Sperm Cryopreservation
Sperm Cryopreservation is the procedure of gathering, freezing and storing sperm providing a way to preserve male fertility for future use. The sperm can be defrosted and utilized later on for IVF or IUI (intrauterine insemination) treatments.
Why should somebody have sperm cryopreservation?
Sperm freezing makes sense for many reasons. The most frequent explanation is if you require cancer therapy. It is possible that the seminal fluid contains either extremely few or no sperm remaining after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, sperm production is stopped after a removal of the testicles.
More reasons for sperm banking consist of:
- Age: Sperm quality decreases with age, so if you want to maintain your fertility as you get older, you might decide to store your sperm.
- Medical problems or procedures: People who decide to get a vasectomy could choose to have children in the future. Certain drugs can have an impact on fertility, such as sickle cell or testosterone therapy.
- Work: Individuals in high-risk occupations, including the military, can preserve sperm for later use by themselves or their partners.
- Posthumous sperm retrieval: It is possible for family members to take sperm from a deceased person. After death, sperm can be removed and stored for up to 72 hours.
How are sperm harvested in order to freeze them?
There are various steps involved in the freezing of sperm. To ensure there are no STDs, a person must first go through an infectious disease screening. Usually, a basic blood test is required for this.
The individual then offers a sample of semen. The most typical method of providing the sample is masturbation in a reproductive clinic, although occasionally, a sample can be created at home and sent to a lab in less than a day.
In certain cases, sperm extraction from testicular tissue requires surgery. Those who have previously had cancer treatment or had a vasectomy may find themselves in this situation. Infertility sufferers who have very low sperm counts or no sperm in their semen may also require sperm extraction surgery.
