Fertility Issues

Some cancer treatments can either temporary or permanently damage the reproductive cells. It is important to discuss this with your cancer doctors and decide whether you wish to bank sperm or eggs for future use.
Most cancer specialists will advise that you wait for a period of 2 years after chemotherapy finishes before starting a family. If you are sexually active it is important to reduce the risk of pregnancy by using a reliable method of contraception. If you are anxious about suspected pregnancy consult your doctor without delay.
The stress of cancer in young women can result in periods stopping. If this happens never assume that you can’t get pregnant.

Most young people, prior to a cancer diagnosis devote their thoughts and energies into having fun, socialising, studying, choosing careers and dreaming of future successes. Understandably little thought is given to the prospect of having children.

For the Boys

To be told that the best treatment to cure you may well rob you of the chance to have children in the future is a devastating blow. In many cases the stress and rush to begin treatment can often cloud fertility issues. It is very important that you understand your personal situation fully.

Unfortunately, because sperm cells are continually being formed, young men having cancer treatments are more susceptible to infertility. This is because rapidly dividing sperm cells are most often affected by anti cancer drugs during cell kill. Infertility can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the type and amount of drugs prescribed for you. Your cancer specialist will be able to discuss the long-term effect of your treatment with you and advise accordingly. Remember to always use contraceptives.

What is Sperm Banking?

Sperm banking is routinely offered to male patients prior to commencement of treatment. The decision to allow a sample of your sperm to be frozen for future use is extremely personal. Indeed you may need to discuss the situation fully with your parents, and /or even your spiritual advisor especially if you have religious or cultural queries. Remember - only you can give consent for this procedure. If you are in a long-term relationship it is important to discuss the situation fully with your partner.

Here in Northern Ireland sperm banking takes place in the Regional Fertility Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The procedure itself can be very embarrassing. This is totally understandable, and most parents will try their best to allay anxiety by reassuring you that this is natural, normal and the only way to save a sample. Dads tend to be especially supportive at this time; after all they deeply appreciate and understand your situation clearly.

Facts

The procedure itself takes place in a small room; every effort possible is taken to ensure that you have privacy.
An assortment of erotic magazines is available and often speeds up the process.
You will be given a small sterile container to store the sample - You Do Not Have To Fill it, 5-10ml is all that is required.
Do not be disappointed if you fail to produce a sample first time - remember it is difficult to perform on command!
The sample will be carefully labelled, examined and frozen until required. There are important legal issues that must be considered at this point. For example, how long can the sample remain frozen? What will happen to the sperm if it is not needed? Ensure that any questions you have are answered to your satisfaction.
Once you have made and are content with your decision, you can begin treatment, secure in the knowledge that you have done everything you can to father a child at a future date.

For the Girls

Facts

Girls are born with hundreds of thousands of ova or eggs. Unlike the males who are continually producing sperm, women produce one egg per month and this reduces the likelihood of fertility damage by cancer treatments significantly.
Some women, unfortunately have to receive treatment whilst pregnant, this is not an ideal situation. However it has and can be done with success. As a rule women are advised not to get pregnant during and for a period of 2 years following treatment. This allows cancer specialists to give the maximum treatment immediately and allows eggs to recover from any side effects of the drugs used before conception.
Your cancer specialists will be able to discuss the likelihood of temporary or permanent egg damage and may refer you to a specialist in assisted reproduction who may be able to collect eggs and freeze them for future use.
Unlike sperm banking, egg banking, is slightly more complicated as there may be a delay before the eggs can be taken. This may have important implications especially if treatment is to be delayed.
In order to make an informed decision, get as much information and guidance as you can from the main specialists before beginning treatment.

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