For men with compromised fertility, sperm cryopreservation, or sperm freezing, provides the chance to one day conceive a biological baby. Let’s look at the conditions that can compromise fertility along with all the important details you need to know before undergoing sperm cryopreservation.
Why Consider Sperm Cryopreservation?
The main benefit of sperm freezing is that it allows you to store healthy sperm to fertilize an egg sometime in the future. For men with a serious illness or other medical issues, such as those below, this is a great option.
- Cancer: Testicular or prostate cancer may involve the removal of one or both testicles, and chemotherapy and radiation can cause a decline in sperm quality. Your oncologist should discuss the risks with you and offer the option to freeze your sperm prior to any treatment.
- Age Concerns: Studies show that men should also consider sperm freezing before age 45 if they think they might want children someday. Semen quality, sperm count, motility (movement) and shape all decline as men get older.
- Career Hazards: Men deployed in the military or civilians who work in law enforcement or another hazardous career often freeze their healthy sperm in the event of an accident that may leave them infertile.
- Travel Risks: Certain regions, such as central Africa and Southeast Asia, pose a fertility threat to visitors due to their high incidence of the Zika virus, including an increased risk for birth defects and sperm damage. Men who travel to these regions might want to consider banking their sperm beforehand.
- Certain Surgeries: Some men turn to sperm cryopreservation as a way to bank sperm prior to a vasectomy in case they change their mind about having children. Freezing sperm prior to gender reassignment surgery offers the same advantage.
- Fertility Treatments: Many times those going through IVF or IUI opt to freeze their sperm for future use should a procedure be repeated.
- Deteriorating or Low Sperm Count: If you have a medical condition or take medication that poses a threat to your sperm, freezing your sperm allows you to tank a sufficient amount for future fertilization.
Below are some of the most common questions and concerns regarding sperm cryopreservation:
How is My Sperm Stored?
Once your sperm sample is collected, the sperm will be slow-frozen in a liquid nitrogen vapor and stored until you’re ready to use them.
Does the Freezing Process Harm the Sperm?
The number of sperm that survive the cryopreservation process varies among patients. The thaw survival rate, or the amount of usable sperm, is around 50%. However, depending on how many samples are collected, the odds are very good for successful fertilization.
How Long Does Frozen Sperm Last?
As long as sperm is stored correctly, it can last indefinitely. There are studies of sperm that’s been frozen for 40 years successfully fertilized eggs resulting in healthy embryos and babies.
What if My Semen Sample is Low-Quality or Poorly Concentrated?
Even if the sperm count in your sample is low, your doctor can still use the sperm in IVF treatment. There are certain procedures, like intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI, that your doctor can perform as long as the sperm is healthy and viable.
Are There Safeguards to Ensure My Sperm isn’t Contaminated or Confused with Someone Else’s Sample?
From collecting your sperm sample to freezing, storing and thawing, there are safeguards in place. Certified technicians handle the samples and labs process each person’s sample in its own space to avoid cross-contamination.
Are There Legal Concerns?
Before you even begin the process of sperm cryopreservation, you’re required to complete paperwork detailing what happens to your sperm if it’s not used or if you neglect to pay the storage bills. You will also be asked to decide what your partner should do with your sperm in the event of your death.
Sperm Cryopreservation: Is it Right for You?
Sperm cryopreservation is a wonderful option for men wanting to preserve their chances of having a biological child, and the odds for success are high. Please reach out to our knowledgeable team Reproductive Health and Wellness.
