Congress Abstracts 2003

30

ADVOCATING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS: SPERM BANKING. Mary P. Gitlin, RN, BSN, and Tina M. Mason, RN, MSN, AOCN^®, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL.

The topic of sexuality often causes discomfort between nurses and patients. The need for immediate treatment may override the need to discuss the future growth of men wishing to bear children. Cancer treatment may compromise a man’s fertility. Oncology nurses are familiar with the concept of sperm banking; however, the difficulty rests in applying this knowledge to the patient’s situation. The purpose of this paper is to outline steps in identification and use of community resources to offer oncology patients for whom sperm banking may be an option. Education of oncology nurses of the patients’ risk of impaired fertility and the process of sperm banking is crucial.

Prior to treatment for cancer, it is advisable for men who wish to preserve their fertility to have their semen analyzed for consideration of sperm banking. The first step incorporates a sperm analysis for count, morphology, viability, and motility. This requires three ejaculates performed with three days between each collection, possibly delaying treatment. The oncology nurse can provide a quick resource guide that may decrease waiting times and determine if sperm banking is feasible. Resources include use of referrals from local obstetric and gynecology practices, local yellow pages, the Internet, as well as national cryobanks. Exact services provided, addresses, and phone numbers should be included. Wide dissemination of these resources and education includes nurses, physicians, and social workers. Periodic updating is necessary to ensure accuracy. Use of this resource guide has proven useful and increases nurse-patient comfort levels regarding sperm banking.

At time of diagnosis, cognitive, physical, and emotional issues overwhelm many families. Preserving male fertility may not be considered. Oncology nurses and other healthcare professionals are in an optimal position to educate patients on survival and quality-of-life issues. Timing is crucial. As oncology nurses, it is our responsibility to educate our patients at time of diagnosis regarding available options.