Fertility and multiple myeloma

What is fertility? 

Fertility is the ability to have children. For women, fertility refers to the ability to become pregnant. For men, fertility refers to making someone pregnant.¹ 

In both women and men, different parts of the body work together to achieve fertility. These parts of the body are known as the reproductive system.^2,3 Some multiple myeloma treatments affect the way the reproductive system works.¹ 

Fertility in women

Infertility in women means that you can’t get pregnant. Infertility caused by treatment for myeloma may be for just a short while (temporary), or it may be long-term (permanent). You may experience early menopause. Whether you experience infertility, and which type, often depends on the type of treatment you have.⁴

Before you make a decision about treatment, your healthcare team will talk to you about the potential risks to your fertility. You may wish to visit a fertility specialist to have conversations about your fertility and, if you would like to have children, talk about your options.¹ 

Fertility in men 

Infertility may also be a side effect of cancer treatment for men. This may be because the production of sperm and hormones are affected, or because of difficulty getting an erection^.5

Infertility may be temporary or permanent, depending on many things.⁵ These include which treatment is used, the dose taken, and the person’s age.⁶ Your healthcare team will advise you on the potential risks to your fertility before you decide on treatment.

Before starting multiple myeloma treatment, you can talk to your healthcare team about your fertility. They may refer you to a fertility clinic. Here you can discuss your options if you wish to have children in the future. They may suggest ‘sperm banking’, which is the process of freezing and storing your sperm to be used in the future.^1,6 

Multiple myeloma treatment during and after pregnancy 

Some multiple myeloma treatments pose a risk of harm to a growing baby during pregnancy. For this reason, they can’t be given to someone who is pregnant.⁴ 

If you are pregnant and undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, your healthcare team will discuss any risks with you before starting treatment. Both you and your baby will be carefully monitored throughout the course of your treatment.⁴

After pregnancy, if you are breastfeeding, there is a risk that some multiple myeloma treatments may be passed on to your baby through your breast milk. Again, your healthcare team will let you know if this is relevant to you and talk to you about your options.⁴ 

For women of a reproductive age that aren’t already pregnant, it may be recommended you use a suitable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment for multiple myeloma.⁴

Getting help and support

It may be difficult to learn that your multiple myeloma treatment may lead to problems having children. You may find it helpful speaking to your family and friends about your feelings and worries, or you may prefer to speak to professionals or people that have been through something similar.¹ 

Your healthcare team is there to support you, and they may be able to refer you to a counsellor, specialist nurse or support group that can offer support and information.