You can Still be a Father if you are a Cancer Warrior/ Survivor
If you are a cancer warrior/ survivor, you are likely to ponder if your fertility would be affected and would you ever experience to be a father
The recent advancements in medicine have arouse hope that lot of boys and men can get cured or recover from cancer. However, the cancer therapies/treatments may often lower man’s fertility or cause infertility.
Hence, it is very important to know how a man or a boy can still have a family with his partner or future partner respectively and be a father to a kid(s). You (along with partner) can discuss these concerns with the best fertility specialist at Ova Fertility Clinic, before the cancer treatment begins. Here is all the necessary information on preserving male fertility.
What is cryopreservation of sperm?
Cryopreservation is also known as semen banking or sperm freezing. This technique involves freezing and thawing of semen in an inactive frozen state in liquid nitrogen at -196ºC, without affecting its viability. It is a very well-established procedure in the IVF centers. Upon requirement the semen is thawed and used for treatment.
How will my sperm be collected?
A sperm sample is to be produced by masturbation. To avoid any embarrassing situations, such specialized facilities are available at Ova Fertility Clinic, where you can produce a sample in a designated private area.
Will I have to do any specialized tests before I can freeze my sperm?
You need to undergo blood tests for infection screening like HIV, HBsAg, HCV and VDRL, which are available at all renowned labs and also at the fertility clinic.
How can I use my stored Sperm?
Your stored sperm can be used in future whenever you plan to have a family with your partner. You may do so through Ova Fertility Clinic.
Stored sperm can be used in various simple to advanced fertility procedures like
For best advice on the right procedure in your case, you and your partner should jointly consult the Fertility Specialist.
For what duration can my sperm be stored?
As per medical reasoning, the statutory maximum time frame for storing sperm is 55 years. There is a maintenance cost valid for every one year and you will have to renew it each year.
Are there any legal obligations for storing sperm?
According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) guidelines, you need to give a formal written consent for storage of your sperm with the requisite listed details on the time frame that it must be stored for, the purpose for it can be used, the name of a partner, any specific wish about the created embryos, adding specific conditions in case of death/incapability of changing/revoking consent.
It is likely that different immediate/future priorities may arouse during your cancer treatment, hence, there is an option to withdraw or vary any of the declared consents at fertility clinic.
Does cancer treatment always affect man’s fertility in long run?
The recovery of sperm function after the cancer treatments may vary with different individual. Some men may recover and some may remain unfertile. Thereby it is highly imperative that you along with your partner meet a fertility specialist and discuss all possibilities in detail for your better future.
“Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change”
If you are already undergoing cancer treatment and feel that you missed this piece of information earlier, you can still consult a fertility specialist at a good fertility clinic to possibly preserve your future.
