The effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy on female fertility

Nurses are now primarily responsible for the provision of patient information, and the administration of an escalating number of cytotoxic agents. This paper aims to provide nurses with key information concerning the adverse effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy on the reproductive system of women of childbearing age. The provision of information on gonadal function and fertility is vital, particularly with the increase in the survival of women treated for cancer, and the trend towards women starting a family later in life. Gonadal toxicity of the various cytotoxic agents, disruption of the menstrual cycle, premature menopause, avoidance of pregnancy, chemotherapy in pregnancy, and fertility prospects post-chemotherapy are addressed in this paper.