Preserve Your Fertility with Sperm Freezing
When it comes to fertility preservation, there are many options available at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine in Omaha, NE. One of the most common and successful methods is sperm freezing.
Also referred to as sperm cryopreservation, this procedure allows a man to preserve his sperm for his own future use or for donation. Today, we discuss this option, and explore the procedure, candidacy, benefits, and more.
How Does Sperm Freezing Work?
When a patient decides to freeze his sperm, he will provide a fresh semen sample while at the clinic. This sample will then be combined with a cryoprotectant, a substance that protects the cells from damage during freezing.
Generally, the sample is divided up into several tubes. This prevents the need for the entire sample to be thawed at once. As a result, the sperm can be used in multiple treatments.
Finally, the samples are gradually frozen, then placed into liquid nitrogen. While not all sperm will survive the cryopreservation process, sperm freezing carries no known risks for patients or for their future children.
Who Is a Candidate for Sperm Freezing?
Essentially any man who wishes to preserve his fertility is a candidate for sperm freezing. The reasons for choosing cryopreservation are vast and varied.
For example, a client may choose sperm freezing if he:
- Wants to preserve his most vital, healthy sperm for his own future treatment.
- Wishes to have children in the future but is not ready for that commitment yet.
- Must be away for prolonged periods of time, such as military deployment.
- Is about to undergo chemotherapy and wishes to preserve his sperm beforehand.
- Desires to donate his sperm to another client’s fertility treatment.
Benefits of Sperm Freezing
Sperm cryopreservation offers numerous advantages for clients. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Effectiveness: As aforementioned, not all sperm will survive the process. However, because millions of sperm are included in each sample, the chances of success are remarkable.
- Affordability: Compared to female fertility procedures, the cost of sperm cryopreservation is nominal.
- Convenience: When female patients undergo fertility treatments, the process is typically more complex. Sperm freezing is a simple, non-invasive, and convenient way to preserve your fertility.
What Happens to Frozen Sperm?
Many patients want to know happens to their frozen sperm. The answer will be different for every patient, and it is important to consider your options carefully. Of course, your sperm can be thawed for use in treatment whenever you are ready.
However, they can also be:
- Destroyed upon the patient’s request
- Destroyed after your death
- Saved after your death so that your partner can achieve a pregnancy
This is a sensitive topic that deserves significant thought and deliberation. Our team can discuss your options with you in detail during your consultation at our practice.
Contact Us for More Information
There is a wide array of reasons why men may consider sperm freezing. To learn more about your fertility preservation options, schedule a consultation at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine. You can contact us online anytime or call our practice at (877) 831-3227.