The need for the recently introduced human semen freezing service was far greater than had been expected, said Dr Mary Henry (Ind). Urging the Department of Health to provide funding for semen freezing and storage, she said the development of such techniques had proved particularly valuable in cases of males with testicular and certain other cancers and for those suffering from chronic illnesses which resulted in a loss or a potential loss of fertility. Because it had been recognised that Irish men should be able to benefit from these techniques, the Department had approached the Human Assisted Reproduction Institute in the Rotunda Hospital with a view to setting up this kind of facility. The institute had used £60,000 of its own funds to do so.
The problem now was that the need for the service was far greater than had been anticipated and it looked like increasing even further as more doctors and other medical people became aware of it. "It was expected that there would be 40 to 50 specimens frozen each year. Instead, although the facility has been in place for only a few months, four to five cases are presenting each week."
The unit did not want to turn anyone away, but the costs involved must be addressed urgently, Dr Henry said. There was a charge of £200 for the service, which was offered to men aged between 18 and 45. Those who did not have the money could pay later because the procedure had to take place with haste, as chemotherapy and radiotherapy could not often be delayed.
Oncology social workers were among those who stressed the importance of the service, not just from a practical point of view but as a psychological boost for the patient.