Sperm Banking: Fertility Preservation for Male Patients With Cancer

Sperm banking (SB) involves collecting and freezing sperm for potential future use. It is a simple, noninvasive way for male patients with cancer to preserve their ability to have biologic children. This article provides the information needed by nurses to effectively discuss SB with their patients.

At a Glance

• Certain chemotherapy drugs, as well as testicular exposure to radiation, can impair sperm production.
• Before undergoing treatment that creates a risk of infertility, postpubertal male patients should be informed of their risk and offered the option of SB.
• The oncology team should initiate this discussion and provide patients with referrals to pursue SB, if interested.