Preserving Fertility During Cancer Treatment
A cancer diagnosis can be life-altering, including how some cancer treatments can impact your fertility. Sylvester oncology experts understand the importance of fatherhood, and we want to empower you with knowledge about your fertility options.
Our male oncofertility services help you navigate cancer treatment and fertility. This includes fertility preservation options that can give you more flexibility if you want to have a child in the future.
Timing of fertility preservation is crucial – especially if you’re having cancer treatments that can impact your fertility. Our multidisciplinary team can help you understand your options and why it’s important to start oncofertility care early.
What is Male Oncofertility?
Certain cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can damage sperm production or even lead to sterility. But here's the good news: Advancements in oncofertility offer solutions.
Male oncofertility focuses on fertility preservation for male cancer patients. It can provide treatment to support your reproductive health and improve your chances of having a family. For example, if you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you may have the option to freeze your sperm and/or testicular tissue using a treatment called cryopreservation. This can give you more options to pursue parenthood when you’re ready.
How Cancer Treatments Affect Male Fertility
Getting necessary cancer treatment can sometimes impact your reproductive health. Here are some examples of issues that can arise with cancer treatments and fertility:
- Chemotherapy and male fertility. Chemotherapy may harm the ability of the testicles to produce viable sperm.
- Radiation therapy and male fertility. Radiation may damage sperm and lower sperm count.
- Surgeries affecting fertility. Certain surgeries can affect or sometimes remove the organs needed for fertility. For example, these may include testicular surgeries and prostate surgeries.
Fertility Preservation Options for Male Cancer Patients
Our oncofertility team can talk with you about fertility preservation treatments and what might be the best option for you. Options may include the following:
Sperm freezing
Sperm freezing, also known as sperm banking, is a safe and effective way to preserve your fertility. It involves collecting and cryopreserving (freezing) a semen sample for future use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is the most common option for fertility preservation for men.
Sperm retrieval techniques
If you choose to freeze your sperm, you may provide a semen sample for freezing by ejaculating in a private room. However, personal beliefs or physical complications can sometimes make this difficult.
For example, a condition called azoospermia prevents sperm from being ejaculated in the semen even though the testicles produce sperm. It is most often caused by a blockage or obstruction (obstructive azoospermia). But it may also occur for other reasons such as genetics or hormonal disorders (nonobstructive azoospermia).
To help with these and other conditions, we offer sperm retrieval techniques customized for your needs, including:
- Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). This procedure uses a small needle and a syringe to extract sperm from the testicles.
- Testicular sperm extraction (TESE). This is a surgical procedure that retrieves sperm from a biopsy of the testicular tissue. It may help men who have obstructive azoospermia.
- Microdissection TESE (microTESE). This is another version of TESE that is performed under a microscope.
- Microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA). This minimally invasive procedure uses a microscope to retrieve sperm from a tube at the back of the testicles called the epididymis. It may help men with certain blockages that prevent sperm from getting released.
- Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). This sperm retrieval procedure may be used for men with nonobstructive azoospermia. It is performed by using a fine needle to obtain sperm.
- Electroejaculation. This technique uses an electric probe positioned against the prostate to stimulate ejaculation. It may be used for men who have spinal cord injuries.
Testicular tissue freezing
Testicular tissue freezing involves preserving a small sample of testicular tissue for potential future sperm retrieval in the future.
Benefits of Male Oncofertility
Having a team behind you to support your future fertility can be an empowering aspect of cancer care. Benefits of male oncofertility can include the following:
- Preserves your genetic potential. It expands your reproductive options and provides a chance to have biological children after cancer treatment.
- Offers flexibility. You can use the frozen sperm whenever you're ready to start a family.
- High success rates. Frozen sperm can be very successful with IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.
- Hope for future family planning. Fertility preservation can help you look beyond your cancer diagnosis and take active steps to achieve your goals of parenthood.
Risks and Side Effects of Fertility Preservation During Cancer Treatment
Our team is committed to ensuring the safety of fertility preservation. Still, there are some potential side effects and risks.
For example, fertility preservation risks can include not finding any sperm. Also, sperm retrieval procedures have the following possible risks:
- Bleeding, infection, and pain can occur.
- Though rare, there is a chance of damaging the testicles.
- Anesthesia used for procedures can carry some risks.
- A drop in testosterone may occur for a small number of men.
Success Rates of Fertility Preservation Techniques for Male Cancer Patients
Sperm banking has been found to have successful reproductive outcomes for many people. But fertility preservation effectiveness can vary – and not all frozen sperm necessarily result in pregnancies.
Fertility preservation success rates with sperm banking can vary based on factors, such as:
- The treatment used (IVF or intrauterine insemination).
- The age, health, and lifestyle of your partner or egg provider.
- The quality of your banked sperm.
Preparing for Fertility Preservation Procedures
Getting oncofertility care before your cancer treatment begins is important. You can feel more confident if you know what fertility preservation preparation involves. Here’s an overview of the different steps and how we can help you with patient preparation:
Consultation
Consultation provides a chance to better understand your fertility status and any patient preparation needed before you move forward. At your first fertility preservation appointment, we will:
- Ask you questions about your cancer type and the protocol for treatment.
- Discuss the possibility of freezing sperm.
- Make recommendations based on your needs and your future reproductive goals.
- Review other options available, such as medications or specialized treatments that can help preserve your fertility for the future.
Medical evaluations
Your physician may order testing to better understand your condition and the possible treatment approaches. For example, this may include a semen analysis to determine if your semen contains sperm. Your doctor may also conduct a physical exam and review your reproductive history.
Steps to take before the procedure
Depending on which procedure you’re having, you may need to take different steps to prepare. For example, surgical sperm retrieval requires that you follow certain instructions about eating, medications, sedation, and more. If you plan to have your sperm frozen, your provider will talk with you about sperm storage facilities that can safely preserve your sperm.
Support Services at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Our team provides patient resources to support you each step of the way in your treatment and beyond. Our support services include:- Counseling. We understand that oncofertility involves more than just physical care. You may also need emotional and personal support as you manage your concerns about cancer treatment and your desire to have a family in the future. Our experts are available to work with you and your family to help answer questions about fertility support and your cancer diagnosis.
- Follow-up care. As a cancer survivor, you may continue to have questions about your health – and it’s natural for new concerns to arise as you pursue parenthood and other life goals. You can count on our expert care providers and our survivorship services to help guide you through your treatment and fertility journey – and beyond.
What Happens After Fertility Preservation?
The next steps after fertility preservation can vary depending on your needs and goals.
If you choose to have your sperm frozen, it will be stored and monitored in a facility that can ensure it is preserved in the proper conditions. Sperm can be stored using cryopreservation for up to decades.
As part of the post-preservation process, your semen will be thawed and analyzed to check for active sperm. Frozen/thawed sperm can be used for procedures such as in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination (ISI).
Your provider can explain more about long-term follow-up and what to expect.
Is Fertility Preservation Covered by Insurance for Male Cancer Patients?
Fertility preservation is not typically covered by insurance. Still, check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. At Sylvester, we offer self-pay and financing options to help make care more accessible.
We’re Here for You
Getting necessary cancer treatment can affect your fertility and future family planning. But you can still pursue your dreams of fatherhood. Our male oncofertility team provides fertility preservation treatments that can help you expand your reproductive options to start a family later in life.
Seeking fertility care before your cancer treatment is crucial. We can help you understand your options and find an approach that’s right for you.
Contact Us: Have questions? Contact our fertility experts today. Call us at 305-243-8642.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
Expertise in male fertility conditions. As part of our comprehensive male fertility care, we offer services such as infertility evaluations and semen analysis to help you assess your options and achieve your fatherhood goals. This thorough approach can identify potential health issues and conditions that may impact your fertility and overall health.
Patient-centered oncofertility care. The ideal approach to fertility preservation varies based on your needs. Factors like age, diagnosis, planned treatment, and time available before treatment all play a role. We believe in individualized, patient-centered care and can discuss both standard and cutting-edge options Additionally, we offer support and guidance if you have completed treatments that might have affected your fertility.
Focus on urgency. Early action is key, particularly when treatments pose a risk to fertility. Our compassionate team works closely with you to explore fertility preservation options and prioritize your consultations in our schedule.
Minimizing stress. Facing a medical condition and its potential impact on fertility can be overwhelming. We work closely with you to understand your specific risks and fertility preservation options. This ensures you receive the best possible care, focusing not just on fighting your current diagnosis, but also on your long-term health and well-being.
Support for every part of your life. Our team of psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, pain management professionals, and others work on behalf of you and your family members. This includes dedicated therapy and health services to support you throughout your treatment and beyond.
Questions? We're here to help.
Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Contact us today.