Sperm freezing is the process of collecting, freezing, and storing sperm cells at ultra-low temperatures to preserve their viability for future use. This option is especially beneficial for men with low sperm count, certain types of cancer, and high-risk jobs.
Sperm freezing is one of the most reliable methods to preserve fertility for men who want to safeguard their ability to have biological children later in life.
At Perch Fertility, we ensure that your sperm is carefully collected, analyzed, frozen, and stored in a state-of-the-art facility with the highest standards of care.
Sperm cells are the reproductive cells produced by the testes in men. During ejaculation, approximately 300 to 500 million sperm are released within the semen, a whitish-gray fluid that exits the penis during orgasm.
Once sperm is ejaculated into the vagina, millions of them travel through the cervix and uterus to meet the egg in the fallopian tubes. If all of this goes well, fertilization may occur, potentially leading to pregnancy.
Since sperm cannot survive long outside the reproductive system, it must be frozen at extremely low temperatures for preservation. The sperm freezing process is highly advanced, ensuring that sperm remains stable over long periods.
Once stored in liquid nitrogen at -321 degrees Fahrenheit (-196 degrees Celsius), sperm cells are suspended in time, keeping them viable for future fertility treatments.
When you are ready to start a family, frozen sperm can be thawed and used for conception. This could be done either through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Deciding to bank your sperm is a personal choice, often influenced by the desire to have children in the future. However, certain circumstances may make it difficult or impossible to conceive through sexual intercourse. These situations may include:
If you're in a committed relationship, it's important to involve your partner in the decision-making process.
At Perch Fertility, sperm freezing is a carefully controlled and efficient process designed to ensure maximum preservation and viability of the sperm.
Before banking your sperm, we conduct medical evaluations and tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.
Once you are cleared of all the necessary health checks, you may be instructed to abstain from sexual activity for 2 to 3 days before providing a sperm sample.
Your sperm collection is typically collected through ejaculation in a private, comfortable setting. We offer an on-site collection room or home collection kits if preferred.
The container for sperm collection is typically a small plastic jar with a screw-top lid. We may also provide collection condoms, which differ from over-the-counter (OTC) condoms.
OTC condoms can be harmful to your sperm, as many contain lubricants that may kill sperm cells. Be mindful that lubricants, including saliva, can harm or impair your sperm. If you need a lubricant, please discuss sperm-safe options with us.
If you collect a semen sample at home, make sure to deliver it to our fertility clinic within a few hours. Additionally, you should keep the sample as close to body temperature as possible to maintain the health of your sperm.
In cases where ejaculation is not possible, surgical methods, such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE), may be used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles. This procedure involves removing a small tissue sample from the testicle, which is then examined for sperm.
Once your semen sample has been collected, a small portion is separated for testing. The remainder of the sample will be divided into smaller quantities and combined with a cryoprotectant solution. This solution is essential for protecting the sperm cells during the freezing and thawing processes. It helps prevent ice crystal formation, which can damage the cells.
Sperm freezing is a highly effective technique and has a proven track record that dates back to the 1950s. While some sperm may not survive the freezing and thawing processes, the overall method remains reliable.
The success rates of achieving a pregnancy using frozen sperm depend on several factors, including the quality of the sperm at the time of freezing, the method of fertility treatment, and the health of the partner.
If the sample is of high quality, the loss of some sperm during thawing may not impact the ability to successfully conceive a healthy baby. This is because the average sperm count can range from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Only 10 million motile sperm are required for insemination, and with IVF, just one sperm is needed for each egg.
When it’s time to use the frozen sperm, the sample is carefully thawed in a controlled laboratory setting. This gradual warming process helps to minimize damage to the sperm cells.
After thawing, the sperm is analyzed again to assess its motility and overall quality. Although some sperm cells may not survive the thawing process, most will remain viable and capable of fertilizing an egg.
The thawed sperm can be used for various fertility treatments, including:
Sperm freezing is a trusted and highly effective method for preserving fertility and having control over family planning. At Perch Fertility, we ensure that your sperm is carefully collected, analyzed, frozen, and stored in a state-of-the-art facility with the highest standards of care.
To schedule a consultation with our fertility specialist, please call us at 201-775-0003 or request an appointment online. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with the information and support you need.
One of the most significant advantages of sperm freezing is its ability to store sperm for extended periods without a decline in quality. Frozen sperm remains viable for many years, with successful pregnancies resulting from sperm frozen for more than 20 years.
No, banking your sperm will not postpone the initiation of your medical treatment. If you have a serious illness, you may need to make a quick decision about banking your sperm. It’s advisable to discuss this with your provider before beginning any treatment.
The risks or complications of sperm banking are generally minimal but can include:
Although sperm banking doesn’t usually require many preparations, you may be asked to:
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Take the first step towards preserving your fertility. We offer a complimentary initial consultation for egg freezing to help you make the best decision for your reproductive health.
Please select the option that fits you best to help us efficiently schedule your consultation.
