[Autopreservation of semen prior to sterilizing treatment]

Among 511 subjects candidate to autopreservation of semen prior to sterilizing treatment, satisfactory preservation was possible in 40% of patients with Hodgkin's disease and 15% of patients with carcinoma of the testis. This difference in percentage is related to differences in alterations of semen before any treatment. The semen of 9% of the patients was used for insemination; 95% wished that preservation be continued. Spontaneous recovery is possible, notably in carcinoma of the testis. Despite the risk of psychological problems, autopreservation should be recommended in cases with moderate initial alterations of the semen.