Pre‑Chemo Testing — AMH, AFC, and Baseline Labs

Key Takeaways

• Chemotherapy can severely damage sperm production—testing and banking must happen before treatment starts.
• Baseline labs help assess current fertility and determine how many samples are needed.
• AMH and AFC—although typically used for women—guide overall reproductive planning for couples where both partners need pre-chemo assessment.
• Men can complete testing + sperm banking within 24–48 hours if treatment is urgent.
• Comprehensive testing ensures the highest reproductive success later through IVF, ICSI, or IUI.

Cancer treatment often needs to begin quickly—but the decisions made before starting chemotherapy can dramatically impact fertility. For men, sperm banking is the fastest, most effective way to preserve the chance of having biological children later. However, before freezing sperm, doctors recommend a set of pre-chemo baseline fertility tests to evaluate reproductive health today and plan for future fertility treatments.

This article explains AMH, AFC, male fertility baseline labs, semen analysis, and why timing is critical before beginning chemotherapy.

Why Pre-Chemo Fertility Testing Matters

Chemotherapy can:

• Reduce sperm count
• Damage DNA within sperm
• Permanently affect testicular function
• Lead to azoospermia (no sperm production)

Once damage occurs, sperm quality may take years to recover—or may never recover.

Therefore, testing + banking before chemo gives clinicians a clear understanding of:

• Current fertility status
• Expected risk after chemo
• Number of samples needed
• Whether surgical sperm retrieval may be required

Understanding the Key Pre-Chemo Tests

1. AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) — For Women in the Couple

Though the blog is focused on men, AMH plays a role for couples where female partners may also face treatment soon.

AMH provides:

• Estimate of ovarian reserve
• Prediction of how many eggs can be retrieved
• Timeline for female fertility planning

If a male patient is banking sperm, but his partner may undergo egg retrieval or embryo creation before his chemo begins, AMH informs the timing.

2. AFC (Antral Follicle Count) — For Female Partner Planning

AFC uses ultrasound to count early follicles in the ovaries.

It helps determine:

• Stimulations needed for IVF
• Time required before chemo begins
• If embryo freezing should be considered quickly

3. Male Baseline Labs

Men undergoing chemo need key assessments:

Primary Tests

• Semen Analysis: sperm count, motility, morphology
• DNA Fragmentation Test: checks sperm DNA health
• Hormonal Panel: FSH, LH, Testosterone, Prolactin
• Infectious Disease Screening: HIV, Hep B/C, Syphilis (required for storage)

Why These Matter

These labs tell doctors:

• Whether sperm quantity is good enough for future IUI or IVF
• If multiple samples are needed
• Whether backup retrieval (TESA/TESE) should be prepared
• How urgently banking should occur

4. Additional Recommended Tests

Depending on medical history:

• Genetic testing
• Karyotyping
• Varicocele evaluation
• Scrotal ultrasound

These help maximize future reproductive success.

How the Pre-Chemo Sperm Banking Process Works

Step 1 — Urgent Consultation

• Medical + oncology history review
• Explanation of risks of treatment
• Testing plan created

Step 2 — Testing

Most clinics can run:

• Hormone labs within hours
• Semen analysis same day
• Infectious screening same day
• DNA fragmentation within 24–48 hours

Step 3 — Sperm Collection & Freezing

Men typically give 1–3 samples, 24–48 hours apart.

Step 4 — Storage & Future Use

Samples can be used for:

• IUI
• IVF
• ICSI
• Embryo creation before chemotherapy

Special Situations: Extremely Urgent Treatment

Sometimes chemotherapy must begin within days.

Clinics can:

• Accelerate testing
• Collect samples same day
• Freeze sperm within 2–4 hours
• Complete all labs later

This option ensures no time lost.

Case Study

Case: 34-year-old man diagnosed with testicular cancer

Situation:
Ravi received a sudden diagnosis of testicular cancer and was advised to start chemotherapy within the week.

Action Steps:

• Completed baseline hormone labs in 2 hours
• Provided two sperm samples within 48 hours
• Semen analysis showed low motility, prompting rapid freezing
• Partner’s AMH and AFC were checked to see whether embryo creation was possible before chemo

Outcome:
His team froze multiple vials before chemotherapy. Two years later, Ravi and his partner successfully conceived via ICSI using the stored sperm.

Testimonials

1. Michael, 29

“The clinic moved fast. I had my labs done in the morning and froze my sperm the same afternoon. It gave me peace while starting chemo.”

2. Harsh, 37

“My semen analysis wasn’t great, but banking before chemo saved my chances. I’m so grateful someone told me to test early.”

3. Samir, 41

“The baseline labs helped my doctor predict how chemo would affect me. I’m glad I didn’t delay.”

Expert Quote

“Pre-chemo fertility testing gives us a map. It shows where fertility stands today—and what must be preserved before treatment begins. Acting fast can make the difference between options and regret.”
— Dr. Rashmi Gulati

Related Links

• Male Fertility Preservation Guide – www.surrogacy.com/male-fertility
• Sperm Freezing Process – www.surrogacy.com/sperm-freezing
• Semen Analysis Testing – www.surrogacy.com/semen-analysis
• Embryo vs Egg Freezing Framework – www.surrogacy.com/egg-vs-embryo-freezing
• Cancer & Fertility Options – www.surrogacy.com/cancer-fertility-preservation

Glossary

• AMH: Hormone indicating ovarian reserve.
• AFC: Count of early ovarian follicles via ultrasound.
• FSH: Hormone regulating sperm production.
• DNA Fragmentation: Measure of sperm DNA damage.
• Cryopreservation: Freezing cells at –196°C for long-term use.
• ICSI: Fertilization technique injecting one sperm into one egg.
• Azoospermia: No sperm present in ejaculate.

FAQs

Q. Why is sperm banking required before chemotherapy?

Ans : Chemotherapy targets fast-dividing cells, including the cells in the testes that produce sperm. This can cause temporary or permanent infertility. Banking sperm before treatment safeguards your ability to conceive later. Once chemo begins, sperm DNA damage increases rapidly.

Q. Why do men need baseline fertility tests before sperm freezing?

Ans : Pre-chemo labs help determine:

• Current fertility level
• Risks after treatment
• Whether more samples are needed
• If surgical sperm retrieval might be required
• Post-treatment expectations

The results guide urgent medical decisions.

Q. Why are AMH and AFC included if the blog focuses on men?

Ans : AMH and AFC are for the female partner. When couples are considering embryo creation before chemo begins, these tests determine:

• Whether egg retrieval is feasible
• How quickly cycles can start
• Expected number of embryos

This helps decide whether to freeze sperm only—or embryos too.

Q. What does semen analysis show before chemo?

Ans : It measures:

• Sperm count
• Motility
• Morphology
• Volume
• Concentration
• Vitality

If results are low, doctors recommend collecting more samples before chemo.

Q. How fast can testing and sperm freezing be completed?

Ans : In urgent cases, clinics can complete:

• Labs in hours
• Semen analysis immediately
• Sample freezing within 2–4 hours
• Entire process in 24–48 hours

Q. What if my sperm count is very low?

Ans : Even low counts can be used for IVF/ICSI later. Doctors may recommend:

• More samples
• DNA fragmentation testing
• Surgical retrieval (TESA/TESE) if needed

Low counts DO NOT eliminate your ability to preserve fertility.

Q. Can I freeze sperm after chemotherapy begins?

Ans : It is not recommended. Chemotherapy may damage sperm DNA within days. Samples collected after treatment begins may carry genetic risks.

Q. How many samples should I bank before chemo?

Ans : Most men freeze 2–4 samples. If the semen analysis shows low numbers, more may be collected.

Q. Does sperm quality recover after chemotherapy?

Ans : Recovery varies:

• Some men recover in 1–5 years
• Others become permanently infertile
• Some recover count but not DNA quality

There is no guarantee—making pre-chemo banking essential.

Q. Is sperm banking painful or invasive?

Ans : No. It is non-invasive and straightforward. Labs provide private rooms and instructions. Testing involves simple bloodwork and semen collection.

Q. Can frozen sperm be used for IVF years later?

Ans : Yes. Frozen sperm remains viable for 10–25+ years when stored correctly. There is no significant decline over time.

Q. Should I freeze embryos as well as sperm?

Ans : This depends on:

• Female partner’s AMH/AFC
• Time before chemo
• Relationship stability
• Treatment urgency

Doctors often recommend freezing sperm immediately and creating embryos only if time permits.

Need pre-chemo testing or urgent sperm banking?
Your future family depends on what you do before treatment starts.
👉 Schedule urgent testing today at www.surrogacy.com/contact