What is sperm freezing?
Sperm freezing is the process of collecting, analysing, freezing, and storing a man's sperm. Doctors can use these frozen samples later in fertility treatments. Individuals or couples can also receive donations. People often refer to this procedure, known as cryopreservation, as sperm banking.
The cryopreservation process includes:
- Routine screening for infections such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis (via a rapid plasma reagin test).
- Providing a semen sample or undergoing sperm extraction.
- Lab analysing sperm quantity and quality.
- Freezing of viable sperm.
- Storing the sperm indefinitely.
How are sperm collected and frozen?
Men usually collect sperm, the reproductive cells in their semen, through masturbation. A man can choose to collect his sample at home or in the clinic. However, he should only use an approved, sterile lubricant that won't affect the sample's quality.
Doctors usually ask men to avoid sexual activity for about two days before the appointment. This helps ensure the best specimen. Once the individual provides the semen sample, the lab tests it for sperm quantity, shape, and movement.
If there are no sperm in the sample or the man cannot ejaculate, a doctor can perform surgery. This surgery retrieves sperm directly from the testicle.
Next, we divide the samples into multiple vials for freezing. Lab technicians use special cryoprotectant ("anti-freeze") agents to preserve and protect the sperm cells.
The lab stores the frozen sperm until someone needs it. When needed, the medical team thaws, washes, and tests the sperm for movement. They do this before using it in IUI or IVF.
Who should consider freezing sperm and why?
Freezing sperm offers key benefits, such as allowing a man to preserve his fertility for future use. It also provides an opportunity for infertile individuals to conceive.
- Advancing age
- Decreasing sperm quality or low sperm count
- Cancer or other medical conditions
- Pre-vasectomy patients
- Transgender patients
- Career and lifestyle choices, such as high-risk occupations or extended periods away from a partner
Risks involved in freezing sperm
No risks or side effects exist when collecting semen samples naturally (through masturbation). If a doctor needs to do a surgical extraction, there may be some risks. These can include bleeding or discomfort, just like with any surgery.
Since 1953, doctors have successfully used sperm freezing to help individuals have healthy babies. The process is safe and standardized and continues to improve with advances in technology.
The main concern with sperm freezing is that not all sperm survive the freezing and thawing process. Most semen samples have enough sperm. This means there is a high chance of having healthy sperm for fertility treatments. The freezing and thawing process does not affect the ability of the surviving sperm to fertilize an egg.
Cryopreservation has no time limit. Researchers have used sperm stored for up to 20 years to create healthy babies.