Sperm freezing is also known as sperm cryopreservation. It is a method used to preserve sperm cells. Frozen sperm can be stored indefinitely.
When is it used?
Many men choose to freeze their sperm for future use. There are several reasons why this may occur. We recommend sperm freezing under the following conditions
Before a medical procedure such as a vasectomy, testicular surgery or radiation therapy/chemotherapy for cancer patients.
If you may not be available, the day of treatment (your partner is under going IUI or IVF)
As back up if you have difficulty producing a semen sample.
If you have a low sperm count that is starting to deteriorate.
If you are at risk of injury or death (such as a member of the armed forces being deployed)
Before a sex change operation.
What to Expect:
Before sperm can be frozen, you will need to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The procedure must be booked and paid for in advance.
You must abstain from ejaculating (intercourse or masturbation) 72 hours prior to having your sperm frozen.
On the day of the procedure you will be asked to masturbate into a sterile container which will be provided to you. We prefer this take place in one of the special rooms designed for this purpose at Oasis. Once the sample is produced, the sperm is frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen.
Complications:
There are no known patient complications resulting from sperm freezing, however, not all sperm may survive the freezing process.
Success Rates:
Pregnancy success rates using frozen sperm may be slightly lower than when using fresh sperm.
One ejaculate sample usually can only be used for one cycle of IUI or IVF
As with all fertility treatment, pregnancy success depends on a woman’s age.
