Cryopreservation of sperm

Sperm cryopreservation is a modern method of reproductive medicine that allows you to preserve male germ cells for a long time. Sperm are in liquid nitrogen and remain viable thanks to the use of cryoprotectants — substances that protect cells from damage. After thawing, the material can be used for assisted reproductive technologies (IVM, IVF, ICSI).

Cryopreservation of human sperm has been used in medicine for a long time. The first child conceived using frozen sperm was born in 1953. Currently, this practice has become very popular among couples who, for various reasons, cannot conceive a child yet, but plan to do so in the future.

Why do sperm cryopreservation?

Cryopreservation of reproductive material increases the chances of conceiving a child in men:

• before starting treatment of oncological diseases (radio- or chemotherapy);
• undergo military service, work in conditions with an increased probability of injury, hypothermia, radiation exposure and other health risks;
• take drugs that suppress the function of the immune system (immunosuppressants);
• going to have an operation that negatively affects fertility (for example, a vasectomy or removal of a testicle);
• are in constant contact with factors that reduce the ability to conceive;
• are in constant contact with factors that reduce the ability to conceive;
• plan to use anabolic steroids;
• before starting to use strong sedative (calming), psychotropic drugs;
• for any reason, cannot ejaculate immediately before intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF);
• want to save quality sperm samples at a young age for later use.

In the Reprolife Сlinic in Kyiv, cryopreservation of sperm is used in the program of infertility treatment using donor material, if necessary. The ejaculate is also frozen so that the sample can be used by a single woman or a couple who cannot have children due to the male infertility factor.

Preparation for cryopreservation of sperm

Before freezing sperm, it is necessary to undergo an examination. It is recommended to do the tests in the same clinic where the cryopreservation will be performed. In the Сenter of Reproductive Medicine Reprolife, you can undergo complex diagnostics quickly, without queues, at an acceptable cost.

At the first stage, a spermogram is  made to assess the quality of the ejaculate. Analysis indicators are the main factor that determines the viability of germ cells after thawing the sample.

In addition, we prescribe:

• RW (Wasserman test) — a test for the diagnosis of syphilis;
• HBsAg — an analysis to exclude the hepatitis B virus;
• anti-HCV — a test for the diagnosis of the hepatitis C virus;
• anti-HIV-1,2 — exclusion of antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus;

Before giving sperm, a man should avoid heavy physical exertion, avoid saunas, hot baths, and drink alcohol, as these factors negatively affect the quality of ejaculate. It is necessary to refrain from sexual contact 3-5 days before submitting the biological material.

It is important to give sperm for cryopreservation in the clinic in order to obtain a fresh sample, taking into account the standards of sterility and temperature regime. The Reprolife medical center has created all the conditions for a highly efficient, comfortable and safe program.

The ejaculate sample is immediately taken to the embryological laboratory, where it is prepared for freezing.

How does cryopreservation of sperm take place?

On the scheduled day, the man submits a fresh sperm sample. In embryological conditions, a special substance — a cryoprotectant — is added to it. It helps remove water molecules from the material to be cryopreserved. If this is not done, ice crystals form in the cells, which can damage their shell. Then the process of vitrification begins — ultra-fast freezing at a temperature of -196˚C. All necessary stages are included in the total cost of sperm cryopreservation.

The ejaculate sample is divided into portions. With this approach, each part can be thawed independently of the other and used for multiple fertilization programs and/or for donation.

How and how long is frozen sperm stored?

The sample is stored in special containers at a very low temperature. Liquid nitrogen is usually used to maintain proper conditions, which helps to cool the biological material down to -196°C.

The period of possibility of using frozen ejaculate for fertilization in the future is not limited – germ cells do not lose their biological properties for decades. When using the Sperm Freezing Bank, the cost of the service depends on the duration of storage of biological material.

How is sperm used after thawing?

Thawing is an important stage on which the effectiveness of the assisted reproductive technology program depends. It should be noted that the quality of cells does not change during storage. Sperm can be damaged precisely during cryopreservation and thawing. Violations of temperature conditions and the use of incorrect techniques can lead to the death of germ cells.

Therefore, the program must be conducted in a specially equipped embryological laboratory, in compliance with the strict highest medical standards.

After thawing, the sperm is sent for analysis to confirm its quality. If the indicators correspond to the norm, the material can be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ICSI protocols.

Couples who choose the sperm cryopreservation method should know that freezing does not affect the health of the future child. Children conceived using frozen gametes do not have an increased risk of birth defects compared to children conceived naturally.

Sperm freezing service at the Reprolife Clinic in Kyiv

The Reprolife Medical Center provides a full range of services in the field of preserving reproductive health. Sperm cryopreservation at the Reprolife Clinic in Kyiv is a technique that gives a man the opportunity to conceive a child in the future.

Reproductive specialists and andrologists with many years of experience in our medical center conduct a detailed consultation before freezing biological material, helping to choose the best cryopreservation option that meets the individual needs of the patient.

The Reprolife Private Clinic has a modern embryological laboratory, equipment that guarantees the highest rates of pregnancy and childbirth, compliance with safety requirements for the preparation and storage of biological material. In our medical center, you can also undergo all types of research that are required for successful freezing of germ cells. The cost of the sperm cryopreservation program depends on the number of samples.

Call the number thst you can find on our website or fill out the feedback form. The clinic coordinator will contact you soon. He will clarify how much cryopreservation of sperm costs, and will provide in detail all the necessary information that is needed to carry out the program.

There is a PROMOTION for military personnel in our clinic: sperm cryopreservation and further storage is free of charge.