63 SIDE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT /// CHAPTER 41 Male Fertility Preservation When you talked to your doctor about your treatment plan, you discussed the short and long-term side effects of your planned therapy. One long-term side effect may be an impairment of your fertility. Fertility is the ability to have a biologically-related baby. Infertility, (an impairment of your fertility) means that in the future you may not be able to have a biologically-related baby. There are a variety of options to increase the likelihood of having children in this future, known as fertility preservation. Your reproductive system works together in an organized way to produce the sperm that are needed to make a baby. A baby made with your sperm is called a biologically-related baby. Your reproductive system works together in an organized way to produce the sperm you need to make a biologically-related baby. Your reproductive system includes: Sperm Testes Scrotum Hormones Sperm cells join with an egg to create an embryo that grows into a baby. After puberty, the testes begin making sperm and testosterone. New sperm are made continuously throughout a man's life. The sac that holds the testes. The scrotum is visible on the outside of the body. Chemical messages sent between 2 parts of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary) and the testes. Hormones are necessary to tell the testes to make sperm and testosterone. Note: Before puberty, no hormones or sperm are made. Below is a list of FAQs about male fertility For more information on local resources please contact your nurse navigator or check out the local resources section at the end of the notebookhttps://fwaya.org/