For many, chemotherapy is the best treatment option for cancer. That said, people facing chemotherapy are understandably concerned about side effects. The nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and lowered white blood cell count associated with chemo can range from temporary and minor, to uncomfortable and even life-threatening. In general, chemotherapy is effective at killing cancer cells, but it doesn't distinguish between cancer cells and healthy, growing cells - which may lead to side effects. So what should you expect? For starters, chemotherapy causes hair loss over the entire body, which is usually temporary. It may affect bone marrow cells, causing fatigue, bruising and bleeding, as well as increased vulnerability to infection. Skin cells may be affected too, meaning dryness, while dry mouth or oral sores can also occur. Because cells in the stomach and intestines may be affected, bouts of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should be expected. The good news is that drugs can be used to combat those symptoms. Many wonder if chemotherapy impacts fertility. The short answer is that chemotherapy may inhibit normal ovarian function, either temporarily or permanently, but that depends on the type of drugs prescribed. Even if menstruation stops during treatment, the ovaries may still produce eggs. Certain chemotherapy drugs are believed to increase the risk of male infertility. If you are male and concerned about this, storing sperm in a sperm bank prior to treatment may be worth exploring. It's not uncommon for sexual desire to wax and wane depending on where you are in the treatment cycle, too. Because of its impact on female hormones, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and premature menopause may happen. Dangerous side effects that require a call to the doctor include a fever higher than 100.5, shaking or chills, vomiting that continues more than 48 hours following treatment, bleeding or bruising, frequent or painful urination, blood in urine or stools, or severe constipation or diarrhea. Other red flags include shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular or rapid heartbeat, intense fatigue, mouth sores and dizziness, as well as soreness, swelling and pus or drainage at the catheter location. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you take, including herbal or vitamin supplementation. Everyone reacts to chemotherapy differently, depending on type and combination of drugs used, and your overall health and fitness. Your doctor can address any additional chemotherapy-related questions or concerns.