Sperm Banking: Theory and Practice

It is now routine to offer men the opportunity to bank sperm prior to medical treatments where there is a high risk of testicular damage. This is most notably prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer, although it is becoming increasingly common in other areas of medicine such as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis or in cases of progressive loss of muscular or neurological function. Also, some men elect to bank sperm prior to vasectomy or before embarking on a high-risk activity, such as joining the armed services.

Allan A. Pacey is Senior Lecturer in Andrology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK. Mathew J. Tomlinson is Consultant Scientist in Andrology, Nottingham University Hospital, UK.