Contraception and Fertility for MBC
Reproductive health may still be part of your care decisions, even if it looks different than you originally expected or planned. Here, you’ll find information to help you better understand what’s relevant to your situation and what factors may be important to consider as you move forward.
Contraception When Living With Breast Cancer
If you’re living with MBC and could become pregnant, it’s important to consider contraception. Even if your menstrual cycle has changed or stopped, pregnancy may still be possible unless your fertility has been permanently affected.
Whether you’re in a relationship, dating, or simply planning for your future, contraception is a deeply personal decision—one that deserves thoughtful guidance from your care team.
Choosing a Contraceptive Method
When selecting birth control, non-hormonal methods are typically recommended, especially for people with hormone receptor–positive disease. This is because hormonal contraceptives—such as pills, patches, injections, or hormone-releasing IUDs—contain estrogen and/or progestin, which may stimulate cancer growth.
Commonly Considered Safer, Non-Hormonal Options:
- Condoms (with or without spermicide)—also protect against sexually transmitted infections
- Copper IUD (non-hormonal intrauterine device)
- Diaphragm
- Sponge
- Cervical cap
- Tubal ligation or vasectomy—for those who are certain they do not want biological children
In some cases, a progestin-releasing IUD may be an option, depending on your specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall health. However, if your cancer is hormone receptor–negative or non-invasive, hormonal birth control methods may still be an option. In either case, these decisions should be made in close consultation with your care team to ensure they align with your medical needs and personal goals.
Partner Conversations and Emotional Support
If you’re in a relationship, changes to sexual health and contraception may bring up new questions or emotions for both you and your partner. Making space for honest, compassionate conversations can help you stay connected and supported.
- Choose a quiet, unrushed time to talk
- Share how you’re feeling—physically, emotionally, and relationally
- Be open about what intimacy looks like for you now
- Let the conversation unfold naturally, without pressure to “solve” everything at once
Sexuality and closeness can take many forms. You get to define what intimacy means for you—and how it evolves over time.
You Deserve Care That Fits Your Life
Living with a long-term diagnosis means making decisions that honor your needs. Whether you’re focused on treatment, planning for the future, or simply protecting your well-being right now, you deserve contraception options that reflect your goals, your safety, and your voice.
Loss of Fertility
Pregnancy is not recommended after an MBC diagnosis or after MBC treatment. For some people, there may be options to protect and pursue your fertility through options such as surrogacy. But after treatment starts, there may be few effective options.
To learn if your treatment plan may have fertility risks, talk with your cancer care team.
Loss of fertility can bring many emotions. You don’t have to face those feelings alone, learn how to be connected with a Social Worker or Therapist.
