Fertility treatment and services

Testicular Cancer and Fertility

Testicular cancer and its treatment can affect hormone levels and can also affect your ability to father children after treatment. It’s important to discuss the possible effects with your doctor before starting treatment so you are aware of the risks and what your options might be.

Most boys and men develop cancer in only one testicle. The remaining testicle usually can make enough testosterone (the main male hormone) to keep you healthy. If the other testicle needs to be removed because the cancer is in both testicles or if new cancer develops in the other testicle, you'll need to take some form of testosterone for the rest of your life. Most often this is a gel or patch that's put on your skin or a monthly injection (shot) given in your doctor’s office. If you need testosterone supplements, talk to your doctor about what form is best for you.

Testicular cancer or its treatment can make you infertile (unable to father a child). Before treatment starts, men who might want to father children may consider storing sperm in a sperm bank for later use. But testicular cancer also can cause low sperm counts, which could make it hard to get a good sample.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

If caught early, testicular cancer is very treatable. However, it is best to make plans if you want children at some point in the future. Sometimes, if one testicle is unaffected by cancer, fertility can return after treatment is over. In a typical case, fertility may return about two years after chemotherapy is completed.

Testicular cancer can cause infertility months before it is diagnosed, especially if tumours block or damage the parts of the testes that create sperm. It can also cause genetic damage to sperm cells and cause changes in testosterone levels. About half of the men who undergo treatment for testicular cancer see a return of their fertility about two years after treatment.

Banking your sperm before treatment is one of the best options for men with testicular cancer. If your fertility does not return, you still have the choice to use your sperm samples to start your family. Chawla Nursing Home provides everything you need to collect and bank your sperm on-site safely and securely.

Keep your options for starting a family open with Chawla Nursing Home. We provide a variety of treatments and services for those experiencing fertility issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.