The Effects of Chemotherapy On Sperm Health & Male Fertility

Imagine yourself throwing stones across a lake. And each time you flip a stone, it touches the water and creates wide ripples in all directions, right? A similar effect occurs post chemotherapy (often called chemo). 

Apparently, when you complete the treatment, it might feel like you’ve overcome a huge challenge in your life. But, just like those ripples, chemotherapy has broader effects that aren't talked about, particularly on sperm health and male fertility.

Let’s start by understanding what male infertility is.

What Is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is a condition that stops a man from making his partner pregnant after a year of unprotected sex. Nearly 186 million people worldwide face fertility issues. This number includes 48 million couples. In India, male infertility causes 40-50% of couples to struggle with conceiving.^{1 2 3 4}

The reason could be health conditions & treatments like cancer and chemotherapy, surgeries, or consuming medicines for a longer time. These conditions affect sperm health and create issues with sperm production, count, motility and morphology. ⁵

Now let’s delve into how chemotherapy affects male fertility. But before we do, it's important to understand the impact of different cancer treatments on fertility.

Cancer Treatments & Male Fertility

Cancer occurs when body cells grow, multiply and spread quickly without control.⁶ Cancer treatment involves chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. ⁷  But are you aware how these methods work? Let us explain it to you!

• Radiotherapy: 

Radiation therapy targets areas near the abdomen, pelvis, or spine, thus significantly reducing sperm counts and testosterone levels. This drop in levels can lead to infertility in men.  ⁸

• Orchidectomy: 

Orchidectomy is the surgery that involves the removal of testicles (one or both) as a way to treat testicular cancer. Since testicles involves in sperm production, removing this organ can impact a man's ability to father children.  ⁷

• Prostatectomy:

Prostate removal (prostatectomy) is surgery for prostate cancer or problems. The prostate helps in semen production. Thus, removing it can affect a man’s fertility and sexual function. ⁷

• Chemotherapy: 

Let’s explore in detail how it affects fertility in men in the below section.

How Chemotherapy Affects Fertility In Men?

Chemotherapy treatments can have a severe impact on male fertility. Studies show that medications used during chemotherapy can decrease sperm count, lower testosterone levels and affect the sperm's ability to fertilise an egg. ^{9 10} 

However, the impact of chemo treatment on sperm development can either be temporary or permanent depending on some factors. These factors include the type of medication used, the dosage taken, and your current age at the time of treatment. ^{7 9} But if different cancer treatments are combined with chemotherapy, the risk of infertility increases.

This highlights the importance of understanding the effects of chemotherapy and preserving healthy sperm before undergoing cancer treatments.

Having said that, let’s dive into fertility preservation techniques.

Sperm Banking Options 

For men wanting to be dads or facing health challenges, preserving their healthy sperm before any serious treatments can be a good option. It keeps their dream of fatherhood alive, even after chemotherapy.

Here's what you can do:

• Opt For Sperm Banking

Sperm banking is a method that involves the freezing of sperm for future use. ⁹

• Choose Testicular Shielding

This method protects testicles with a safety covering from harmful radiation. ⁹

• Consider Testicular Sperm Extraction (TSE)

The extraction method is for men who are unable to produce semen samples naturally. This involves collecting sperm through a laboratory process for freezing. ^{9 10}

• Explore Testicular Tissue Freezing 

Tissue freezing is particularly for boys under 13, who are at higher risk of infertility. The process involves the extraction and freezing of sperm tissue. ^{9 11}

Note: Always consult a doctor before opting for any of these sperm banking options. They can guide you based on factors like age, type of cancer and procedures.

Conclusion

Fighting cancer can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you have to pause your fatherhood dreams. Though chemotherapy can affect your fertility, you have options to safeguard your future family plans. One of these options is sperm banking. It’s a step that should be discussed with your doctor to make well-informed decisions.

And choosing a reliable sperm bank is essential, too.

Gain insights into your sperm health and become a dad when you are ready. 

For more information visit www.lifecell.in or call 1800 266 5533.

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.