yet. Maybe you are unsure if you want to be a parent. Or you may have always wanted a family and the idea of losing your fertility is very hard.

You may accept it quickly and feel that dealing with the cancer is more important. Or you may feel the impact months or years later.

People often find their feelings about fertility change over time. It may be something that becomes more important to you after cancer treatment. You might have different questions about fertility or need more information.

Whatever you are feeling, support is available if you want to talk or ask questions. It does not matter whether you are starting cancer treatment or have had treatment in the past. You may find it helpful to talk about things with a partner, family member, friend, or religious or spiritual adviser. It is not always easy to talk to the people closest to you about these issues. If you want to talk to a counsellor, your GP, cancer doctor or nurse can help arrange this. Fertility clinics also have counsellors.

Organisations such as the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) can offer support and counselling to people affected by infertility. Talking to other people in a similar position may also help you feel less alone.