Restoring fertility in men after cancer treatment

Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can have a negative impact on the fertility of both men and women. A common issue for men after cancer treatment is the decrease in sperm quality, which affects the ability to conceive. However, modern medical approaches offer many methods to restore fertility and prevent a diagnosis of male infertility.

How to improve sperm quality after treatment

After cancer treatment, men often notice a decrease in sperm count and a decline in motility. To improve sperm quality and increase the chances of conception, it is important to consider several key aspects.

1. A balanced diet

A healthy lifestyle starts with a good diet. Studies show that foods rich in antioxidants (vegetables, fruits, nuts, green tea, dark chocolate) can have a positive effect on restoring spermatogenesis. For example, a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Biology showed that antioxidants improve sperm quality in patients who have undergone cancer treatment. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to improving sperm quality.

2. Antioxidants, supplements, and vitamins

Oxidative stress is one of the key factors in the deterioration of sperm. After cancer treatment, men often experience an increase in free radical levels, which negatively affects the spermatogenesis process. Taking antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress and improve spermatogenesis. Some of the most effective antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, and L-carnitine.

Modern research also shows that zinc and folic acid can have a positive effect on improving sperm quality by helping to increase sperm count and motility. Additionally, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also contribute to improving fertility.

3. Healthy lifestyle and reproductive health

Moderate physical activity, healthy and regular sleep, stress management, and avoiding bad habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are important aspects for improving sperm quality. Regular moderate exercise stimulates blood circulation, which helps improve fertility. Reducing stress, whether through relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing exercises, yoga) or psychological support, also plays an important role in restoring fertility.

Medical methods for restoring fertility

1. Hormone therapy

A hormonal imbalance often occurs after cancer treatment. This imbalance can have negative effects on the spermatogenesis process and on fertility in general. In this case, the doctor may prescribe hormone therapy to restore normal testosterone levels in the body and help improve sperm quality and count. However, it is important to keep in mind that hormone therapy can have side effects such as mood changes, reduced energy, and potential cardiovascular issues.

2. Sperm cryopreservation

If a patient is considering treatment that could potentially affect their fertility, it is recommended that they undergo sperm cryopreservation before starting their therapy. Cryopreservation is a method of storing sperm in liquid nitrogen for later use in in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is one of the most reliable ways to preserve fertility for the future, especially if the treatment involves chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can cause irreversible changes to the reproductive system.

3. Microsurgical methods

In cases of significant damage to the reproductive system, microsurgical techniques may be used. These procedures include improving the permeability of the reproductive system or extracting sperm directly from testicular tissue. These techniques are useful in cases where sperm cannot be detected in the ejaculate but are produced in the testes. Microsurgery can significantly increase the chances of conception, especially when modern assisted reproductive techniques are used, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

4. Sperm donation

In advanced cases of male infertility, sperm donation may also be considered as an alternative. This method can be used when restoring fertility is impossible or unlikely, but the desire to have a child remains.