Contents
The purpose of cryopreservation of sperm (spermatozoa) is to ensure the possibility of conception in the future. When choosing a sperm bank, it is important to find a facility that you think will be in business for many years so that you can store your sperm safely in the long run.
Types of sperm cryopreservation
Short-term sperm cryotreatment is the collection, freezing and storage of sperm in a bank for less than one year. The sperm cryobank then uses the frozen samples in artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments.
Short-term semen cryopreservation is recommended for delayed inseminations when an intimate partner is temporarily absent. The method is also recommended in cases of oligozoospermia (low sperm count in men), where the pooling of several doses of sperm can be used to effectively artificially inseminate the woman. Short-term storage is also performed prior to the use of reproductive technologies (i.e. in vitro fertilization, intrauterine gamete transfer, etc.) to ensure good quality sperm samples for the intended procedure.
Time-tested methods allow freezing and storage of frozen samples and embryos in liquid nitrogen. According to the specific wishes of the donor, these specimens and embryos can then be thawed and used in an attempt to conceive through artificial insemination, IVF, or other fertility treatments.
Sample collection process and freezing algorithm
Prior to semen collection, it is recommended to maximize sexual abstinence for at least 2 days, but no more than 5 days, to maximize the quality of the sample for cryopreservation.
The sample will be collected into a sterile container by masturbation. Collection can take place at home, provided that it does not take more than 1 hour for the sample to be delivered to the sperm bank. Otherwise, samples can be collected in special individual rooms at the clinic. The patient must be examined for the presence of infectious and other diseases. After the examination, the patient will be called and told if his samples are suitable for cryopreservation or not.
The semen sample will be divided into one or more vials depending on the amount of motile sperm in the original sample. Each vial is used for one artificial insemination attempt. However, some doctors like to use two fertilization vials or even perform two fertilizations per cycle. No one can predict in advance how many vials are required to achieve pregnancy. It is generally recommended to store at least 12 vials (3-6 samples). These vials can also be used in advanced reproduction methods such as IVF.
The freezing algorithm is performed as follows:
- Each sample (ejaculate) is mixed with a special medium or solution to provide protection during freezing and thawing.
- Samples are placed in special plastic vials, which are coded and carefully frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor.
- After freezing, the vials are immersed in liquid nitrogen in protective containers at -196°C (-371°F).
- Liquid nitrogen is independent of the energy source and is regularly checked and replenished.
- Each patient is assigned a unique “cryocode” and the semen sample is processed individually using permanently labeled vials by licensed and certified clinical laboratory scientists.
Reasons for Sperm Cryopreservation
Some men find they have diseases or need to undergo treatment or surgery, which can result in permanent sterilization or genetic damage. As methods of cancer detection and treatment improve, more of these conditions are detected in men at an earlier age, with higher survival rates. Therefore, men in their fertile years are now considering cryopreservation to maintain their fertility after a cancer diagnosis.
Some men engage in high-risk activities that involve radiation, hazardous chemicals, or physical harm. Sperm banks help ensure that they have a chance at fatherhood in the future. The job may force them to be away from their partners during the period of time they planned to conceive. Artificial insemination using cryopreserved sperm allows such couples to follow their desired plan.
Important: sperm cryopreservation is a reliable protection against sexual transmission of various diseases, since sperm is carefully checked before freezing.
Rules for the storage of biomaterials in frozen form
Cryostorage in a cryobank must comply with the standards, since liquid nitrogen is used for the procedure. All requirements and rules are reflected in STO 002 099 64.01-2006 “Rules for the design of air separation products production”: for storage, a capital building with a separate room is chosen; the room should be spacious and not restrict actions regarding the unloading or loading of materials; the floor must be durable, reliable, not slippery and not dusty; it must withstand temperatures up to -200 degrees Celsius; the premises should not have fixed places for workers; it is important to provide thorough ventilation; there should not be water pipes and water-containing equipment in the room; no sensors, all sensors are located in staff rooms.
Sperm cryopreservation is a rather expensive procedure. The price directly depends on the method of freezing, the duration of storage, the popularity of the clinic, the number of units to be frozen, and the location of the clinic.