Sperm freezing before prostate cancer treatment

All men aged 50 years or older needs to know the risk of developing prostate cancer. It is the leading cancer in men globally. One of the easiest and most available methods of detection is the blood test known as Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA, also the cancer is often found during a digital rectal examination (DRE). The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. Men with close relatives who have had prostate cancer are more likely to get it. So it may be linked to genes. Some studies have found that diets high in red meat or high-fat dairy foods seem to slightly increase risk. Studies are being done to see if contact with certain chemicals increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Not all men with prostate cancer need treatment right away. Some may never need treatment. For those who do, there are a number of treatments. These include surgery, external radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and a vaccine. A doctor provider advises a treatment plan to fit each man’s needs based on various factors. Many men who undergo prostate cancer treatments will have fertility problems. Radiation therapy causes a decline in sperm production, usually followed by a complete elimination of sperm production over a period of a few years. Chemotherapy drugs for prostate cancer can also cause male infertility. If maintaining the possibility of fatherhood is important to you, be sure to discuss that with your doctor. Men with low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer may be able to avoid infertility by choosing active surveillance. However, if your cancer requires treatment, sperm can be saved before your treatment by sperm freezing. It is the most successful way for men to preserve fertility before cancer treatment. The sperm will stay frozen, or “banked,” until you need them. Freezing—even for many years—does not damage sperm.

For more information on Sperm Freezing contact Fakih IVF, 800-FAKIH (32544) or click here  for appointments.