Trying for a baby but recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Can we still try or do we need to wait until I've had treatment?

I recently have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was married at the end of August and have just had the radio active pet scan today 9th October ,,

can we still try for a baby ?

Or do we need to wait until I’ve had my treatment ? This could be surgery or radiotherapy ? 

any advice is welcome 

  • Hello Phil, my cancer was different but I would like to offer my best wishes for a positive outcome. I would say definitely make a sperm bank donation so you can be assured of your ability to look forward to building your family after you recover from this traumatic event for both of you. You can still ask if it’s ok when going thru treatment. Even after treatment I think it’s a good idea to keep a reserve bank. I am being monitored and tested for the same possibility of cancer. I don’t have the worry you have about starting a family as I’m 77 and have a daughter. Please keep your strength up and be positive about the treatment in front of you  take care Phill and if you can… send me an update now and then.  Good wishes from Ron and Pauline. 

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am so sorry you are going through this, especially just after getting married and wanting a family.

    The radioactive levels in your body leave almost immediately after a scan. They do say to not be near pregnant women, young children and those vulnerable when you first come back, but fairly quickly things get back to normal.

    Unprotected sex at this time, while waiting for treatment to be decided and started, is fine. So conception could occur. But, it is also important to talk to your doctor, and/or specialist nurse (CNS) about sperm banking, so they know that having a family is on your mind. Then, before treatment starts, they can freeze your sperm and if needed, it can be used when you and your wife are ready.

    Your team will be very used to conversations about this, so do tell them this is a concern for you.

    Take care, and if you want to talk anything through with the nurses on the helpline the number is 0808 800 4040. Lines are open mon-fri, 9-5.

    Sarah.