Effects on fertility

Some people find that their fertility is affected by treatment for testicular cancer. Learn about how surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can impact fertility, and ways to manage fertility changes.

Surgery

Most men who have had one testicle removed can go on to have children naturally. Men who have both testicles removed (rarely required) will no longer produce sperm and will be infertile. Men who experience retrograde ejaculation after RPLND will also be infertile.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can temporarily decrease sperm production and cause unhealthy sperm. It may take one or more years before there are enough healthy sperm to conceive a child. In some cases, infertility may be permanent.

Managing fertility changes

• Use sperm banking to store sperm before cancer treatment for use at a later date. Samples can be stored for many years. Although there is a cost involved, most sperm-banking facilities have various payment plans to make it more affordable. Ask your cancer specialist to refer you to a fertility specialist so you can find out more about your options.
• Avoid pregnancy until sperm are healthy again by using contraception during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy for about 6–12 months, as advised by your doctor. You may need a sperm analysis test to determine this.
• If infertility appears to be permanent, talk to a counsellor or family member about how you are feeling. Infertility can be very upsetting for you and your family, and you may have many mixed emotions about the future.

For more on this, call Cancer Council 13 11 20, see Fertility and cancer and listen to our podcast on Sex and Cancer.