TTC and chemotherapy drugs

[jenntanis]

I don't know if anyone will be able to help me, but I'm just interested.  My DH has Crohn's disease.  He was diagnosed when he was 18.  At the time, children were not in his vocabulary.  DH has been on a medication called Purinethol since he was diagnosed.  He doesn't remember if the GI specialist talked to him about any problems with fertility.  Well, I'm an RN, and like to be pretty educated about his meds.  Purinethol is a chemotherapy agent, that can also be used on Leukemia.  When I read the side effects, 10-29% stated that they have issues with infertility, which makes sense since it's a Chemotherapy agent.  He's been on the med for almost 10 years now.  I was wondering anyone had a similar problem, where their partner had undergone Chemotherapy in the past, and were you able to conceive?  I'd almost rather know now, than continue trying, and find out in 6-12 months that it was all for naught.

[JoyRenee]

I don't have any experience but wanted to bump this up and offer at least a little insight. I think that if you approach your OBGYN and explain this that they may refer you to a fertility specialist. It is one thing to try for a year without conceiving and quite another to know that a medication your hubby is taking is possibly causing a fertility issue on his end.

If your doctor rocks, then I really think they'll listen to your concerns, especially since you're a nurse and know how these things work. He may have sperm, but the chemo agent may be causing a lower sperm or motility, which can be taken care of!

[jenntanis]

Sorry, I haven't had any responses on here or the Crohn's forum.  Please let me know if you have had this problem before, and what the outcome was.