Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer increases a man’s risk of becoming infertile. And sometimes, this susceptibility comes from the medication. Doctors usually inform a patient of these risks from cancer or the treatment. If there is an alternative method that is less risky, you will be told.
Testicular cancer in most males usually affects one testicle. Luckily, the remaining one can produce sufficient testosterone, which is the chief male hormone for a healthy reproductive system. Sometimes cancer develops on the other testicle, or both are affected. You have to rely on external testosterone supplements for the rest of your life. It may be some form of a patch, gel, or a monthly injection. You can discuss it with your doctor on the best testosterone booster.
The treatment can render you infertile for a period or permanently. Some men opt to seek the services of a fertility bank for future use before their treatment begins. However, testicular cancer sometimes affects the victim’s sperm count, and you may not be able to get a good sample.
Infertility can also come later for young boys who have or had testicular cancer. If the boy is in his teenage years, storing their sperm may be the best bet. Frozen sperm can last years, and they may at least have a shot on a biological baby. Scientists are working on methods that will give the same chance to younger boys.
Fortunately, some patients get back their fertility after treatment stops. Most get back their potency about two years after finishing their chemo.
Radiotherapy doesn’t cause any significant harm to your sperm cells, but you can still choose to store your sperm. Remember, some hospitals can store your sperm for free if they have such a facility. Sometimes you will have to pay for it. But other times, the male may have been infertile even before the treatment.
If the doctor doesn’t bring the risks of testicular cancer and its treatment, it is your onus to bring talk about it.