Chemotherapy can affect a man's ability to have children but the chemotherapy drugs and doses normally used for treating testicular teratoma only affect fertility in a minority of men. In some men who require more than the usual doses and extra drugs because the disease was not successfully treated the first time, or it has come back, it is more likely that the chemotherapy will affect their fertility.

It is quite common for men with testicular cancer to have reduced fertility before beginning treatment for reasons that are not known. Also certain operations that men with testicular cancer sometimes undergo, such as removal of the glands at the back of the abdomen may affect fertility.

It is not advisable to father a child while having this chemotherapy treatment as it may harm the developing foetus. It is important to use effective contraception whilst taking these drugs and for at least a few months afterwards.

You should be offered sperm storage before your treatment. Usually you will collect 3 or 4 specimens over a week to 10 days and the sperm is then frozen until you need it.

You should discuss your concerns with your specialist. S/he will be able to help you find a fertility clinic that can store sperm for you. It may be helpful to try and speak with your specialist sooner rather than later, as this will give you more time to collect samples and prevent any unnecessary delay to your treatment.