In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Process
Sperm Freezing
Sperm freezing is a process where sperm cells are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius, preserving the sperm’s condition at the time of freezing, as if time has stood still.
Why is sperm freezing necessary? & Who is sperm freezing suitable for?
- Typically, a male releases 300-500 million sperm cells in a single ejaculation; however, not all of these sperm are healthy. As men age, sperm motility and morphology often decline, leading to increased risks of infertility and genetic disorders in their offspring.
- Sperm freezing offers a valuable option for men who wish to have children in the future but may need to undergo a vasectomy, cancer treatment, or other medical procedures that could affect their fertility. This procedure allows men to store their sperm in advance and use it at a later time.
Tips for Preparing (Male)
- Initial consultation: The male will have an initial consultation with a doctor to discuss sperm freezing.
- Preliminary blood tests: Before sperm collection, the male will undergo a series of blood tests for screening purposes.
- Sperm collection: Sperm will be collected through masturbation in a private room provided by the clinic.
- Sperm analysis: After collection, the sperm sample will be sent to an andrology laboratory for a detailed analysis to assess its quality. The results of this analysis will determine if the sperm is suitable for freezing.
How long can sperm be stored after freezing?
- Sperm can be stored indefinitely, but annual maintenance costs apply.
How frozen sperm are used?
- The laboratory will thaw the frozen sperm.
- For “Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatment”, the sperm will be thawed on the day of the procedure.
- In the “IVF/ICSI procedure” , the frozen sperm will be thawed on the same day as the woman’s egg retrieval for immediate fertilization.
Sperm Freezing Procedure and Timeline
