SPERM FREEZING is one of the techniques that we usually perform in the reproduction laboratory and perhaps one of the most surprising for the patients when we offer this possibility.
In many cases, when a couple plans to undergo an assisted reproduction treatment (IVF / ICSI), it is necessary to consider the option of freezing a sperm sample when, for various reasons (work, travel, living outside …), it is not possible to collect the sample on the required day for treatment.
In these cases, it is necessary to arrange a day with the couple for collecting a sperm sample prior to treatment, in order to freeze it and to have it ready to use when fertilization day comes.
Once the sample is collected, we assess its quality in the laboratory, and if it is feasible, we proceed to freeze it. To do this, we use a medium that contains cryoprotectants, that is, agents that will protect the sample to avoid any damage during the process.
In this way, we can keep the sample in the laboratory indefinitely, submerged in liquid nitrogen (at a temperature of -196ºC), thus keeping the sperm stored until the moment we need to use it in the assisted reproduction treatment (IVF / ICSI).
However, this procedure is not only performed when undergoing an assisted reproductive treatment, but is also recommended to freeze a sperm sample prior to a vasectomy (even if there is the possibility of a subsequent recanalization) or before undergoing gonadotoxic treatment (for example, chemotherapy necessary to treat cancer). In this way, we will still be able to count on that frozen sample as a backup for the future.
Before the freezing process, it is necessary to assess the quality of the sample, since some times it is not suitable due to low motility or a low sperm concentration.
Send us your questions info@centromedicomanzanera.com or fill out the following form https://centromedicomanzanera.com/en/formulario_en/ and we will assess your case.
Have a nice day!
María Pombar Gómez
Embryologist
IMAGE: Modified from https://www.columbiaasia.com/malaysia/health-articles/freezing-your-sperms-what-you-need-know
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