Freezing sperm

Sperm Freezing — Preservation of Male Fertility

Sperm freezing is a tried and tested procedure in modern reproductive medicine. It enables men to preserve their reproductive cells at a time when their quality is good, or when medical procedures are forthcoming that could affect it.

The name of the cepematozoid will be used to help the specific cpede through the so-called 'buff method'. In most cases, cpematozoidites can be represented by several species without a trace of the disease. If they do not need to be used, cppematozoidites are published as part of a specific species and are used for the purpose of specific species. These are typical pepody technologies.

This is the case with the following applications:

• In couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, in which on the day of the procedure the partner will be absent;
• Poor semen sample parameters, in order to accumulate more sperm. It is possible to carry out multiple freezing, thereby storing individual frozen seed samples. If necessary, samples shall be collected and processed. As a result, a greater amount of sperm is obtained to be used;
• Difficulty of the partner to secrete seminal fluid - in this case it is recommended in advancefreezing of seminal fluid. The frozen semen sample is thawed and used if, on the day of intrauterine insemination or in vitro/ICSI follicle puncture, the partner fails to excrete ejaculate;
• Male anti-radiation or ximiotepapia in the event of malignant diseases;
• Upcoming vasectomy;
• Upcoming surgical interventions for oncological or other diseases of the testicles;
• Cases of men with Azoospermia (lack of sperm in the ejaculate), when, by biopsy, spermatozoa are detected in the epididymis or testicle;
• Storage of material for the donor program;
• Own desirewhen planning future paternitywhen reproduction is postponed for social or professional reasons.

When freezing seed samples it is necessary:

• Make an appointment to freeze and store sperm, with sexual abstinence between 3 and 5 days, without alcohol and antibiotics;
• To carry out preliminary examinations in the man, which include: microbiology of ejaculate and virology — AIDS, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C;
• Complete a Declaration of Informed Consent for the freezing and storage of sperm, which also indicates the desired storage period.

How is the procedure going?

1. Consultation and research
   Before freezing, an examination, semen analysis (spermogram) and a test for infections (e.g. HIV, hepatitis, syphilis).
2. Yield of a seed sample
   The semen sample is obtained by masturbation in a specially designated room. In certain cases, testicular aspiration (TESA/TESE) is used.
3. Laboratory evaluation
   The motility, concentration and morphology of spermatozoa are evaluated. With good cryopreservation judgment, the sample proceeds to the next stage.
4. Cryopreservation
   Sperm is frozen byrapid (vitrification) methodology, in suitable environments with cryoprotectors certified for quality and approved for use in ART procedures. A cryo-tolerance test is performed — a small portion of the ejaculate is frozen and thawed in order to assess sperm survival after thawing. The samples were stored in liquid nitrogen at —196°C.
5. Storage
   Each seed sample shall be stored in individually labelled cryoampules or straws, Strict traceability and control system.

What is important to know?

• Frozen semen can be used decades after storage, without significant loss of quality if properly stored.
• When defrosting part of the sperm lose mobility, therefore, an injection method is often used as ICSI.
• Storage can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs and solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can sperm be stored?

• Storage can continue decadeswithout degrading the quality if the samples are frozen and stored properly. In most cases, a contract is signed for 1, 5 or 10 years, with the possibility of extension.

Can a sample with very few or poorly motile sperm be frozen?

• Yes. Even samples with single spermatozoacan be frozen and later used successfully with an ICSI procedure.

Can frozen sperm be used for donation?

• Only under special conditions, with explicit notarial consent and in compliance with regulations.

Can pregnancy be achieved with thawed sperm?

• Yes. It is possible to achieve pregnancy both with classical in vitro (IVF) and with single sperm injection (ICSI)— even with reduced mobility after thawing.

Is the procedure painful?

• No. The extraction of seminal fluid by ejaculation is non-invasive. If necessary, TESA/TESE (taking directly from the testicle) is administered local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.

What happens to the samples if they are not used?

• The patient decides whether to extend storage, terminate the contract or, in certain cases, donate the sample (only with explicit written consent).

Save the future today

Freezing sperm is a quick, effective and safe procedure that gives you security and peace of mind for the future. Contact us to discuss the best solution for you.