Fertility in men with testicular germ cell tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of fertility or infertility in men before and after treatment for unilateral testicular cancer. The results were compared with the lifetime prevalence of infertility in the general population (20%-28%).


METHODS
Survey.


METHODS
University referral center for testicular cancer.


METHODS
Two hundred twenty-six patients treated for testicular cancer.


METHODS
Questionnaire on fertility and fertility-related factors before and after treatment of disease.


METHODS
Prevalence of fertility before and after treatment for testicular cancer.


RESULTS
Before the cancer was diagnosed, 79 (66%) of 120 couples who attempted to conceive succeeded within 1 year. After treatment, 38 (43%) of 88 couples conceived within 1 year. Seven couples used cryopreserved sperm to conceive a child after treatment. The different treatment modalities did not significantly influence the outcome of patients' wish for children. Congenital malformations were recorded in approximately 4% of the children born before or after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the majority of the patients with testicular cancer have a fulfilled wish with regard to children, it seems to be more difficult to father a child after treatment compared with the case in the general population. Because it is not possible to predict which patient will have fertility problems after treatment, cryopreservation should be offered to every testicular cancer patient. An increased risk for congenital malformations was not observed.
Spermon
J Roan
JR
Department of Urology, University Medical Center Nijmegen, The, Nijmegen, Netherlands. r.spermon@uro.azn.nl
Kiemeney
Lambertus A L M
LA
Meuleman
Eric J H
EJ
Ramos
Liliana
L
Wetzels
Alex M M
AM
Witjes
J Alfred
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology; D004542:Ejaculation; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D018237:Germinoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*