Can men have children after cancer treatment?

Sometimes. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer treatments may lower a man's fertility or cause infertility, and these changes may be temporary or permanent. Sometimes fertility returns after treatment, and sometimes it does not — it depends on the specific treatment, the dose and length of treatment, the man's age, the type of cancer, and other factors.

Some treatments carry a higher risk. Certain chemotherapy drugs called alkylating agents can damage sperm and sperm-forming cells, and radiation to the pelvis, brain, or reproductive organs, hormone therapy, some surgeries, and stem cell transplant can also affect fertility.

The National Cancer Institute suggests asking your doctor after treatment about the chances that people who have your treatment are fertile afterward and how long it might take for fertility to return. For men who want to keep the option of biological children, freezing sperm before treatment can help, so it is worth asking about fertility preservation early. Your care team is the best guide to what your treatment may mean for your fertility.