The Top Three Candidates for Male Fertility Preservation
Because male fertility is not as directly affected by age as female fertility, efforts to preserve or “save” male fertility often go unnoticed. Male fertility preservation may not be essential for every man who hopes to build his family in the future, but there are certain candidates for which the procedure would be greatly beneficial -- they may just be unaware that they have that option. No one can predict the future, but education, planning and taking proactive measures can go a long way toward ensuring that you will be able to have biologically-linked children.
Who can benefit from fertility preservation?
1. Members of the military - Preserving fertility prior to deployment is an important consideration for both male and female military members. Deployment can pose a variety of potential risks, including serious injury to the groin or spine that can prevent natural conception or make it less likely without the assistance of a fertility specialist.
2. Those facing a cancer diagnosis - Planning for the future after a cancer diagnosis can seem counterproductive, as the immediate need is likely laser-focused on treatment over the upcoming weeks and months. However, in the immediate aftermath of this life-changing diagnosis, fertility should be among the chief concerns of those who hope to have children later in life. Chemotherapy and radiation can harm a person’s fertility in the long term, so having the option to use frozen sperm post-cancer treatment is an opportunity to consider as soon as possible. Patients are advised to speak with their oncologist or other specialist about fertility preservation and cancer treatment.
3. Those who practice extreme sports - Extreme sports may be an adrenaline rush, but they also pose some extreme risks. Even with proper precaution and planning, injury to the groin or spine could damage your fertility. Those who consistently practice extreme sports and plan to continue to do so should consider preserving their fertility in the event of a serious injury.
Again, we cannot predict what the future may bring, but we can do our best to plan. Fertility preservation, or sperm freezing, offers men the chance to have a “backup plan” should they no longer be able to conceive on their own, whether because of a fertility-impacting injury or medication designed to save their lives. If you are considering male fertility preservation or if you would like to learn more about your options, please contact the Fertility Center of California today.
