Sperm Freezing
Sperm Freezing
Sperm Freezing is a technique that is used to save sperm for future use in fertility treatments. The sperm can be frozen and stored for years, preserving the quality of the sample.
The process of freezing sperm begins with collection of sperm into a plastic container. This can be done through masturbation, or through a medical procedure called testicular aspiration where a small needle is used to remove the sperm-producing tissue from one or both testicles.
Once the semen has been collected, it is mixed with a cryoprotectant solution. This solution helps protect the sperm from damage that could occur during the freezing process. The container is then placed in a freezer and cooled to liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius).
The process takes about 10-20 minutes, and can be done at home or at any fertility clinic or doctor’s office with facilities for this purpose.
Sperm freezing can be used for different reasons: for example:
- When a man wants to undergo a vasectomy but wishes to have children in the future
- When he has an infection or other illness that may compromise his fertility
- When he wishes to preserve his sperm while awaiting test results which could affect his fertility; or
- If he is undergoing chemotherapy which may affect his fertility.
There are two main techniques of sperm freezing: slow-freezing and fast-freezing. The slow-freezing technique involves lowering the temperature of the sample gradually over time, while fast-freezing involves lowering the temperature instantly.
Current research suggests that frozen sperm can remain viable for decades, so long as they are stored properly and kept at sub-zero temperatures.
Different methods to store sperm
There are three main methods to store sperm:
- Cryopreservation: The sperm cells are frozen using liquid nitrogen (cryogenic)
- Frozen storage: The sperm cells are stored in liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures (-196°C)
- Liquid nitrogen storage: The cells are stored in liquid form, but not frozen
Why would you get your sperm frozen?
Sperm freezing is a procedure that allows males to store their sperm for future use. It is also called cryopreservation.
- This procedure is primarily used by men who are going through cancer treatment or are about to undergo surgery that would make them sterile. If these procedures were to happen, these men would not be able to produce any sperm in the future and they might want children in the future.
- Sperm freezing will also allow men to preserve their fertility for later use in case they experience infertility at some point in their lives. For example, if a man has an illness that causes his testicles to shrink and produce less sperm, he may choose to freeze his sperm while he is healthy so that he can use it later on when he needs it.
- Sperm can also be frozen if you are going through gender reassignment surgery or if you want children in the future but don’t want your partner’s genetic material to influence the child’s sex.
What does semen freezing involve ?
Semen freezing involves preserving sperm cells in a liquid nitrogen tank for future use. Freezing sperm can be done for a variety of reasons and it is important to understand why you are considering it before deciding to go ahead.
In order to freeze your semen, you need to go through some medical tests. This is to make sure that you don’t have any infections or diseases that could be passed on to your partner or child if you were to father a child at a later date.
Sperm can be stored for up to 10 years and it is currently the only method of preserving fertility.
The Benefits of Sperm Freezing
The benefits of sperm freezers are many. It can help to avoid the risk of pregnancy during unprotected sex, protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and prevent genetic disorders in children. The process of sperm freezing is also relatively safe and simple to do.
Some people may find the idea of sperm freezing distasteful because they believe it’s unnatural or that it takes away from the natural experience of sex. However, there are many benefits to this practice that make it worth considering as an option for men who want to have children in the future but don’t want to deal with the risks associated with unprotected sex today.
The major benefits of sperm freezing include:
- The ability to delay pregnancy until you are ready
- Preventing against the risk of male infertility
- Increasing your chances of having a biological child
- Lastly, sperm freezing is not expensive because the process costs less than IVF and there are no additional costs for storage.
Myths about Sperm Freezing
Sperm freezing is not a new concept. It has been used for decades in the medical field. But it is only recently that sperm freezing has become popular among the general public.
So let’s debunk some of the myths about sperm freezing and help you to make an informed decision:
MYTH : Sperm is less healthy after being frozen
FACT: The quality of sperm remains just the same
MYTH: Men who freeze their sperm are more likely to have children with birth defects
FACT: Not at all! Freezing doesn’t change the inheritance of your sperm (and hence possibility of birth defects).
MYTH: Sperm Freezing is a new concept
FACT: Sperm freezing has been in practice for more than 40 years.
MYTH: It is too expensive to freeze sperm
FACT: The cost of freezing sperm has decreased significantly over the last decade.
MYTH: There are too many risks with the procedure
FACT: The procedure is safe and highly effective when done correctly.
Sperm freezing procedure at Risaa IVF
Are you considering Sperm freezing procedure? It is absolutely fine to save sperm in order to preserve fertility. Risaa IVF offers you with all kinds of services related to sperm freezing including testing, diagnosis and collection. They have accreditation from leading bodies and have been doing the procedure for years now.
The process of freezing sperm is a relatively simple and painless procedure. Call us to book your appointment.