Sperm freezing is a means of preserving a man’s fertility so he can have his biological children later in the future. Men who have difficulty producing sperm for their partner during an IVF cycle are counselled to produce sperm before the procedure for freezing.
Sperm freezing is also indicated in the following:
- Men being managed for a medical condition that may affect their fertility such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, diabetes, and other medical conditions
- Men in whom their sperm parameter is deteriorating fast.
- Men who intend to travel away from their families for a long time and want their wives to have their biological children while away
- Men who plan to have a permanent method of family planning [vasectomy] but thinks he may need children in future
- For use in a woman who needs donor sperm
The average period for sperm storage is about 10 years; however, sperm can be stored for a longer time if necessary.
Two methods of freezing male sperms are:
- Slow or gradual freezing in a freezer
- Rapid freezing or vitrification in which the sperm are rapidly frozen in nitrogen.
Both techniques are used in our clinic for sperm freezing.
Vitrification
Do you think sperm freezing and storage is right for you? If you have questions about it kindly discuss it with our IVF staff.
