When you are first diagnosed with a medical condition, it can feel overwhelming. You might be navigating decisions about your treatment plan, going to lots of appointments, and trying to adjust to a new “normal.”
On top of that, you might be worried about potential side effects and how your illness and treatments might impact you, both now and in the future.
One of the topics that may come up is your fertility. This guide is designed to help make conversations about fertility and having children a little easier.
Not everything in this guide will apply to your situation. Some options may not fit with your treatment plan. However, understanding your choices can help you make a plan that works for you.
Fertility refers to your body’s ability to father a child. For males, fertility is primarily about the ability to make healthy sperm that can fertilize an egg. When something interferes with your reproductive system and prevents you from getting your partner pregnant, this is called infertility.
Your medical condition or its treatment might impact your reproductive system and how it functions. Fertility preservation involves taking steps to protect your fertility so you have better chances of fathering children in the future.
To understand fertility, it’s important to know how the male reproductive system works. You may have learned about this in school or talked about it with someone before. Even if you don’t see yourself having children, your reproductive system is still a key part of your overall health.
Here’s a quick overview of the male reproductive system:
Parts of your reproductive system
The male reproductive system includes the testicles (testes), scrotum, penis, urethra, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate.
- Testicles (Testes): The testicles are two oval-shaped organs located in the scrotum. They make testosterone and sperm.
- Scrotum: The scrotum is a sack of skin that holds and protects the testicles. It also keeps them at the right temperature to make sperm.
- Penis: The penis is the part of the male body used for urination and reproduction. It delivers sperm into the female body during sex.
- Urethra: A tube that runs through the penis to transport urine and semen.
- Epididymis: The epididymis is a coiled tube at the back of each testicle. It stores and matures sperm.
- Vas deferens: The vas deferens is a long tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
- Seminal vesicles and prostate: These glands make fluids that combine with sperm to form semen.
The brain also plays a role in reproduction. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland release chemical messages called hormones to tell your body to make sperm and testosterone.
Puberty is the stage in life when your body undergoes physical and hormonal changes that prepare you for adulthood. This typically occurs between the ages of 9 and 16 for males.
During puberty, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland signal the testicles to produce testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that helps your body grow and develop during puberty. It triggers changes such as the growth of facial and body hair, a deeper voice, and the production of sperm.
Sperm production and fertility
Sperm are tiny cells made by the testicles. If a sperm and egg join together, it can result in a pregnancy. Sperm production begins at puberty and continues throughout your life.
From the testicles, sperm move to the epididymis, a coiled tube where they are stored and continue to mature. During sexual activity, sperm travel through the vas deferens, a tube that carries them to the urethra. Along the way, sperm mix with seminal fluid to create semen. When a person reaches orgasm, semen is released through the urethra in a process called ejaculation.
Fertility depends on several factors, including:
- The number of sperm you produce (sperm count)
- The shape of the sperm (morphology)
- The ability of the sperm to move effectively (motility)
How treatment can affect fertility
Your illness or its treatment may impact your reproductive system, leading to problems with fertility such as:
- A decrease in sperm count or quality
- Hormonal changes that affect sperm production
- Damage to the testicles or other parts of the reproductive system
Some changes may be temporary and go away after treatment. Other changes could be long-term or permanent.
It’s important to discuss how your treatment might affect your fertility with your care team so you can explore your options.
What are some fertility preservation options?
The options available to preserve your fertility depend on factors such as your age, treatment plan, and overall health.
Here are some possible options for males:
Other options for having children later
If fertility preservation isn’t possible or effective, there are still ways to have children, such as using donor sperm or adoption.
You may also decide that having children isn’t the right choice for you, and that’s okay too. Only you can decide what’s best for your future.
Your care team can help you navigate these decisions and make the best choice for your future.
