| Table 2. Risk factors for chemotherapy-induced infertility. |
| Factor |
Effect on Women |
Effect on Men |
Key Examples/Notes |
Reference |
| Type of Drug |
Alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide) can
destroy oocytes, causing permanent infertility. Platinum drugs
(e.g., cisplatin) also harm ovaries. |
Alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide) often lead
to no sperm (azoospermia). Platinum drugs (e.g., cisplatin) damage
sperm production. |
Cyclophosphamide, cisplatin are high-risk; taxanes
are milder. |
Bhardwaj et al.,
2023
|
| Dosage |
Higher doses increase the chance of losing all
oocytes, leading to early menopause. |
Bigger doses raise the risk of permanent sperm loss,
especially with multiple drugs. |
More damage with higher cumulative doses. |
Poorvu et al.,
2019
|
| Age |
Older women (over 35) lose fertility faster due to
fewer oocytes left, while younger women may recover better. |
Older men (over 40) recover sperm slower or not;
younger men have a better chance. |
Age 35+ for women, 40+ for men heightens risk. |
Horan, 2022
|
| Pre-existing Fertility Health |
Women with issues like endometriosis or PCOS lose
oocytes more easily, risking infertility sooner. |
Men with low sperm count or poor motility before
treatment face worse fertility loss. |
Conditions like PCOS or low sperm count worsen
outcomes. |
Papathanasiou et
al., 2024
|