Sperm Freezing

Sperm Freezing: A Smart Option for Preserving Male Fertility for Future Use

Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation or sperm banking, involves the collection, freezing, and storage of sperm. This procedure is often sought by men who wish to preserve their male fertility for future use, whether due to medical reasons, upcoming travel that may prevent them from being available for IUI or IVF, or to delay fatherhood until a later time.

At Netcare IVF | Fertility, we offer sperm preservation services using cutting-edge technology and meticulous monitoring to ensure the highest standards of reliability. Our fertility specialists can store a viable sperm sample for. Our fertility experts can preserve a viable sperm sample for a standard storage time of around 10 years or longer, ensuring long-term storage and reliability. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn if sperm freezing is the right option for you.

Reasons Clients Consider Freezing Sperm

Men might choose sperm freezing for various reasons:

  • upcoming travel that may prevent being available for IUI or IVF.
  • Medical treatments that may negatively impact fertility (such as chemotherapy or radiation for cancers).
  • Future family planning after a vasectomy (male sterilization).
  • Declining sperm quality or low sperm count due to age, health conditions, or lifestyle factors.
  • Difficulty producing a sperm sample at the time of treatment procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  • Helping a loved one grow their family

We’re here to help you preserve your fertility and increase your chances of having a child in the future.

The Sperm Freezing Process at Netcare Fertility

Once our fertility specialists determine that sperm freezing is the right approach for your fertility preservation, the next step involves a thorough assessment of sperm quality and overall health. This includes screenings for conditions like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. To ensure the best possible sample, we recommend abstaining from sexual activity for two to five days prior to providing a sperm sample, with at least one ejaculation within the last five days. You can choose to collect the sample either at home or in a private, comfortable setting within our clinic. Our team ensures a discreet and comfortable experience.

After submission, the sperm sample is carefully processed and frozen, stored in a cryotank filled with liquid nitrogen for long-term preservation. Throughout its storage, the cryotank is continuously monitored to maintain optimal conditions. Before the frozen sperm sample is used in procedures like IUI or IVF, the sperm undergoes an additional evaluation to confirm its quality and viability for successful fertilization.

How Long Can Frozen Sperm Be Stored and What Are the Success Rates?

Sperm samples in humans are typically stored for up to 10 years, but pregnancies and live births have been successfully achieved using semen stored for over 20 years, and even up to 40 years. Andraz et al. (2013) reported live births from human semen frozen for 40 years. It is also important to note that more than 50% of frozen sperm cells generally survive the freezing process.

Fresh and Frozen Sperm for IUI and IVF Cycles

Several studies comparing fresh and frozen sperm in IVF have reported no significant differences in pregnancy rates, embryo development, or live birth rates. For example, a systematic review published in Human Reproduction Update indicated that there were no substantial differences in clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates, or live birth rates between the two methods, particularly when ICSI was employed.

Book Your Appointment with Us Today!

At Netcare IVF | Fertility, we are dedicated to offering advanced treatments in a compassionate and supportive environment. If you’re considering sperm freezing, we encourage you to contact us today. Our experienced doctors will work with you to assess whether sperm freezing is the right choice to help you achieve your goals. Let us provide the care and guidance you need during this important decision-making process.