Fertility and sexual function in long‐term survivors of haematological malignancy: using patient‐reported outcome measures to assess a neglected area of need in the late effects clinic

Summary Problems of sexual function and fertility in long‐term survivors (≥5 years) of haematological malignancy are often neglected in clinic. Our centre carried out a questionnaire study in this population addressing patient‐perceived fertility and sexual function. 718 patients responded (56% of those invited; 39% Hodgkin, 45% non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, 16% acute leukaemia). Respondent women were more likely to remain childless than a normal control population. Self‐reported infertility was more likely in men than women [odds ratio (OR) 1·77, P = 0·001]. Myeloablative therapy increased the likelihood of childlessness (OR 2·48, P = 0·004). Few attended fertility support services (12%). 24% of men banked sperm and 29% of these used the sample, of which 46% resulted in successful pregnancy. Fertility clinic attendance and sperm storage was more likely post‐1990 (OR 4·05, P