Private MD News

Researchers identify best prostate cancer treatment for preserving fertility

Category: Infertility Testing-Male

After undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, many men learn from FSH testing that they have diminished fertility. Given the fact that a growing number of middle-aged men are being treated for the disease, the problem may affect a large portion of individuals who may have considered fatherhood.

However, a new study from a team of French researchers suggests that a form of radiation treatment for prostate cancer known as brachytherapy may better preserve a man's sexual function, compared to other common treatments for prostate cancer.

For the study, the researchers tested the semen quality of four men between the ages of 43 and 61 who recently underwent brachytherapy. Each of the participants had partners of child-bearing age. The results showed that these individuals had semen quality sufficient for fertilizing an egg.

The team said their findings could be useful for informing men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer of the various risks associated with different therapies. The study could also help prevent unintended pregnancies in the partners of men who have been treated for the condition who may have believed their fertility was diminished.