Sperm cryopreservation is also known as sperm freezing. This method is carried out for men who wish to freeze their sperm for fertilization processes in the future.
Did you know, Dad, that the sperm freezing procedure is one of the methods that can be done to preserve sperm for later use?
This procedure is one of the methods to address fertility issues (infertility) in men. Sperm freezing is done to maintain its quality for future needs.
Read also: Understanding Sperm Freezing Methods to Protect Sperm Quality
According to Dr. Maitra Djiang Wen, Sp.And, Subsp. FER., M.ClinEmbryol, a fertility consultant andrology specialist and head of the Bocah Indonesia embryology laboratory, the sperm freezing procedure is performed with liquid nitrogen so it can be used over a long period. Remarkably, Dr. Maitra also added that as long as the sperm is in the liquid nitrogen, it can last indefinitely.
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“Sperm freezing is a condition where the sperm can be brought to a certain temperature, which is -196 degrees Celsius. So, we put it into liquid nitrogen to stop the metabolism of the sperm, allowing it to last for a long time,” said Dr. Maitra.
“(The duration) is unlimited. It could be 100 years, 500 years. As long as it remains in the liquid nitrogen,” he added.
How is Sperm Freezing Done?
Before undergoing sperm cryopreservation or sperm freezing, a consultation regarding medical history and any ongoing treatment processes is required. Subsequently, an examination of the sperm’s condition, both in terms of quality and quantity, will be conducted to ensure there are no specific medical conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections.
Written consent for sperm freezing will also be requested. The procedure involves collecting semen or seminal fluid in a specially prepared sterile container. The final step is storing the collected sperm in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 196 degrees Celsius for future use.
Who Can Undergo Sperm Freezing?
According to Dr. Maitra, sperm freezing is primarily aimed at preserving sperm, especially for men who have difficulties in sperm production. “Sperm freezing is our effort to preserve sperm. In some cases, we have difficulty obtaining sperm. Normally, it’s easy for men to produce sperm. But there are specific cases where it’s difficult to obtain, for example due to blockage or production issues,” said Dr. Maitra. The frozen sperm can later be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, where fertilization of sperm and egg takes place outside the body, precisely in a laboratory. “If sperm production is not possible due to hormonal disorders, we can provide hormonal medication and others. Once the sperm is produced, we freeze it. It can then be used for the IVF process,” he added. Generally, this procedure is carried out for men who meet certain criteria, such as:
Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy that may affect fertility conditions
Wishing to delay having children
Having a high mobility lifestyle that makes it difficult to be present for fertility treatments
Men who are undergoing or have undergone a vasectomy
That’s an overview of sperm cryopreservation or sperm freezing. If you are considering sperm freezing, it is advised to first consult with an andrology specialist. Don’t hesitate to check with your nearest fertility clinic!
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Chitra Fatimah.
Source:
Hughes, G., Da Silva, SM. (2023). Sperm cryopreservation for impaired spermatogenesis. Reprod Fertil. 2023 Jan 1; 4(1): e220106.
Borate, GM., Meshram, A. (2022). Cryopreservation of Sperm: A Review. Cureus. 2022 Nov; 14(11): e31402.
Hinting, A., Agustinus. (2020). Recent updates of sperm cryopreservation technique: a literature review. Indonesia Journal of Biomedical Science, 14(2), 92–98.
