Sperm Cryopreservation – Understanding what and why of it?

A ready reckoner on everything you need to know about sperm freezing and sperm preservation by IVF specialists of the best IVF centre in Ghaziabad – Gunjan IVF World

Incidents of couples delaying their dreams of parenthood are increasing by the day. Couples are willing to do so for various reasons – social, medical, etc. With growing age, the possibilities of infertility, failed pregnancies, etc. have also increased. So, does that mean, people willing to delay pregnancy for any reason find it difficult to become parents later when they wish to? That’s not true at all! Through this informative article, IVF specialists of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Delhi provide valuable insights into what sperm cryopreservation is. Read to know more.

What is Sperm Cryopreservation ?

Sperm cryopreservation or sperm freezing is the process of freezing sperm at a temperature of -196 degree Celsius for use later. The sperm is then thawed and used for procedures like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in future. “With advancements in the field of science today, couples can delay their parenthood. Thanks to procedures like IVF. Couples today want to become parents later in life for various reasons. Oocyte/Sperm cryopreservation has become a proposed solution for this. It is primarily advised to couples when they are suffering from any medical condition like cancer,” stated Dr. Aastha Raheja, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the leading IVF center in Ghaziabad.

Gunjan IVF World is the best known IVF center in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad with three other highly advanced clinics in Janakpuri, Meerut and Noida. This renowned IVF clinic in Ghaziabad is led by Dr. Gunjan Gupta, Founder & Director, who carries 20+ years of experience in the field of infertility treatments. “Men are not aware that after the age of 35 years, the quality of sperm decreases leading to reduced pregnancy rate, increased risk of miscarriage, etc. Though men can become fathers even in their 60s or beyond, it is important for them to know the impact age has on their fertility,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, a well-known IVF specialist Ghaziabad and Director & Founder, Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.

“You would be surprised to know that with growing age, there can be a 0.8% decrease in sperm motility, 0.65% decrease in morphology and 0.3% increase in sperm DNA fragmentation. Hence, it is necessary to freeze sperm by the age of 20s-30s to be able to become a father after 40,” commented Dr. Garima Sharma, Consultant and Centre In-Charge of a famous IVF clinic in Janakpuri – Gunjan IVF World.

“There could be many situations over and above cancer that can come in the way of your fatherhood dreams. In case of cancer, your doctor will advise you to consider sperm freezing before chemotherapy or radiation so that the sperm can be used later post cancer treatment. For other cases, surgery can also be considered,” said Dr. Anshu Dhar, Consultant of a leading IVF center in Delhi – Gunjan IVF World. Other reasons that can lead you to freeze your sperm include the following:

• Types of pelvic or testicular surgery
• Highly risky occupations or sports
• Diabetes, which might lead to erectile dysfunction

Understanding the Sperm Freezing Process

Step 1: Preparation

Before starting the process, a few tests and assessments will be suggested by your IVF doctor. These include

Screening for sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
Sperm analysis to check for sperm count, semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology

Step 2: Producing a sample

As a next step in the process, you will have to submit a sample of your semen for analysis. The process includes

Initial paperwork, declaration, etc.
Manual sample collection through masturbation

Step 3: Analysing and processing sperm

After receiving the sample, the lab assesses for semen volume.
It is washed with a sterile media
The sample is then centrifuged (spun) to separate sperm from seminal fluid and transport media
The sample is then evaluated by lab technicians under high-powered microscope

Step 4: Post-thaw analysis

A critical step in the process which involves the freezing and thawing of a small amount of the sample
Research reveals that there will be a slight decrease in sperm motility after they are frozen and thawed but that does not affect pregnancy rates
This assessment leaves you with an idea of the quality and quantity of sperm after thawing

Step 5: Cryopreservation and storing

Sample is gently mixed in a cryo vial with a cryoprotectant that draws water out of the sperm cell to prevent sperm damage
It is then submerged into liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 degree Celsius or lower for freezing
Lastly, the frozen vials are transferred to liquid nitrogen storage tanks for use later when required

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