Sperm Freezing
Sperm Freezing (cryopreservation)
is the preservation of sperm for future use in order to have a baby. Sperm banking, in conjunction with assisted conception techniques, may allow you to have your own biological child in the future. Using frozen sperm is just as successful as using fresh sperm in fertility treatments. Not all the sperm needs to be thawed and used at once, generally one straw will be thawed for use in each fertility treatment depending on the quality of the sperm. This means that the sperm can be used in several treatment cycles as necessary.
There are many reasons why men consider freezing sperm:
- Undergoing a vasectomy
- Undergoing medical treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy that may affect fertility
- A medical condition that may lead to infertility later in life
- A low sperm count or poor quality sperm that is deteriorating
- Difficulty producing a semen sample during fertility treatment
- Ahead of active military duty
- Surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) in advance of ICSI treatment
.jpg)
What does sperm freezing involve?
You’ll have a consultation with our Consultant to discuss the procedures involved and to sign the appropriate consent forms. We recommend that you discuss the implications with one of our counsellors before freezing your sperm
You will produce sperm samples in a private room designed to put you at ease. These samples will be frozen for your future use. You can read the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) information for storing sperm here.
How long can sperm be stored for?
Sperm can stay frozen for a long period but, under current UK legislation, the standard storage is 10 years. This option can offer you a way to preserve your sperm if you are facing medical treatment that could compromise your future fertility.
If sperm is frozen and stored for you at the clinic, we’ll contact you each year to ask you to confirm your wishes for the next 12 months.If you wish to continue storage, you will need to pay an annual storage fee.
HWhat do I have to do in advance of producing a sample?You are advised to abstain from ejaculation for 3 days prior to the production of the sample. You must not abstain any longer than this period as this can affect the quality of the sperm sample.
How is the sperm cryopreserved?The laboratory staff will assess the sample’s suitability for cryopreservation. After the semen analysis has been carried out the sperm will be frozen in straws and stored until a time you are ready to use it for treatment.
How do I use my frozen sperm?
Once you choose to use your sperm for fertility treatment you and your partner will be assessed by one of our consultants. The treatment option will be individualised to your specific situation.The options for treatment include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI):
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF):
- Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)