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Sperm Freezing

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in Fertility Care

Sperm freezing, also called sperm cryopreservation, is a process where sperm cells are collected, frozen, and stored at very low temperatures (–196°C in liquid nitrogen) for future use in fertility treatments.
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Sperm Freezing

What is Sperm Freezing ?

Sperm freezing, also called sperm cryopreservation, is a process where sperm cells are collected, frozen, and stored at very low temperatures (–196°C in liquid nitrogen) for future use in fertility treatments.
It is one of the most established and effective fertility preservation techniques for men. Frozen sperm can later be thawed and used in artificial insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on the fertility needs of the couple.
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Causes

Men choose sperm freezing for both medical and personal/social reasons.

Medical Reasons:

  • Before undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can damage sperm production.
  • Prior to surgeries affecting reproductive organs (e.g., testicular surgery, prostate surgery).
  • For men with conditions that progressively damage fertility (e.g., testicular failure, Klinefelter syndrome).
  • In cases of low sperm count where multiple collections are needed before treatment.
  • Before a vasectomy, if the man wants the option of future biological children.

Personal/Social Reasons

  • Men who wish to delay fatherhood for lifestyle, career, or relationship reasons.
  • Sperm banking for men in high-risk professions (e.g., military deployment, exposure to toxins, extreme sports).
  • For men with difficulties in producing a semen sample on demand during IVF treatment (performance anxiety, travel issues).
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When it is Considered ?

  • Before fertility-damaging medical treatments like chemo/radiotherapy.
  • During IVF/ICSI if the man cannot be available on the day of egg retrieval.
  • For men with severe male infertility (low sperm count, poor motility) to store multiple samples for future use.
  • Before vasectomy or surgeries that may impair fertility.
  • For sperm donation (e.g., sperm banks).

Types of Sperm Freezing

Ejaculated Sperm Freezing

  • The most common method.
  • Collected via masturbation.

Surgical Sperm Retrieval & Freezing

  • Used when no sperm is present in semen (azoospermia).
  • Retrieved directly from the testicle or epididymis (PESA, TESA, MESA, TESE) and then frozen.

Donor Sperm Freezing

  • Used in sperm banks.
  • Donors are screened for infections and genetic conditions.

Step Process

Procedure

For Women

Step 1 : Semen Collection
  • Sample provided by masturbation in a clinic or at home (with special sterile collection kits).
  • If not possible, surgical retrieval methods may be used.
  • The sample is checked for sperm count, motility, and morphology.
  • Sometimes multiple samples are collected over a few days.
  • Sperm mixed with a cryoprotectant (special fluid to prevent ice crystal formation).
  • Sperm is rapidly cooled (vitrification) or slowly frozen in straws or vials.
  • Stored in liquid nitrogen at –196°C.
  • Sperm can be stored for many years without deterioration.
  • Legally, storage duration depends on local regulations (in some countries, up to 10–20 years or longer with medical approval).
  • When needed, sperm is thawed and washed.
  • Used for:
    Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) if sperm quality is good.
    IVF or ICSI if sperm count/motility is low.
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Benefits

  • Preserves fertility before cancer or medical treatment.
  • Convenient for IVF/ICSI cycles – eliminates pressure to produce a sample on the treatment day.
  • Protects against future infertility due to age, surgery, or health conditions.
  • Long-term storage is possible without losing viability.
  • Donor sperm enables family building for couples, single women, and same-sex couples.

Results & Success Rates

  • Survival Rate : About 50–80% of sperm survive thawing (higher with vitrification).
  • Pregnancy Rates : Comparable to fresh sperm when used in ICSI or IVF.
  • Storage Duration : Successful pregnancies reported even from sperm frozen for 20+ years.
  • Effectiveness : Depends on initial sperm quality. Healthy sperm frozen at a younger age yield better outcomes.
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