Fertility preservation is an important consideration for male cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation that can impair fertility. Several methods are available to help preserve fertility:
Step 1: Sperm Banking:
This is the most commonly used method where sperm is collected and frozen before cancer treatment begins. The sperm can later be used for assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Step 2: Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE):
In cases where sperm production is impaired, testicular sperm extraction may be performed. This involves surgically retrieving sperm directly from the testicles, which can then be used in IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Step 3: Hormonal Therapy:
In some cases, hormonal therapy, such as the use of testosterone, may be used to protect spermatogenesis (sperm production) during cancer treatment.