In this era when advanced treatment modalities are available for cancer treatment. Fertility preservation in men becomes an important issue. Cryopreservation of ejaculated semen is a well-established technique. This option should be offered to all postpubertal boys and adults undergoing gonadotoxic treatment.
Successful sperm collection after masturbation has been reported for boys aged 12 years and older. In one study of over 4000 adolescents and young adults, successful sperm collection by masturbation was performed in 81% of 11 to 14 year olds, 91% of 15 to 17 year olds, and 95 % of 18 to 20 year olds. For boys and men receiving radiation therapy only, gonadal shielding may be an option if sperm collection is not possible. Suppression of testicular function during chemotherapy by administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists has not been successful and is not…
