Discover the answer to the question, “Why do men freeze sperm?”
Why do men freeze sperm? Our Tennessee fertility center can answer this question and explain if it could benefit a patient’s unique needs. The cryopreservation of sperm can support men during an IVF cycle. It also helps men preserve their fertility when faced with various health issues and life circumstances. This fertility option can be an effective way to ensure men can build a healthy family when they’re ready to take that step.
Why do men freeze sperm at our fertility clinic?
Men utilize cryopreservation of sperm during an IVF cycle. Doing so maintains the quality of sperm until an embryologist uses it to fertilize eggs from the man’s partner or egg donor.
Some men choose to freeze sperm because they have certain illnesses or need medical procedures that could affect sperm quality. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and some surgeries can affect sperm and semen production. Additionally, they can sometimes cause temporary or permanent fertility challenges.
Men in the military and certain high-risk jobs might also choose to freeze sperm if they suspect they could be in situations that could injure the testes.
Important considerations before the sperm sample collection
When a man receives answers to the question, “Why do men freeze sperm?” and decides to move forward with this process, he must do several things to prepare. The first step involves abstaining from ejaculation for two to five days before collection to help ensure he provides a high-quality sample.
The man also has to decide where he will collect the sperm. The two options include the collection room at our Tennessee fertility center and the man’s home. Men collecting semen at home need to bring the sample to our clinic within an hour of collection.
In some situations, men require surgical retrieval of sperm. These options include microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and testicular epididymal sperm extraction (TESE).
What happens during sperm freezing
Cryopreservation of sperm occurs in the lab with a flash-freezing technology called vitrification. This type of freezing consists of a lab specialist placing the sperm in cryogenic vials. They then mix it with a cryoprotectant to draw out water and protect the sperm from damage during freezing.
The specialist freezes sperm in storage tanks containing liquid nitrogen. These tanks maintain a specific temperature, which pauses the biological processes of the cells in the sperm. Because of this, sperm can remain in storage indefinitely.
When the man is ready to use his sperm, a lab specialist thaws it. An embryologist can then use the sperm to fertilize eggs from the man’s partner or egg donor during an IVF cycle. Another option is to transfer the sperm into the uterus of the man’s partner during intrauterine insemination.
Our Tennessee fertility center helps patients understand why men freeze sperm and decide if it’s the right choice for them. We can then help patients use this helpful option and take the next step towards fulfilling the dream of parenthood or pausing their biological clock. Contact us for more information about the cryopreservation of sperm.
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