Sperm Cryopreservation

What is Sperm Cryopreservation?

Sperm cryopreservation is a method of storing sperms for a long period of time under very cold temperature. After semen collection, semen analysis is performed and the parameters are recorded. Cryoprotectant medium is then added to the sample to protect the cells from damage during freezing. Finally, the sperm samples undergo a slow freezing process at a controlled rate before transferring to the liquid nitrogen dewar for long term storage. Children have been born from semen cryopreserved for over 20 years.

What are the chances of achieving pregnancy with frozen-thawed sperms?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) together with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the most effective method for achieving pregnancy from frozen-thawed sperms.

Preservation of fertility for cancer patients

Improvement in medical care has lead better survival rate for young cancer patients. Young men should seriously consider cryopreserving sperms before undergoing treatments.

The chemotherapy and radiotherapy can bring about male infertility based on the amount of irradiation used and which parts of the body were irradiated, the size of the target field and the closeness of the field to the testis. The higher the dosage of irradiation, the closer the irradiation was to testis, the greater the adverse effect on spermatogenic cells and sperm production.

Men requiring cytoxtic therapy for conditions such as autoimmune disorders and haemoglobinopathies may have impaired sperm production as well. Hence, it is very important for men to preserve their sperms before any medical treatment that may cause infertility and/or genetic damage.

According to the America Society of Clinical Oncology sperm cryopreservation is the only established fertility preservation method and it is highly recommended that patients should preserve sperm prior to cancer treatments. Cryopreserving semen also provide a psychological advantage to cancer patients allowing them to look forward to the future.

Sample storage should be adequate for 3-10 fertility treatment procedures. We provide a special package for long term sperm storage.