Cryopreservation Sperm Preservation The WVU Center for Reproductive Medicine offers a way for a man to still father children, even if an illness or its treatment severely affects his fertility. Sperm can be frozen and preserved indefinitely and then thawed to use for impregnating a partner. What treatments can affect fertility? Treatments that may affect a man's fertility include chemotherapy radiation some surgeries The closer radiation treatment is to the testicles, the higher the risk of infertility. What cancers can affect fertility? Testicular cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and other kinds of cancer may also affect a man’s ability to reproduce. Endocrine tumors, thyroid cancer, brain tumors, acromegaly, Cushing’s disease, and virilizing adrenal tumors can cause infertility in rare instances. Recent surgery, fever, or physical stress from cancer can also affect semen quality. Who is eligible? The sperm preservation program is available to any post-pubescent male cancer patient whose treatment may affect his ability to reproduce. Every patient’s situation is different. Ask your doctor if this program would be suitable for you. How does it work? After diagnosis, you or your physician should contact WVU’s Center for Reproductive Medicine at 304-598-3100 as soon as possible. Our experts determine the ideal number of samples needed. In many cases, one or two samples may be sufficient. When should I start the program? Men should start making sperm deposits as soon after their diagnosis as possible to produce an adequate supply to achieve a pregnancy. How much does it cost? Sperm preparation, banking, and yearly storage are provided at a cost significantly lower than the national average. WVU Health Report: Male Infertility Part 1 WVU Health Report: Male Infertility Part 2