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Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Oncologists' knowledge and practice towards sperm cryopreservation in Arabic communities
Danny M Rabah1, Iman H Wahdan, Abdelmalek Merdawy
1Princess Al Johara AlIbrahim Center for Cancer Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Cancer Survivorship : Research and Practice
|July 24, 2010
Summary
Oncologists in Saudi Arabia show a positive attitude towards sperm cryopreservation for cancer patients, despite limited knowledge of fertility preservation options. Enhancing awareness can improve referrals and benefit cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Cancer treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy can impair male fertility.
- Sperm cryopreservation before treatment offers a fertility preservation option for male cancer patients.
- Assessing oncologists' awareness and views on sperm banking is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the awareness and perceptions of sperm cryopreservation among oncologists in Saudi Arabia.
- To understand oncologists' referral practices for fertility preservation in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, perception, and referral practices.
- Oncologists from three regions in Saudi Arabia participated in the survey.
- A 57% response rate was achieved.
Main Results:
- Only 50% of oncologists were aware of intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
- Less than 20% referred patients to fertility specialists.
- Sperm cryopreservation was rated highly important (7.8/10), with cancer type, patient age, and marital status being key considerations.
Conclusions:
- Oncologists in Saudi Arabia generally hold a favorable view of sperm banking for cancer patients.
- There is a notable gap in knowledge regarding available fertility management options.
- Increased awareness can lead to better referral rates and improved outcomes for cancer survivors.
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