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Fertility

SamanthaN
  • 2 replies
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HI

my partner has just been through chemo then major surgery for Oesophagus cancer then chemo again.  We have a fertility app on 30.09.22 and im stressing about going (this was arranged before we knew he had cancer and its been put back a few times), I don't know if we are wasting the app for someone who may need it as by reading about cancer he will probably be infertile for a few years now even if it ever comes back.  Hes 47 this year and we didn't freeze anything before hand as we were only offered it the day before starting chemo and we freaked out about putting chemo back.  Wondering is this info correct that it could take him 3 to 5 years if it comes back again, should I cancel the appointment?


Thank you

  • Hi

    Welcome to the Online Community here at Macmillan. My name is Paula and I am one of the information nurses.

    I can appreciate your concerns around fertility following your husband’s chemotherapy treatment. It must be a difficult time for you both right now. 

    Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can reduce or stop sperm production, and this can affect fertility. This is usually temporary, but for some people it can be permanent. The effects of chemotherapy on fertility depend on the following: 

    • The drugs someone has – some chemotherapy drugs affect fertility more than others
    • The combination of drugs – having different drugs together may be more likely to affect fertility than having a single drug
    • The dose of the drug –higher doses of chemotherapy are more likely to affect fertility


    Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict when your husband’s fertility may recover as everyone is different. This could happen without either of you being aware of it. After cancer treatment, men can have their semen tested to find out if they are producing healthy sperm. Your husband’s cancer doctor or nurse will tell him how long he should wait after treatment before getting his semen tested. Getting semen tested is the only way to know if fertility has recovered. They can also perhaps give him more information about the chemotherapy he has had and how likely it is to have affected fertility. 

    With regards to the upcoming fertility appointment it may give you both an opportunity to ask more questions about your individual situation so that you can gain more clarity about moving forwards. 

    I hope you find this information helpful. You can also always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support. 

    Take care

    Paula H, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ PH/ DC

  • in reply to Paula H - Macmillan

    Thank you for coming back to me Paula I appreciate it.

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