What Are the Effects of Chemotherapy on the Sperm?

Chemotherapy is commonly used in killing cancer cells, and can be a great benefit in fighting cancer. However, chemotherapy can have harmful effects on other aspects of the body, including male fertility. Male fertility is commonly affected by chemotherapy and should be discussed with a doctor.

Temporary Infertility

• Temporary infertility caused by chemotherapy drugs is possible. Chemotherapy can cause the sperm to have trouble fertilizing the egg, and can decrease the overall sperm count. Typically, infertility will improve once chemotherapy has ceased; however, there are some cases in which permanent infertility occurs.

Types of Infertility

• Chemotherapy can be the source of temporary infertility in more ways than one. In addition to the reduction in sperm count, it can also effect ejaculation and erection due to the negative effects on the genital area.

Conception

• Conception during chemotherapy is unsafe for the possible fetus. The drugs that are used in therapy can transfer into the sperm, therefore creating harmful risks for the fetus conceived from infected sperm.

Wait Time

• It generally takes approximately one to three years for a man to have healthy sperm after chemotherapy, but it may take up to nine years. The health of semen can be verified by having a semen analysis.

Freezing Sperm

• Men who are undergoing chemotherapy may consider freezing healthy sperm prior to undergoing treatment. Keeping healthy sperm frozen can be very beneficial for childbearing in cases when male infertility is permanent due to chemotherapy treatments.