The American Cancer Society estimates that over 20,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2024. While bladder cancer occurs more frequently in men, women are more likely to have advanced stages and lower survival rates. Additionally, bladder cancer is more likely to occur in women over the age of 55.
Given the proximity of the bladder to reproductive organs, many women may wonder how bladder cancer can affect their reproductive health.
HealthyWomen spoke with experts to address common questions related to reproductive health when dealing with bladder cancer.
Can bladder cancer spread to my reproductive organs?
Bladder cancer usually stays within the bladder, but in some cases, it can spread to the reproductive organs, although this is rare.
Does being in menopause increase my risk of bladder cancer?
While there is some evidence suggesting a potential increase in bladder cancer risk with early menopause, the data is not strong enough to confirm this. However, the risk of bladder cancer does increase with age, and postmenopausal women are at a higher risk compared to premenopausal women.
Can being in perimenopause or menopause make it harder to get a diagnosis?
Perimenopausal and menopausal women may find it challenging to get a timely diagnosis for bladder cancer due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions like urinary tract infections. Seeking further testing is important if a suspected infection is ruled out.
Can I remain on birth control during cancer treatment?
It is generally safe to use both hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods during bladder cancer treatment, as bladder cancer does not rely on hormones to grow and spread.
Will bladder cancer treatment affect my fertility?
Bladder cancer treatment usually does not involve the removal of reproductive organs, and there are specific therapies aimed at minimizing the impact on fertility, although the potential for fertility issues exists in some cases.
How can bladder cancer treatment affect my sex life?
Bladder cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and surgery, can impact sexual health and intimacy in various ways, requiring communication and understanding between partners to navigate this aspect of life post-treatment.
Resources
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
This educational resource was created with support from Astellas and Pfizer.
