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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Some of the drugs used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia can cause temporary or permanent infertility. Your doctor will talk to you about this in more detail before you start your treatment.
If you have a partner, you may want them to be with you when you talk to your doctor so you can discuss any fears or worries together.
Some drugs have less effect on your fertility| than others, and couples have had normal, healthy babies after one partner has been treated for leukaemia. Unfortunately, people who’ve had intensive chemotherapy| and radiotherapy|, and a stem cell or bone marrow transplant|, are likely to be permanently infertile.
It may be possible for men to store sperm before starting treatment, so it can be used later if they want to have a family. Rarely, a woman’s eggs or fertilised eggs (embryos) can be stored before chemotherapy, so that she may have the chance to have a child after treatment. However, as treatment for AML usually needs to start as quickly as possible, there is not always enough time to store sperm or embryos.
Our website has information about sperm banking| and fertility treatments|.
Your doctor knows the details of the treatment you are having, and is the best person to answer your questions. You can write down any questions you have so that you are clear about your treatment, and the effect it’s likely to have on you, before it starts.
It can be very difficult to come to terms with the fact that you can no longer have children. Talking about your feelings with your partner, family or a close friend can help to clarify your thoughts and give the people close to you the opportunity to understand how you are feeling.
If it would be easier to talk to someone outside the circle of your immediate friends and family, you may find it helpful to talk to your doctor, nurse, social worker or a trained counsellor.
Our cancer support specialists can give information on how to contact a counsellor in your area. Call our Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00.
Our section on sexuality and cancer| looks at the effects cancer and its treatment can have on sexuality and fertility.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.