--- title: "Breast Cancer and Fertility Preservation" description: "Explore fertility preservation before breast cancer treatment, including egg, embryo and sperm freezing, NHS funding questions and specialist support." url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-fertility-preservation/ robots: noindex --- # Breast Cancer and Fertility Preservation Breast health information Explore fertility preservation before breast cancer treatment, including egg, embryo and sperm freezing, NHS funding questions and specialist support. ## Quick answer If having children in the future might matter to you, ask about fertility before breast cancer treatment starts. Your cancer team can discuss the risk to fertility and a specialist referral. You can ask even if you are unsure about future family plans or do not have a partner. **For your own care:** use this guide to prepare questions for your specialist team. They can explain what applies to your diagnosis and circumstances. **Editorial sources checked:** 8 September 2026 . Next check due 8 March 2027. Independent clinical review has not yet been recorded for this page. [How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) ยท [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/) At a glance Raise fertility before treatment starts, even if you are unsure. Options depend on your health, treatment and time available. Preservation cannot guarantee a future baby. Check funding for the procedure, storage and future treatment separately. ## When should I raise fertility with my team? Raise it as early as possible, before treatment that may affect fertility. Some options need preparation. Your cancer and fertility specialists should discuss what is possible within your treatment timetable. Do not delay treatment yourself; ask the teams to coordinate the plan. The effect on fertility varies with the medicines, age and existing fertility. Chemotherapy can affect eggs or sperm, temporarily or permanently. Hormone therapy may continue for years and affect the timing of family plans. You do not have to be certain you want children to request information. ## Which preservation options might be discussed? - Egg freezing: eggs are collected and stored for possible future use. You do not need a partner to consider this. - Embryo freezing: eggs are fertilised using sperm and the embryos are stored. The clinic will explain consent and future-use decisions. - Ovarian tissue freezing: tissue containing eggs is removed and stored. This is a specialist option and is not suitable for everyone. - Sperm freezing: sperm can be stored before treatment that may affect its production or quality. Ask for a referral early. No preservation method guarantees a future pregnancy or baby. Ask about the likely benefit, risks and chances of success in your circumstances. Choosing not to have preservation is also a valid decision, and emotional support should be available whichever choice you make. ## Does ovarian suppression replace freezing eggs or embryos? Medicines may temporarily switch off ovarian activity during chemotherapy to try to protect ovarian function. This approach is not a guarantee of preserved fertility and does not replace a discussion of egg or embryo freezing. Ovarian suppression is also used as part of treatment for some hormone-sensitive breast cancers; ask what its purpose is in your own plan. ## What if my cancer is hormone receptor positive? Tell the fertility specialist about your exact breast cancer diagnosis. They can explain whether and how a preservation procedure can be adapted for you. Your oncology team and fertility clinic should agree the timing and approach together. ## Will the NHS pay for preservation and storage? Funding can depend on your circumstances and where you live. Ask which parts are funded: the procedure, storage and any future fertility treatment can have different arrangements. Get written information about costs, consent, storage renewals and whom to contact if your details change. The HFEA explains preservation options and provides information about licensed fertility clinics. ## Do I still need contraception? Yes, if pregnancy is possible and your treatment requires it. Periods becoming irregular or stopping does not reliably show that you cannot become pregnant. Ask your cancer team which contraception is suitable and how long to use it after each medicine. Do not stop cancer treatment to try for a baby without specialist advice. ## What questions can I take to a fertility appointment? - How could the planned cancer treatment affect my fertility? - Can I have an urgent referral before treatment starts? - Which options suit my health, diagnosis and time available? - What are the risks and realistic chances of success for me? - What is NHS-funded, and what costs or consent renewals might arise later? - Who can support me if I am unsure or if preservation is not possible? ## Frequently asked questions Can I discuss fertility preservation without a partner? Yes. Ask for advice based on your own future wishes and health. Options may include egg or sperm freezing without needing a partner. Does ovarian suppression guarantee my fertility will return? No. It may help protect ovarian function in some circumstances, but it does not guarantee fertility or replace discussion of other preservation options. Are all future IVF costs covered if the NHS pays for freezing? Not necessarily. Preservation, storage and later fertility treatment can have different funding arrangements. Ask your clinic to explain the current rules and costs for you. ## Sources and further reading - [Macmillan: fertility preservation](https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/fertility/preservation) - [Breast Cancer Now: fertility preservation options](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/primary-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-younger-women/fertility-and-breast-cancer-treatment/options-for-preserving-fertility-before-and-during-treatment) - [HFEA: fertility preservation](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/fertility-preservation/) - [Breast Cancer Now: ovarian suppression](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment/hormone-endocrine-therapy/ovarian-suppression-and-breast-cancer) - [Macmillan: tamoxifen, pregnancy and breastfeeding](https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/tamoxifen) - [Breast Cancer Now: how treatment affects fertility](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/primary-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-younger-women/fertility-and-breast-cancer-treatment) This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/). ## Keep reading [Support ### Where can I get breast cancer support in the UK?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-support/) [๐Ÿ’Š ### What treatments are used for breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-treatment/)[๐Ÿคฐ ### Can breast cancer affect pregnancy?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-and-pregnancy/)[๐Ÿ‘ฉ ### Can young women get breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-young-women/)