Sperm Freezing
For those who wish to preserve their sperm for various reasons, freezing sperm may provides a chance to father a child at a more suitable time.
Understanding Sperm Freezing
Sperm freezing, or cryopreservation, is a medical process that preserves sperms for future use. This procedure has become increasingly popular for various personal and medical reasons.
Whether it’s planning for family later in life, undergoing medical treatments, or ensuring fertility preservation, sperm freezing offers men the ability to manage their reproductive futures. Here’s an in-depth look at everything you need about this process.
What is Sperm Freezing?
Sperm freezing is done by collecting, analyzing, storing, and freezing sperm of a man. The frozen sperm can be used later for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). The cryopreservation process involves mixing sperm with a cryoprotectant to protect the cells from damage caused by freezing and thawing.
Why Consider Sperm Freezing?
- Medical Reasons: Men diagnosed with cancer or other illnesses where treatment may impair fertility often choose sperm freezing before starting their chemo or radiotherapy treatment.
- Blockage Concerns: Those with no sperm in the ejaculate (Azoospermia) who are successful in finding sperms after surgical sperm extraction (PESA or TESA) under sedation or anesthesia.
- Occupational and Lifestyle Factors: men who are always traveling for work or have a lifestyle choices that could impact fertility might consider this option.
The Process of Freezing Sperm
A consultation with Dr Salem is conducted to brief you thoroughly. This might include a physical examination, semen analysis and tests to assess the quantity and quality of the sperm.
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to visit the clinic more than one time to produce a fresh sample. Sperm is typically collected through masturbation in a private room within the Andrology unit. The semen is collected immediately to ensure the quality does not decline.
In the laboratory, our team wash the semen samples to remove excess material and isolate the sperm. Then, a quick analysis is performed to assess sperm quality. The sperm is mixed with a cryoprotective liquid to safeguard it during freezing.
The prepared sperm can either be gradually cooled using liquid nitrogen vapor or rapidly cooled by vitrification, which involves direct contact with liquid nitrogen.
Typically, 2-8 straws (ampoules containing samples) are produced per ejaculate, though this number can vary based on individual factors such as sperm quality and quantity. These straws are stored in vessels filled with liquid nitrogen for up to 5 years in the UAE.
In some cases where sperm retrieval is challenging, a testicular biopsy may be necessary. This is part of more extensive testicular sperm recovery surgical methods aimed at ensuring viable sperm are obtained for freezing.
While freezing sperm, not every sperm cell survives, despite the process being quite effective. The age of the mother and the quality of her eggs also affect success rates. Generally, frozen sperm has slightly lower success rates compared to fresh sperm. However, many men have successfully fathered children using frozen sperm for years.
Trust Dr. Salem for Sperm Freezing
When considering sperm freezing, choosing a trusted medical expert is crucial. Dr. Salem is a leading consultant in reproductive health and fertility preservation. With years of experience and a commitment to patient care, Dr. Salem provides a comprehensive and individualized approach to sperm freezing.
His extensive training and years of practice ensure you receive the highest standard of care. Dr. Salem and his team use the latest technologies and techniques to maximize the success rates of sperm preservation.
Understanding that each patient’s situation is unique, Dr. Salem offers personalized consultations.
