Definition:
Semen cryopreservation is a process to preserve sperm cells by cooling and storing them at low temperatures that can be used in future after thawing. In Greek “kryos” means cold and the Cryopreservation is cold storage for the purpose of preservation.
Preparation for the procedure:
The patient is recommended to abstain from sexual activity for at least three days before collection but no more than ten days.
During the procedure:
- The semen can be collected in a sterile container by ejaculation in a private collection room at the fertility centre. The patient who cannot ejaculate on their own can collect a sample by using vibratory stimulation or testicular sperm aspiration.
- Samples collected at home should be transported to the laboratory within one hour of collection, at room temperature.
- The collected semen samples are analyzed for volume, viscosity and pH levels and examined under microscope to determine motility, sperm count, morphology etc.
- Cryoprotectant is added to the semen to avoid sperm damage caused by freezing and then divided into cryo-vials to preserve them using preservation technology—storing cells at a temperature below the freezing point (-196 C) that allows high rates of survivability upon thawing.
- Storing a minimum of three specimens is advisable and two to three days of sexual abstinence is suggested between ejaculates; in total 9 days are needed to complete the collection and storage of three specimens.
Uses of semen cryopreservation:
- Semen cryopreservation is particularly useful for men who have to undergo cancer treatment that may leave them sterile including chemotherapy or radiation.
- In men who have undergone prostate or testicular surgery, there is a risk of sterility. Semen cryopreservation can in these cases preserve their reproductive capabilities. Sperm can be stored for use with IUI, IVF or other similar procedures, which can be available at a critical time.
- It is also used before IVF to acquire multiple semen samples in men with low sperm counts.
- It is believed that sperm that have been through the freeze-thaw process are less likely to result in birth defects than freshly ejaculated sperm.
Travellers guide:
- Medical tourists are advised to plan in advance and need to do thorough research regarding a fertility centre’s staff efficiency and credibility.
- Inquire about the required stay at the destination and book the return ticket accordingly with a spare margin of 1-2 days.
