Semen cryopreservation in men undergoing cancer chemotherapy--a UK survey.

A questionnaire was sent to all centres in the UK involved in cryopreservation of semen from men with malignant disease. Details were requested of samples stored from 1977 to 1987 and of successful use of this sperm in subsequently achieving pregnancy. Twenty-two centres are involved and have stored specimens from 2,219 men. There has been a three-fold increase in referrals in the past five years. Three regions in England have no service. Twenty-seven pregnancies (21 live births) have been achieved in 22 couples. Laboratories are poorly funded, making adequate record keeping and audit of the service difficult.