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MDS doesn't directly affect the ability to be a father (male fertility) but MDS treatment often affects it.
Men who plan to be fathers can choose to save sperm in a sperm bank for later use. If they do, it should be before they have treatment with radiation or chemotherapy.
After radiation or chemotherapy a man's sperm may be harmed and he may no longer be able to father a child. His sperm may have genetic damage too. Sometimes fertility returns after a number of years but sometimes the damage is permanent. That's why you should talk to a fertility specialist before starting MDS treatment.
When male patients lose their fertility due to treatment for MDS or other cancers and they haven't saved sperm in a sperm bank, it can be very disappointing for them. To become fathers they can still adopt children or rely on donated sperm from a sperm bank.
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