| |
|
Information on Preserving Fatherhood through Sperm Banking
How does cancer treatment affect my sperm?
Some chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical treatments for cancer may reduce or
stop your body from making sperm. There is a risk of infertility as a permanent
long-term effect from treatment.
What is sperm banking?
Sperm is frozen or "cryopreserved". All sperm activity is halted until it is
thawed.
What happens to my sperm when it is thawed?
The goal is that your sperm in the specimen will become active again and can be
used for artificial insemination purposes.
What is the cost of banking my sperm?
Costs depend on the facility you chose. Generally, there are charges for:
-
Processing - there are cost for testing and freezing each of your specimens.
-
Yearly storage fee - this depends on the number of specimens stored.
-
Withdrawl fee - you will be charged a fee when you are ready to use the
specimen.
-
Transportation fees - if necessary, for the specimens to get to the facility.
Some insurance policies may coverthe cost of your sperm banking.
To assist you in making a decision about whether to not to bank your sperm:
-
Discuss sperm banking with your oncologist and nurse.
-
Ask to speak with a social worker if you have money or transportation concerns.
-
Contact your insurance company to see if your policy covers the costs of sperm
banking.
-
Contact a fertility clinic(s) for inforamtion, such as those listed below:
-
Astra Fertility Clinic, Mississauga, 1-866-962-7872
-
Centre for Reproductive Care, Hamilton, 1-905-521-5080
-
Ottawa Hospital, Fertility Centre, Ottawa, 1-877-508-4440
-
ReproMed, Etobicoke, 1-416-233-1212Centre for Reproductive Care, Hamilton,
1-905-521-5080
-
Ottawa Hospital, Fertility Centre, Ottawa, 1-877-508-4440
-
ReproMed, Etobicoke, 1-416-233-1212
For a complete listing of fertility clinics in Ontario:
www.familyhelper.net
|
