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Preserving Fertility After Cervical Cancer: Hope for South African Women
September is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and while much of the focus is on prevention and survival, many women face another deeply personal concern: fertility. In South Africa, younger women diagnosed with cervical cancer are increasingly asking whether treatment will take away their chance to have children. The answer is not always straightforward, but with modern medical care, many still have paths to motherhood.
Understanding cervical cancer in South Africa
Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is most often caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus, better known as HPV.
The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when caught early. Pap smears and HPV testing are available across South Africa, from public clinics to private doctors, while the HPV vaccine is offered in schools and private healthcare. These measures remain some of the strongest shields against the disease.
Cervical cancer treatments and fertility impact
Treatment decisions are life-saving, but they can also shape a woman’s fertility future. Fertility-sparing surgeries such as cone biopsy and trachelectomy remove cancer while keeping the uterus intact, giving many women the possibility of pregnancy later. However, these procedures can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or the need for caesarean delivery.
In more advanced cases, a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, is often unavoidable and leads to permanent infertility. Radiation to the pelvic area can damage the uterus and ovaries, while chemotherapy reduces ovarian reserves and can trigger early menopause. Doctors recommend fertility discussions before any treatment begins, as choices made early can make all the difference.
Fertility preservation options in South Africa
South Africa offers several fertility preservation techniques through private clinics and teaching hospitals:
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Egg or embryo freezing: Eggs are retrieved and stored before treatment. Embryos are created through fertilisation and frozen for later use.
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Ovarian tissue freezing: A portion of ovarian tissue is removed and stored, then re-implanted in the future. This is available in limited centres.
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Ovarian transposition: Surgeons move the ovaries away from areas targeted by radiation, reducing the risk of damage.
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Surrogacy and adoption: For women unable to carry a pregnancy, both surrogacy and adoption remain legal options, though they involve specific processes and planning.
Emotional side of fertility loss
A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming in itself, but the added threat of infertility can trigger grief, anxiety, and even depression. Some women mourn the loss of future motherhood even if they had not planned on children immediately.
Emotional support is essential. Counselling, support groups, and fertility specialists help women navigate these complex choices and focus on what matters most: survival and long-term well-being.
Choosing hope
Cervical cancer does not have to end the dream of motherhood. Some women preserve fertility before treatment, others turn to surrogacy or adoption, and many find peace in focusing first on their recovery. Each journey is personal, shaped by health, values, and aspirations.
What is universal is the importance of early screening and vaccination. Pap smears, HPV testing, and regular check-ups protect not only lives but also futures. This September, the message is clear: cervical cancer awareness is about more than survival; it is about preserving hope.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Patki Hospital
