Brachytherapy is a commonly employed technique in the treatment of all prostate cancer risk groups. It delivers a high radiation localised to the prostate gland. The effects of this on fertility have not been systematically studied. An increasing number of younger men for whom fertility is an issue are being diagnosed with prostate cancer and may be offered brachytherapy amongst their treatment choices. This study therefore addresses this issue with a systematic evaluation of sperm count and quality before and after both high dose rate and low dose rate brachytherapy.
Age
18–any
Sex
MALE
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
You may be eligible if
Male
18 years or older
Receiving brachytherapy monotherapy; High or Low dose rate
Ability to ejaculate
Able to provide written informed consent
You may not be if
History of infertility or vasectomy
Previous chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy
Prior use of androgen deprivation therapy
5 alpha-reductase inhibitors within the last 4 months
Alpha blockers within 7 days of semen collection
Clareo Health | Fertility After Prostate Brachytherapy
