Options for fertility preservation in men and boys with cancer

Abstract

Fertility is a critical quality of life issue in young men faced with a new diagnosis of malignancy. Fortunately, many options are available for the acquisition and storage of sperm, and fertility preservation is possible in the majority of cases. In this chapter we review the reproductive toxicities of cancer and cancer therapy, and the clinical management of young men whose fertility is threatened by cancer. The optimal utilization of sperm banking and strategies for fertility preservation in men with ejaculatory dysfunction and azoospermia are discussed. Lastly, emerging options for fertility preservation in pre-pubertal boys are reviewed. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.