Chemotherapy & Infertility

The hallmark of a cancer cell, and what distinguishes it from many other cell types, is that it continuously divides.  This is the quality that chemotherapy drugs attempt to target as they try to distinguish and kill cancer cells.

 

However, sperm cells are constantly dividing and developing as well, and they are thus easy targets for chemotherapy drugs when a patient is undergoing cancer treatment.  If all of the immature cells in the testiles are damaged by the treatment, it could result in permanent infertility if the damage prevents them from producing more sperm cells. In some cases, sperm production will return after treatment ends.

 

There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs, some of which have a higher or lower risk of causing male infertility. 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.  

 

more posts

Hamster Test

The hamster egg penetration test (HEPT) was first developed in the 1970s. It is observed on the observation that upon removal of the zona pellucida of

Analysis of Testicular Biopsy

Non-obstructive azoospermia is diagnosed in cases where no sperm cells can be found in the ejaculate, yet no evidence of a blockage can be seen. 

Stem Cell Therapy

Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) therapy is a cutting-edge approach for treating male infertility. In this approach, sperm stem cells are collected via a testicular biopsy,

Emotional Aspects of Male Fertility

Male infertility affects many aspects of a man’s life and may cause a life crisis. Diagnosis and initiation of treatment are associated with elevated infertility-specific

Skip to content