Introduction: Cancer is a major public health problem, with about 5% of people diagnosed with cancer are women of reproductive age. Some types of malignancies are treated with cytostatics that work on rapidly dividing cells. Thus, cytostatics also affect the germ cells of the ovaries, which can greatly affect fertility. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to present how the treatment of cancer with chemotherapy in women during the reproductive period affects fertility. Methods: We used a descriptive method of work with a review of scientific and professional literature. The literature search was conducted in English, on the topic of reproductive health in connection with chemotherapy, through the Cinahl bibliographic database and on the Dikul and PubMed web portals. Results: Gonadotoxic chemotherapy, including alkylating agents, can cause premature ovarian failure and fertility loss in young women with cancer. Age of woman and type or dose of chemotherapy are important risk factors for ovarian failure, with older women at higher risk than younger ones. Nurses expressed the need for education and training to address identified knowledge gaps in fertility conservation discussions. After completing cancer treatment during the reproductive period, women have psychosocial, developmental, and reproductive concerns
related to their health. Discussion and conclusion: Given the available fertility options and the guidelines of clinical practice it is recommended that fertility counseling is necessary in all patients of childbearing age. The findings show that there are many barriers and conflicts. The key to successful counseling is focused on improved communication, building a specialized fertility conservation team, and planning a fertility conservation counseling service.
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