Oncofertility challenges in Saudi arabia: ethical and religious implications

Background: ‘Oncofertility’’ was introduced to describe a new subspecialty focused on the reproductive future for cancer survivors, who may face infertility. However, preservation of fertility using advanced technology and assisted reproductive technology like sperm banks has brought ethical and religious challenges. Material and Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in six major hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Results: The total number of the participant was 105, the majority of the physicians (80%) reported sperm banking is important to cancer patients, and 80% agreed that cancer patients are burdened with psychological consequences as a result of infertility. Interestingly, the majority of the physicians (81%) reported dissatisfactory referral rate for sperm banking, nationality (Beta = 0.223, p < 0.014) and profession (Beta = 0.068, p < 0.05) were significantly independent predictors of the physicians satisfaction. Recommendations: It is imperative to preserve the fertility of male cancer patient, as it considered a natural right.