| Table 3. Short-term vs. long-term effects of chemotherapy on fertility. |
| Time Frame |
Effects on Women |
Effects on Men |
Recovery Potential |
Influencing Factors |
Reference |
| Short-term |
Temporary amenorrhea (no periods) and hormonal
changes during treatment. |
Temporary low sperm count (oligospermia) or no sperm
(azoospermia) during treatment. |
High, especially in younger patients; often reverses
within months to a year. |
Age, milder drugs (e.g., taxanes). |
Hao et al.,
2019
|
| Long-term |
Premature ovarian failure (POF) or diminished ovarian
reserve (DOR), leading to permanent infertility. |
Permanent azoospermia or reduced sperm quality,
causing lasting infertility. |
Low with high-dose gonadotoxic drugs; partial
recovery possible in some. |
High doses, alkylating agents (e.g.,
cyclophosphamide), older age. |
Yumura et al.
2023
|