Many men regain their ability to have children after cancer treatment. But for 15-30% of cancer survivors, their fertility is permanently affected. Since it is hard to tell who will be affected and who won’t be, you may want to consider banking your sperm so that you have the ability to choose in the future.
- Men who have banked their sperm say that it gave them hope for the future.
- When you get a cancer diagnosis, sperm banking is not always at the top of the list of things to think about, but many men are glad that they take the time to think about it.
- It’s normal to be overwhelmed, angry and sad after receiving a cancer diagnosis. There’s a lot to think about, and so many decisions to make.
- Try to see the banking process as an investment in your future.
- Many people have been through this before. You’re not alone.
- When you get a cancer diagnosis, sperm banking is not always at the top of the list of things to think about, but many men are glad that they take the time to think about it.
- Banking sperm may be less complicated than you think.
- Sperm banking does not have to take time away from cancer treatment.
WHAT’S THE EVIDENCE?
A study of male cancer patients from 24 fertility facilities across Canada found that it was possible to book an appointment to bank their sperm within 1 to 4 days. 80% of these clinics reported that they could give appointments within 48 hours of referral.Yee, S., Buckett, W., Campbell, S., Yanofsky, R. A., & Barr, R. D. (2013). A national study of the provision of oncology sperm banking services among Canadian fertility clinics. European Journal of Cancer Care, 22(4), 440-449.
What are the benefits and health risks of sperm banking?
- Men who have banked sperm often say that they were happy to know that their fertility will be preserved, giving them the chance to be a biological parent one day. This gave them hope for the future.
- There are no physical risks or side effects to sperm banking.
