pediatric oncology centers and cannot be done in prepubertal males. Electroejacula- tion is another option available if a young man is not able to masturbate and provide a sperm sample. It is typically performed under anesthesia. A small electrical current is applied to the rectum to stimulate an ejaculation. With all three options, the sperm are observed underneath a microscope before freezing to make certain live sperm are stored. Insurance may or may not cover these options and there are yearly storage fees to keep sperm specially frozen. Additionally, there will be mandatory laboratory tests. Insurance may not pay for these tests. The billing specialists working with the fertility preservation team will be able to provide you information regarding costs as well as check your individual insurance coverage. It is best to ask about coverage and pay- ment rather than assuming that insurance or cost might prevent fertility preservation.
n REPRODUCTIVE OPTIONS FOR SURVIVORS OF CANCER
Survivors of childhood cancer have several options to have children. Talking with a re- productive specialist may be helpful for adult survivors of childhood cancer who want to have children. Resources exist to offer support, edu- cation, financial guidance, and information to survivors of cancer to help them find ways to have children.
Fertile Hope, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and Livestrong are organizations that can provide support and information for cancer survivors who are dealing with reproductive issues. The most important thing is to remember is to have early fertility testing including an early referral to doctors who specialize in fertility problems. Male survivors of childhood cancer who have fertility problems after treatment may still be able to have children. Males who froze their sperm before beginning cancer treatment will have it available for use. Other ways include an operation to remove available sperm from the testes, using donor sperm from a sperm bank, and pursuing adoption.
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