The effect on fertility, libido and sexual function of post-operative radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer of the testicle

Abstract

Forty-six patients treated with post-operative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for cancer of the testicle were investigated to study the effect of this adjuvant treatment on fertility, potency and libido. In general, no change occurred in either libido or potency, even when the remaining testis was atrophic. The post-operative treatment was the cause of sterility in 17 patients known to be previously fertile. An atrophic testis after treatment denotes irreversible sterility. Current methods of shielding to protect the normal testis using a cobalt beam are unsatisfactory, and consideration should be given to treating all such patients on a linear accelerator. When normal fertility is retained there is no contraindication to parenthood. No evidence of increased abnormality has been found in any baby born to a man treated for testicular cancer.