Table 1.

Fertility Preservation Options for Males

Sperm Banking (freezing of sperm)
Ejaculation: Semen specimen obtained by masturbation Electroejaculation: Semen specimen obtained by electrical stimulation of ejaculation; a mild electrical current is emitted from a rectal probe positioned over the prostate gland; performed by a reproductive urologist under anesthesia Testicular sperm extraction: Small pieces of testicular tissue are removed by biopsy or aspiration; tissue examined for sperm to be extracted directly from the tubules; performed by a reproductive urologist under anesthesia
Testicular Tissue Freezing
Small pieces of testicular tissue are removed by biopsy; performed by a reproductive urologist under anesthesia Experimental The only option for pre-pubertal males Technique for future use could be re-implantation of tissue or in vitro maturation of sperm; no children have yet been born using frozen testicular tissue
Testicular Shielding
For use in males receiving pelvic or inguinal radiation without intent to treat the testes A clam shell like device is positioned around the scrotal sac each day of treatment to reduce testicular exposure to radiation

Note. Information from (13–19)