It is important to discuss the issue of fertility and pregnancy with your haematologist.

It seems unlikely that PV itself affects the ability to conceive, but some drugs used to treat PV can damage fertility. These medications can also be a risk to an unborn baby if given during pregnancy.

If a patient, male or female, is considering conceiving, they should not take hydroxyurea, busulphan, or phosphorous, within three months of conception. Anagrelide is safe for use in males but pregnant women should not take it.

Women having venesection are likely to go through pregnancy needing fewer treatments because of the dilution of blood that occurs in pregnancy. There is an increased thrombosis risk during pregnancy and soon after delivery. Your doctor may prescribe aspirin or heparin during your pregnancy.