How Does Cancer Treatment Affect Sperm Production?
Your testicles are responsible for producing both testosterone (the male hormone) and sperm. So, while chemotherapy may not affect your testosterone level, it may reduce your sperm count. In fact, it is quite probable that you will experience some period of infertility after chemotherapy. High doses of chemotherapy, such as those given before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may cause permanent sterility. Radiation therapy , particularly whole-body irradiation or radiation aimed at or near a man’s testicles, may also affect sperm production. Some cancer surgeries, such as those for prostate or testicular cancer, require men to have parts of their reproductive system removed. These surgeries may damage the nerves important for normal ejaculation.
