Radiation therapy, another form of cancer treatment, uses high levels of energy to radiate and kill the cancer cells. It works by destroying genetic material, thus not allowing the cell to grow and divide. Radiation therapy is not able to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells.
When radiation therapy is aimed at the testicles, in order to treat testicular cancer, it can cause infertility, killing the stem cells that normally produce sperm. Radiation to the brain could also affect fertility, as it could damage the parts of the brain which result in testosterone production.
Although it may seem overwhelming, it is important to discuss with one’s doctor, prior to beginning treatment, what effects it may have on one’s fertility, and to learn about options for fertility preservation.