Introduction to sperm freezing
Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a scientific technique that involves preserving sperm cells in a deep freeze. This effectively halts the biological aging of the sperm, permitting fertility preservation indefinitely, regardless of age, illness, surgery, or life events.
Unravelling the procedure of sperm cryopreservation
The process is relatively simple and typically lasts about three hours in total. It begins with sperm collection, usually through masturbation, also ensuring that the sample is taken to the lab within the first hour of production. An andrologist then determines the quality and quantity of sperm. After this analysis, the remaining semen is divided into several vials, depending on the volume and motile sperm per millilitre.
The next day, a test vial is thawed and examined for motility and quantity of defrosted sperm, ensuring that the cryopreservation process maintains post-thaw viability of the sperm.
High-risk situations and medical conditions prompting sperm freezing
Sperm freezing is often recommended when individuals face medical or life situations potent to affect sperm quality or availability. These situations can range from receiving a cancer diagnosis, medical conditions harming reproductive capabilities, or plans for a surgical intervention like a vasectomy.
Men subjected to chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer can also resort to sperm freezing as these treatments can cause temporary or permanent infertility due to potential harm to sperm cells.
In addition to these, exposure to environmental toxins, jobs entailing high-risk activities, or plans for military deployment are other triggers that prompt sperm freezing.
Empowering fatherhood: Reasons to consider freezing your sperm
While sperm freezing helps mitigate potential loss of fertility, the reasons to consider this path might vary from one individual to another and may encompass proactive family planning decisions as well.
Men looking to postpone fatherhood can freeze their younger, healthier sperm, given that male fertility declines with age, impacting not only fertilization but also pregnancy outcomes.
Also, those planning to undertake a vasectomy can bank their sperm beforehand, hence maintaining fertility options while enjoying the benefits of the procedure.
Lastly, sperm banking is a boon for those wishing to have children after their demise, preserving their genetic footprint for future generations. It gives men control over their reproductive future, ensuring peace of mind in a sea of uncertainties.
Preparation and collection of sperm for freezing
An essential step in sperm freezing is the preparation and collection of the sperm. It is necessary to abstain from sexual activity, including masturbation, for 2-5 days before the sample collection to maximize its quality. The specimen is collected into a sterile container, typically through ejaculation.
Although it's possible to carry out the collection at home, the sample must reach the laboratory in no more than 1 hour. So, collection at the facility is often more convenient. Some facilities also arrange for blood draws during the initial appointment for an infectious disease screening.
The quality of the sample, including the concentration and motility of the sperm cells, is evaluated by an andrologist or medical laboratory technologist. They use specific tools and techniques to separate the sperm from other fluids and to assess how viable they are for freezing.
Explaining the process: how is sperm frozen and thawed?
Post-collection and analysis, the sperm sample undergoes thorough processing which involves adding a cryoprotectant solution. This substance acts as a shield against the freezing temperature, preventing ice crystallization which can damage sperm cells.
The sperm are then divided into multiple small-volume vials to optimize freezing and storage. These are cooled gradually in a controlled-rate freezer to -196 degrees Celsius and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks for long-term preservation.
When it's time to use the frozen sperm, the stored sample is thawed, i.e., the sample is methodically warmed to body temperature. Post-thaw, the sperm sample is evaluated once more for viability and motility. Though some sperm cells may not survive the freezing and thawing process, a significant portion usually remains viable for further use in assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Explore the future fertility benefits of freezing sperm
Freezing your sperm offers several noteworthy fertility benefits. Foremost, it acts as a form of 'biological insurance', preserving your ability to have biological children in the future, especially if facing a situation that could adversely affect your fertility or severely limit the sperm's quality.
By freezing sperm at a younger age, one can harness the benefits of robust sperm quality even as one grows old. As time passes, the sperm's ability to create a healthy child usually declines due to age-related factors. Therefore, using preserved, younger sperm could potentially increase the success rates of conception.
For couples considering assisted reproductive technologies or surrogacy, sperm freezing ensures there is always a steady supply of sperm available that is not dependent on the precise timing of a man's availability or health status at the crucial retrieval stage. Thus it helps decouple the sperm collection from the actual IVF procedure allowing for logistical ease in treatment planning.
How successful is sperm freezing?
The success rate of sperm freezing and its subsequent use is excellent. While it's true that some sperm cells may not survive the freezing and thawing process, with over 50% of sperm typically surviving the procedure, there are still plenty of viable sperm for successful conception.
Sperm freezing has a rich historical backdrop of success. The first healthy human birth from the sperm-freezing process occurred in 1953. By 1963, advancements in technology saw the use of liquid nitrogen in sperm preservation, significantly improving the survival rate of sperm, a method that is still in use today.
A crucial fact to note is that the storage period does not affect sperm viability. Frozen sperm can remain as efficient as fresh sperm even after many years of storage, provided they are preserved correctly. Furthermore, there is no elevated risk of birth defects or abnormalities in children conceived with frozen sperm compared to children conceived naturally, verifying its success as a fertility preservation method.
Is sperm cryopreservation safe?
Yes, sperm cryopreservation is generally considered safe. No significant risks to patients or children have been reported from using frozen sperm. With years of proven results behind it, the process has been endorsed and recognized by prominent health authorities worldwide.
Risk of sperm cryopreservation
While the process of sperm cryopreservation is considered safe, it's essential to understand that there are a few potential risks and limitations.
Firstly, while the majority of the frozen sperm survive the thawing process, not all sperm cells will undergo this transition unharmed. Hence, the number of viable sperm may be reduced by approximately 50% after freezing and thawing.
Secondly, rare risks exist about improper storage or handling of the frozen sperm, such as the possibility of samples being mixed up, lost, or damaged during transportation. However, these risks are minimal at regulated and accredited facilities as they employ high standards and stringent protocols to mitigate such risks.
Lastly, it's important to note that the success of pregnancy from frozen sperm is dependent on a variety of factors, including the female partner's fertile conditions, the method of conception used, and the age of both partners at the time of the procedure. Consequently, sperm cryopreservation doesn't guarantee pregnancy or live birth, despite being a scientifically proven fertility preservation method.
How long can my sperm be stored for use in treatment?
Reevaluated on 1 July 2022, the legal length of time you can store eggs, sperm, or embryos for use in treatment has extended to a maximum of 55 years from the date of storage initiation. This marks an increase from the standard storage period previously capped at around 10 years for most people.
For this extended storage period to remain valid, it's crucial to renew your consent every 10 years. Your clinic will contact you providing the relevant information and necessary consent forms at the appropriate time.
However, it's essential to ensure your contact details stay up to date with your clinic. Any failure in contact regarding the renewal of consent may lead to your sperm being removed from the storage and disposed of.
Remember, the storage duration does not necessarily have to match the term of any contract for paying for the storage. Yet, if you fail to pay for storage as per the agreement, the clinic may be within its right to dispose of your sperm. As such, your clinic should provide a clear explanation of these terms at the time of storing your sperm.
