Cancer Health Center

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Chemotherapy for nonseminoma testicular cancer has been linked to serious long-term side effects including infertility and an increased risk for kidney damage, hearing loss, and secondary cancers such as leukemia.² But these long-term side effects have been linked to higher doses of chemotherapy than are usually given for the treatment of stage I nonseminoma testicular cancers.

Most men diagnosed with testicular cancer are younger than 35. So men who are going to have chemo may decide to bank their sperm ahead of time if they want to father children in the future. Talk to your doctor about any fertility concerns you may have.

For a short time after chemo, some men may have problems getting erections, and some may have less desire for sex.

Some chemotherapy drugs can cause birth defects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about birth control before your treatment begins.