A survey of Irish consultants regarding awareness of sperm freezing and assisted reproduction

Abstract

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy decrease male fertility. Pretreatment semen cryopreservation offers a chance for future fatherhood. However many eligible patients are not referred. One potential reason for the reduced uptake is lack of awareness by referring consultants. We sent a questionnaire to all 41 consultant oncologists, haematologists and urologists listed in the Irish Medical Directory. The questionnaire surveyed the current knowledge, opinions and clinical practices of this key group regarding semen cryopreservation for male cancer patients. 63% responded. 73% routinely discuss semen freezing with their male cancer patients (mostly testicular carcinomas and lymphomas). 100% believe semen cryopreservation helps the patient psychologically. 12% do not know where facilities exist. 92% will only refer men aged between 20 and 40 years. 92% are unaware that semen freezing does not delay cancer treatment. 54% have heard of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) but 88% are unaware of its benefits for patients with low sperm counts. Consultants dealing with male cancer patients do not prioritise future fertility. Most of the consultants surveyed were unaware of the advances in reproductive technology and this may be contributing to underutilization of sperm cryopreservation by male cancer patients. Units offering this service need to increase awareness of its potential benefits.