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Male Reproductive Health Issues

Some male childhood cancer patients may have problems with their reproductive functions because of certain treatments they received. Reproductive functions include the production of sperm and male hormones and the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.

The effect, if any, depends on the:

  • Tissues and organs involved in the cancer or treatment
  • Type, dosage, and combination of treatments 
  • Age at the time of therapy

Treatments are available for many conditions that affect the reproductive system.

Testes are part of the male endocrine system. When boys enter puberty, the pituitary gland releases two hormones that tell the testes to produce sperm and testosterone.

Testes are part of the male endocrine system. When boys enter puberty, the pituitary gland releases two hormones that tell the testes to produce sperm and testosterone.

Cancer treatments that may affect male health

  1. Chemotherapy

    Alkylating Drugs
    		 Heavy Metal Drugs
    Non-classical alkylators

  2. Radiation

    Radiation therapy to the pelvic area, reproductive organs, and pituitary gland in the brain may affect a patient’s fertility.

    Testicular/pelvic/ total body radiation

    Sperm-producing cells are highly sensitive to radiation therapy. Males who have radiation to the pelvic area are at risk for low sperm count.

    Testosterone-producing cells are more resistant to the effects of radiation and chemotherapy unless given in high doses. But if males receive high doses of radiation, testosterone deficiency could occur.

    Brain/ hypothalamus/ pituitary gland

    Brain radiation can harm the pituitary gland in the brain. The pituitary gland produces 2 hormones needed for the testicles to function correctly – FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).

    High levels of radiation to this area of the brain can lead to low levels of these hormones. FSH stimulates growth of testicles and the production of a protein that aids in sperm production. LH causes the production of testosterone.

    Pelvic radiation and alkylating agent combination

    The combination of pelvic radiation and high doses of alkylating agents causes the highest risk of damage to the ability to produce sperm.

  3. Surgery

    Surgical procedures that may cause infertility or disrupt normal sexual functioning include:

    • Tumors and/or surgery that result in damage to the pituitary gland can cause the testes to stop working due to deficiency in LH and FSH; this condition is called central hypogonadism.
    • Removal of both testicles — This procedure will result in infertility and testosterone deficiency.
    • Pelvic surgery (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection-RPLND) or spinal surgery — The procedure may result in nerve damage that prevents the ejaculation of sperm.
    • Removal of prostate or bladder — Either of these procedures may result in difficulties achieving an erection or ejaculation.
    • Spinal surgery or removal of a tumor near the spinal cord — These procedures may cause nerve damage that affect the ability to have an erection or ejaculate.

Problems that may occur

  1. Testosterone deficiency

    The condition is also known as hypogonadism. It can delay puberty (no signs of puberty after age 14 years) or cause it to stall (no progress in puberty) in affected young boys.

    After puberty, it may cause problems with:

    • Muscle development and strength
    • Bone strength
    • Distribution of body fat
    • Sex drive
    • Ability to have erections

  2. Problems With Sexual Functioning

    Men may have problems with having and maintaining an erection or with ejaculation of sperm.

  3. Infertility

    Infertility in men is the inability to fertilize an egg to cause a pregnancy. Infertility will be permanent for males who had both testicles removed. They will no longer be able to produce sperm. Infertility following radiation is generally permanent.

    Infertility is unrelated to sexual function. In some men there are no physical signs or symptoms of infertility. Others may notice a decrease in the size or firmness of the testicles.

    Males who have had one testicle removed may not have problems with fertility or testosterone deficiency. But these men should protect the remaining testicle from injury. They can wear an athletic supporter with a protective cup when participating in activities that could injure to the groin area.

What survivors can do

It is important that boys who are at risk for reproductive health problems have a yearly check-up that includes checking of growth and the progress of puberty.

Males at risk for reproductive health problems should have blood test to check their hormone levels. These blood tests may include levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone. If the health care provider sees problems in these areas, he or she may refer the survivor to an:

  • Endocrinologist – hormone specialist. Boys who have had both testicles removed should have regular checkups with an endocrinologist starting at about age 11.
  • Urologist – specialist in the male reproductive organs
  • Fertility specialist – a physician with additional training in reproduction

Addressing testosterone deficiency

If testosterone deficiency is suspected, testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended. Testosterone is available in skin patches, injections, and topical gel. An endocrinologist will determine which form of therapy is best.

Infertility options

Sexually mature males who are concerned about possible infertility should have a semen analysis. If sperm counts are low or not present, the test should be checked more than once. Sperm counts may recover over time. Also, sperm count can vary from day to day.

Not all insurance companies cover this procedure. Survivors should check before having the test.

Treatment options for infertility or low sperm count are available. Males who banked sperm before treatment should consult with a fertility specialist when ready to father children.

Continue to use birth control

Men should not rely on low, or absent, sperm counts to prevent pregnancy, as pregnancy can occur with low sperm counts.

For more information, visit the Children’s Oncology Group’s Male Health Issues after Cancer Treatment.

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Together does not endorse any branded product mentioned in this article.

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Reviewed: June 2020

Related Content

  • Protecting Fertility in Male Patients

    Certain childhood cancer treatments can affect a male patient’s ability to father children in the future. Families should ask about the impact on fertility before therapy starts.

  • Endocrine Late Effects

    Some childhood cancers and treatments can affect the development and functioning of the endocrine system.

  • Female Reproductive System Problems

    Some female childhood cancer survivors may experience problems with their reproductive health — menstrual periods, pregnancy, and childbearing — because of certain treatments they received.