Receiving a brain cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, bringing with it a flurry of emotions, medical decisions, and life-changing considerations—including those surrounding family planning. Whether you are male or female, newly diagnosed or post-treatment, understanding your options is crucial for making informed decisions about your future.
This guide outlines fertility preservation strategies and family-building pathways from both male and female perspectives, while also addressing shared considerations and real-life insights from survivors who have walked this path.
Why Family Planning Matters After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Brain tumors can affect people at any age or life stage—including young adults who may have dreams of building a family. Unfortunately, treatments often necessary to fight brain tumors, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can impair fertility. Despite this, many patients of reproductive age report never being told how their treatment could affect their ability to have children.
The truth is, people diagnosed with brain tumors become parents all the time—with the right planning and support. Clear communication with your medical team, especially before starting treatment, can open doors to fertility preservation and other family-building options, even if parenthood seems like a distant goal right now.
Family Planning Options by Gender
For Men
Sperm Banking
One of the most accessible and commonly recommended options for men is sperm banking. This involves collecting and freezing sperm before treatment begins, as chemotherapy or radiation may affect sperm quality and production.
“I am so glad we were presented this option before starting treatment because we would have had no idea. Had we not, we might not be in the situation we are in now—able to focus on starting a family post-treatment.”
— DJ Stewart, Glioblastoma Survivor
Surrogacy
Men who are unable to conceive with a partner naturally, or whose partners face health risks, may consider surrogacy. With a gestational carrier, fertilized sperm and eggs (via IVF) are implanted into a surrogate who carries the child to term.
Adoption
Adoption offers a fulfilling and meaningful path to parenthood. While additional medical documentation may be required, many cancer survivors successfully adopt.
For Women
Women diagnosed with brain tumors face unique, and often more complex, fertility-related challenges—but with early planning, many options are available.
Before Treatment
Egg Freezing
This process involves harvesting and freezing eggs for future use. It’s a valuable option for women who are not in a relationship or prefer not to use donor sperm. The egg retrieval process typically takes 2–6 weeks, and some doctors may delay chemotherapy to allow time for this.
Embryo Freezing
Women with partners or those open to using donor sperm may consider embryo freezing. This method fertilizes eggs before freezing and typically has a higher success rate than egg freezing due to embryo stability.
Ovarian Tissue Harvesting (Experimental)
This newer method involves surgically removing and freezing ovarian tissue before treatment. It may later be reimplanted to help restore fertility. It’s particularly useful for patients who don’t have time for standard egg harvesting.
Ovarian Suppression (Experimental)
Monthly injections can temporarily shut down the ovaries during chemotherapy, potentially reducing damage. After treatment ends, normal function may resume, offering another chance for fertility.
After Treatment
If treatment impacted fertility, there are still pathways to parenthood:
Egg Donation
If a woman’s own eggs were damaged, donor eggs may be used for IVF and implantation into her uterus.
Surrogacy
If it’s unsafe to carry a child, embryos (using her own or donor eggs) can be implanted in a surrogate.
Adoption
Adoption remains a viable and rewarding option. Survivors may need to provide additional medical records or wait a designated period after treatment completion, depending on agency or state policies.
Pediatric Patients and Family Planning
When a girl is diagnosed with a brain tumor before puberty, fertility preservation becomes even more complex. Pediatric patients and their families may need to proactively initiate discussions about future fertility, as doctors may not routinely bring it up. Experimental options like ovarian tissue freezing may be considered in consultation with specialists.
Shared Considerations for All Patients
Timing
Ideally, fertility preservation discussions happen before treatment begins. This allows for the widest range of options, even if children aren’t a current priority.
Medical Factors
Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can impact reproductive function. A fertility specialist can help evaluate risks and identify appropriate preservation strategies based on the treatment plan.
Emotional and Mental Health
Making family planning decisions while facing cancer can be emotionally taxing. Support from loved ones, counselors, or support groups can help patients and their partners navigate the mental load of these decisions.
Financial Considerations
Procedures such as IVF, egg or sperm freezing, and surrogacy can be expensive. It’s important to research what’s covered by insurance and whether financial assistance is available through foundations or fertility programs.
Real-Life Insight: Survivor Stories
Julie Prater, a glioblastoma survivor and Head for the Cure participant from Texas, candidly shared her journey to motherhood after her diagnosis. Her story, like DJ Stewart’s, reminds others that while fertility preservation may not be top-of-mind at diagnosis, those conversations can change the future.
“If becoming a mother is important to you, there is a very good chance that it’s possible—especially with clear planning and a lot of openness with your doctors about your priorities.”
Resources
National Cancer Institute – Fertility Issues in Girls and Women with Cancer
Cleveland Clinic – Cancer and Fertility
Mayo Clinic – Fertility preservation
MD Anderson – Fertility and Cancer: 10 things to know
National Cancer Society – How Cancer Treatments Can Affect Fertility in Women
Scientific Literature
The Fertility-Related Treatment Choices of Cancer Patients: Cancer-Related Infertility and Family Dynamics
American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations on fertility preservation in cancer patients