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Sperm cryopreservation, commonly referred to as sperm freezing, is a method to preserve sperm for later use. After semen is collected a laboratory analysis is completed and then the semen is frozen in our state-of-the-art laboratory for future attempts at pregnancy.
There are various reasons why someone may want to freeze their sperm for future use, such as:
Inability to be present for partner’s fertility treatment (e.g., travel, military)
Declining sperm concentration
Advancing age
High-risk exposure (e.g., Zika, occupational)
Before hormone treatment or gender-affirming procedures
Before cancer treatments
Before beginning treatment for any medical conditions that could affect fertility
The sperm freezing process involves several steps, including:
An infectious disease screening to ensure there are no sexually transmitted diseases
Providing a sperm sample (typically through masturbation at our clinic)
Separating out the sperm from other fluids and analyzing it to ensure it’s healthy
Freezing and storing under specific conditions
When you’re ready to use the sperm, it’s carefully thawed to room temperature. The sperm is analyzed again to make sure there are still active sperm remaining. Some of the sperm may not survive the freeze-thaw cycle. However, the sperm that survives is strong and healthy, making it more likely to result in a pregnancy.
The fertility specialists of Main Line Fertility are proud to offer a wide range of fertility care services in Pennsylvania to meet every patient’s need, including comprehensive fertility preservation such as sperm freezing. Connect with Main Line Fertility today to schedule a consultation by filling out our online form or contact us directly at one of our fertility clinics in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, West Chester, Havertown, Reading, or Fort Washington.
