Does chemotherapy and radiation affect reproductive capabilities? My brother wants to have a baby, but he's in the middle of chemo and radiation for stage 2 colon cancer. Are sperm affected by these treatments?

-- Kristen

Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy often cause irreversible sterility. For chemotherapy, this depends on the drug, the dosage and the duration of therapy. The effect of radiation therapy depends on the area being treated, the total dose of radiation received by the testicle and the period of time over which the treatment is given.

While an FSH level after therapy can often indicate whether fertility may be possible, a discussion about fertility potential should have preceded any treatment. Often if infertility is expected after a particular regimen of therapy, the patient has the option to provide semen specimens that can be frozen for later use. Your brother's own physician is the best person to evaluate the fertility potential after the planned treatment.