Thirty-four men and 36 women (median age 43 and 45 years, respectively) underwent stem cell transplantation (SCT) for acute leukaemia in first complete remission or chronic myelogenous leukaemia in first chronic phase between 1981 and 2001 from HLA-identical siblings. The conditioning regimen included TBI and all grafts were partially depleted of T cells. Changes in quality of life (QOL), reproduction and sexuality were studied using a questionnaire, and the previously given information related to these problems was assessed. In addition, endocrine status was assessed and semen analysis was performed. After SCT, patients reported less energy (n ¼ 50) and a deterioration in the job situation (n ¼ 31). Patients experienced a negative change in sexual relations (n ¼ 41). Important problems of sexual dysfunction were vaginal dryness in women (n ¼ 19) and erectile dysfunction in men (n ¼ 16). None of the patients was fertile based on their gonadotrophin levels, sperm concentrations and reproductive outcomes. Women experienced climacteric symptoms (n ¼ 24). Quality of life was negatively influenced by these changes. One-fifth of the patients were not satisfied with the information given with regard to reproduction, premature menopause and sexual problems.

One-third of young adult male survivors of childhood cancer has elevated FSH levels. FSH appears to be a very sensitive marker for the need of assisted reproductive techniques in male childhood cancer survivors.

Background Knowledge of the desire for children among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) is scarce. This study evaluated the desire for children in male CCSs in comparison with male siblings. Methods A nationwide cohort study was conducted as part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER study: 1317 male CCSs and 407 male sibling controls completed a questionnaire addressing the desire for children. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the independent association between survivorship status and the desire for children. Furthermore, additional analyses were performed to identify which cancer‐related factors were associated with the desire for children in male CCSs. Results After adjustments for the age at assessment, the percentage of men who had a desire for children was significantly lower among CCSs compared with the siblings (74% vs. 82%; odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46–0.82; p = .001). The association between survivorship status and the desire for children was attenuated after adjustments for marital status, level of education, and employment status (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.61–1.14; p = .250). The percentage of men who had an unfulfilled desire for children remained significantly higher among CCSs compared with the siblings after adjustments for sociodemographic factors (25% vs. 7%; OR, 5.14; 95% CI, 2.48–10.64; p < .001). Conclusions The majority of male CCSs have a desire for children. The likelihood of having to deal with an unfulfilled desire for children is 5 times higher among CCSs compared with their siblings. This insight is important for understanding the needs and experienced problems of CCSs regarding family planning and fertility issues.