Sperm Freezing
Sperm Freezing
In preparation for an IVF procedure, couples may need to store semen specimens. Additionally, those with upcoming cancer treatments, military service, use of an egg donor cycle, or for out of town issues/ other personal reasons may also want to freeze their sperm.
Babies born from frozen sperm have no negative long-term effects, nor is there an increased risk in birth defects.
The fertility specialists and doctors have extensive experience and knowledge and are at the top of their field. Our lab offers the latest, most advanced assisted reproductive technology. We have high success rates in helping couples conceive using sperm or eggs that have been previously cryopreserved.
The Process:
Sperm freezing involves collecting, analyzing, and freezing a man’s semen specimen. The specimen is stored for later use in fertility treatments. This process is known as cryopreservation.
Cryopreservation of sperm involves:
- Routine screening for any infection (This includes HIV, HTLV, hepatitis, and syphilis)
- Collecting a sperm sample or undergoing a sperm extraction procedure, if necessary
- Sperm quality and quantity analysis
- Freezing of viable sperm
- Storing the sperm until ready for use
Sperm Collection
Semen specimens are usually obtained through masturbation, whether at home or privately in the clinic. Men should only use a sterile lubricant approved by our physicians and given to them by the lab, so there is no impact on the sample quality.
It is suggested that men refrain from sexual activity and any kind of ejaculation for approximately 2 to 5 days prior to collecting the sample, in order to allow for the best specimen possible. Once the sperm sample has been obtained, it is then tested for sperm quantity, movement, and shape for each specimen.
If sperm are absent from the sample, or a man is unable to provide a sample, a sperm retrieval procedure is an alternative option. Sperm retrieval procedures allow physicians to remove sperm directly from the testicle and is called a TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) procedure.
The sperm samples are then separated into as many vials as possible for cryopreservation. Lab specialists utilize specialized cryoprotectant agents in order to preserve sperm cells and protect them from any damage during the freeze. Frozen sperm is then stored in our lab for later use. When the patient is ready, lab technicians will thaw, wash, and test the sperm for motility prior to any IVF or IUI procedures.