Sperm Freezing
Sperm cryopreservation or sperm freezing is a way for men to preserve their sperm and store it in a bank so it can be used in the future. We mix the semen sample with specially designed cryoprotectants and then maintain samples at low temperatures(-196oc ) which stops their ‘biological clock’ and allows the samples to remain alive for very very long period.
Candidates for Sperm Freezing
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Before undergoing a vasectomy
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Before chemotherapy for medical condition like cancer.
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As a backup for treatments like IUI/IVF in future.
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Sportsperson who are more prone to groin injuries
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Defence personals, police, firefighters who are exposed to high risk environments.
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What to expect?
Procedure before you store sperm
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You need to go through careful screening for viral infections.
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You need to give a written consent regarding what will happen to your sperm if you cannot make decisions for yourself or die, whether anybody can use your sperm such as your partner or for research or if it can be donated for somebody else’s treatment and for how long you want to store your sperm.
During your first visit, you can ask questions and clarify anything you might want to know about sperm freezing before your sperm is collected and you sign the semen storage agreement. You may have questions about billing or storing your sperm sample long-term.
You are always welcome to mail us at helplinekolkata@ihrindia.com. with additional questions or clarifications.
View consent form
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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How Long Can Sperm Be Stored?
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There’s no limit to how long sperm can be stored. The important thing is how the sperm will behave during cryopreservation and thawing.
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How is Semen stored?
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Semen samples are stored in cryovials after mixing it with specially designed cryoprotectants. Once the samples have been frozen, they are placed in special containers where they are stored in the liquid nitrogen until they are needed.
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Is Freezing Harmful to the Sperm?
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A percentage of the sperm will not survive during the freezing process. The survival rate for sperm is very different for each individual and each sample.
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What Is the Normal Volume of an Ejaculate?
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1.5 ml to 5 ml
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How Many Samples Should I Freeze?
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During your initial consultation, you should discuss your future goals and make a plan based on any medical treatments you’re having and what you will need in the future. The number of samples needed for storage is different for each person. We recommend freezing a minimum of two samples but it depends on the quality of your raw sperm and after it’s thawed.
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How Long Should I Wait to Ejaculate Between Collections?
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Before you come into our clinic to give sperm, we will ask you not to ejaculate for two to five days beforehand. Some men may not need to wait that long.
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How Can I Guarantee That I Will Become Pregnant Using the Samples?
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Even if you freeze many samples of your sperm, it’s impossible to guarantee that your partner will get pregnant. We advise you to carefully consult with your doctor before using any of your samples for IUI or IVF.
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What If My Semen Quality Is Poor or My Semen Concentration Is Very Low?
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Many cryopreserved samples may not be preserved well enough for IUI (also called artificial insemination). However, doctors regularly perform IVF/ICSI using semen samples that are very poor quality or have low concentration. We will freeze any sperm, even it is poor-quality or has a low concentration.
