Understanding Iatrogenic Infertility: Causes, Treatments, And Prevention

Infertility is often discussed in the context of age, hormonal imbalances, or underlying reproductive disorders—but sometimes, it’s the result of something entirely unintended: necessary medical treatment. Iatrogenic infertility refers to infertility caused not by a disease, but as a side effect of medical interventions meant to help the body heal or fight illness. For individuals undergoing life-saving treatments or managing chronic conditions, fertility may not be top of mind, but it matters, and understanding the risks and options available can make a life-changing difference.

Whether you’re navigating a recent diagnosis or planning for the future, this guide will walk you through what iatrogenic infertility is, how it can be prevented, and what treatments and support options are available.

What Is Iatrogenic Infertility?

Iatrogenic infertility is a form of infertility caused unintentionally by medical treatment or surgery. This could include chemotherapy, radiation, pelvic surgery, or even long-term medication use. While the treatment may be essential for one’s health or survival, it can sometimes damage reproductive organs or disrupt hormonal function, leading to temporary or permanent infertility.

What makes iatrogenic infertility unique is that it’s often preventable or manageable, especially when reproductive risks are identified early. Unlike other types of infertility that may arise from natural conditions or unknown causes, this type is linked directly to medical care, making early intervention and fertility preservation critical.

At its core, iatrogenic infertility isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. When doctors and patients work together to plan ahead, fertility doesn’t have to be an unintended casualty of treatment.

Common Causes of Iatrogenic Infertility

There are several medical scenarios where infertility may be an unintended result of care:

• Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are among the most well-known causes of iatrogenic infertility. While these treatments can be lifesaving, they often impact egg or sperm production. Radiation aimed near the pelvis can damage the ovaries or uterus, while chemotherapy agents may destroy reproductive cells altogether. Surgical removal of reproductive organs (such as in ovarian or uterine cancer) naturally leads to infertility as well.

  
  

• Gynecologic Surgeries: Procedures like hysterectomies, oophorectomies (ovary removal), or surgeries to treat endometriosis or ovarian cysts can affect fertility, depending on how much tissue is removed or how the reproductive structures are impacted. Even surgeries intended to improve fertility may, in some cases, lead to scarring or complications that affect future conception.
  

• Medications:Certain medications, particularly hormonal therapies or long-term use of medications for autoimmune disorders, epilepsy, or psychiatric conditions, can affect hormone balance and ovulation. In some cases, medications may impair the body’s ability to produce healthy eggs or sperm.
  

• Other Medical Interventions: Organ transplants, stem cell therapies, and immune-modulating treatments—especially in young patients—can carry a risk of damaging reproductive function. Pelvic or abdominal surgeries for non-reproductive conditions may also inadvertently affect fertility.

  
  

Risk Factors And Patient Populations Affected

Iatrogenic infertility can affect anyone receiving medical treatment, but some groups are more vulnerable than others:

Women of reproductive age, particularly those under 40, face higher risks if they undergo aggressive treatments for cancer or chronic illnesses. For many, the treatment is urgent, leaving little time to consider the long-term impact on fertility unless it's discussed early.

Teens and young adults are a uniquely vulnerable group. Because they're still developing physically and emotionally, fertility discussions may feel out of place during serious illness, but they’re essential for protecting future choices.

Cancer survivors and patients in remission often confront the emotional aftermath of infertility long after treatment has ended. In these cases, the absence of fertility counseling beforehand can leave patients feeling blindsided.

That’s why we believe fertility counseling should be part of the conversation before treatment begins. When patients are informed and supported early, they’re empowered to make choices that honor both their health and their hopes for the future.

IV. Available Treatments And Fertility Preservation Options

The good news? We now have a wide range of fertility preservation options available to patients who are at risk of iatrogenic infertility.

• Egg and Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation): This is the most common preservation method for women. Before starting treatment, eggs are harvested, frozen, and stored. If fertilized with sperm before freezing, embryos can also be preserved for future use.
  

• Ovarian Tissue Freezing: For younger patients or those unable to delay treatment for egg retrieval, ovarian tissue can be surgically removed and frozen for reimplantation later. This is still considered experimental in some regions but has shown promising results.
  

• Fertility-Sparing Surgeries: Whenever possible, surgeons can use techniques that preserve reproductive organs, such as removing just one ovary or conserving part of the uterus. These decisions depend heavily on the nature of the disease and the patient’s goals.
  

• Hormonal Suppression Therapy: Certain medications can suppress ovarian function temporarily during chemotherapy, offering some protection against treatment-related damage. This approach may not replace preservation, but it can be part of a broader strategy.
  

• IVF and Third-Party Reproductive Options: After treatment, some individuals may explore IVF using previously frozen eggs or embryos. Others may choose to use donor eggs, sperm, or surrogacy depending on their reproductive health and circumstances.

  
  

At Audubon Fertility, we tailor these options based on the patient’s age, diagnosis, timeline, and personal goals, ensuring their care is as individualized as their story.

Preventing Iatrogenic Infertility Through Proactive Care

The best approach to managing iatrogenic infertility is prevention, and that starts with communication and planning.

Reproductive specialists play a vital role in this process. By consulting with patients early, we can evaluate fertility risks and coordinate a preservation strategy that doesn’t delay urgent medical treatment. We often collaborate directly with oncologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians to align timelines and ensure fertility care is integrated into the broader medical plan.

When should you consult a fertility clinic? Ideally, as soon as you receive a diagnosis that may involve treatments with reproductive risks. Even if you’re not sure you want children, knowing your options can provide peace of mind and preserve future choices.

We also advocate for informed consent. Patients deserve to understand not just the risks of their treatment but also how to protect their long-term quality of life, including the ability to have a family.

Support And Guidance From Audubon Fertility

At Audubon Fertility, we specialize in helping patients who are facing, undergoing, or recovering from treatments that may impact their fertility. We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge, compassion, and options — no matter where they are in their health journey.

Our team provides personalized fertility preservation plans, including egg freezing, embryo storage, and access to the latest reproductive technologies. We collaborate with your medical team to ensure your reproductive care fits into your treatment schedule and never compromises your health. From your initial consultation to post-treatment family planning, we offer consistent, compassionate support.

We know this journey can be filled with uncertainty, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in remission, or simply planning ahead, we’re here to guide you with expert care, cutting-edge solutions, and a deep respect for your goals.