One of the key advantages of cryopreservation is enabling couples to conceive in the future or postpone pregnancy. The desire to have children is paramount for married couples; however, some choose to delay parenthood. One available option is the cryopreservation procedure. Cryopreservation is a long-term storage technique used to preserve cells, tissues, and other biological specimens at extremely low temperatures in liquid nitrogen. Both men and women can undergo this procedure.
For men, one method of cryopreservation is sperm cell freezing (sperm cryopreservation). Sperm cells are frozen in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of −196∘C to prevent the degradation of sperm quality during storage, which can last for various periods, sometimes even years.
What are the Advantages of Sperm Freezing?
1. Long-term Storage Capacity
Frozen sperm can be stored for an extended period. This provides men with the opportunity to maintain sperm quality and preserve their chances of conception in the future. Long-term sperm storage is particularly beneficial for men facing a risk of infertility or those undergoing specific treatments, such as chemotherapy. The quality of the cryopreserved sperm remains relatively preserved if the procedure is performed correctly.
2. Postponing Conception
This procedure allows men who wish to delay having children to do so. Sperm freezing does not compromise sperm quality, thereby offering couples the opportunity to defer conception while still being able to have children later.
3. Option for Fertility Treatment
Frozen sperm can be utilized in fertility treatments, such such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Tanya Mincah tentang Promil?
What are the Disadvantages of Sperm Freezing?
1. High Cost
One of the drawbacks of sperm freezing is the significant cost. This includes the process fees, storage fees, and annual charges for long-term preservation. For some individuals, cost can be a major barrier to undertaking the procedure.
2. No Guarantee of Success
Frozen sperm does not ensure a definitive rate of pregnancy success in the future. Many factors can influence the outcome, including the wife’s age, egg quality, initial sperm quality, and lifestyle factors.
3. Legal and Ethical Restrictions
It is important to note that frozen sperm cannot be used by a third party or for sperm donation, as this may lead to legal and ethical issues. In Indonesia, sperm donation is legally prohibited. The Health Law Number 36 of 2009 concerning reproductive health stipulates that conception programs, including insemination and IVF, can only be performed by legally married couples.
These are some of the advantages and disadvantages related to sperm freezing that you should be aware of. Are you interested in pursuing sperm freezing? Consult an andrology specialist immediately!
Marthasari, RS., et al. (2020). The effect of cryopreservation technique in a very
low number sperm count at Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Bali Medical Journal (Bali Med J) 2020, Volume 9, Number 1: 371-375. putra,+71_bmj.v9i1.1732.pdf
Paramita, PAP., et al. (2023). Donor Sperma Dalam Perpesktif Hukum Indonesia. Jurnal Kertha Semaya, Vol. 11 No. 5 Tahun 2023, hlm. 1157-1171. 96588-1033-345831-2-10-20230425.pdf
