Pelvic radiotherapy may make you unable to father any children (infertile). Your doctor or specialist nurse can talk to you about the likely effects of radiotherapy in your particular case.

Many men find that losing their fertility can be very difficult to come to terms with. In some situations, it may be possible for sperm to be collected before the treatment starts. The sperm can then be stored for use in the future. It is important to talk to your doctor or nurse before your treatment starts. They can advise you about sperm collection and storage.

Contraception

As you may still be producing sperm for some time after the treatment, you will be advised to use condoms during sex. Some doctors recommend you do this for six months and others for up to two years after treatment. This is because sperm produced after treatment may still be fertile but could be damaged. This could cause abnormalities in a child conceived soon after pelvic radiotherapy.