Sperm Freezing
Sperm Freezing (Sperm Cryopreservation)
Safeguard your fertility — preserve your sperm for when the time is right.
What is Sperm Freezing (Sperm Cryopreservation)?
Sperm cryopreservation is the process of freezing and storing sperm at ultra-low temperatures (\u2212196\u00b0C) for future use in fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF, or ICSI. Modern cryopreservation techniques preserve sperm viability and function effectively, making it a reliable option for men who wish to protect their fertility before medical treatment, surgery, or for personal reasons.
Who is this for?
- Men facing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or pelvic surgery
- Men with declining sperm parameters who wish to bank sperm now
- Men undergoing vasectomy who may wish to father children in the future
- Men with difficulty producing a sample on the day of IVF/IUI
- Men in high-risk occupations or about to travel for extended periods
- Men with azoospermia undergoing surgical sperm retrieval (TESA/PESA)
Key Benefits
Step-by-Step Procedure
A clear, transparent walkthrough of every stage of your Sperm Freezing treatment at Ova IVF.
Consultation & Semen Analysis
A baseline semen analysis assesses sperm count, motility, and morphology to determine the suitability and number of samples required for banking.
Infectious Disease Screening
Blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other relevant infections are performed as per regulatory requirements before storage.
Sample Collection
A semen sample is produced by masturbation in a private collection room at our clinic. Abstinence of 2–5 days prior is recommended for optimal sample quality.
Laboratory Processing
The sample is assessed, mixed with a cryoprotectant medium to protect sperm cells during freezing, and loaded into labelled cryovials.
Controlled-Rate Freezing & Vitrification
Sperm are frozen using a controlled-rate freezing protocol or vitrification and plunged into liquid nitrogen at −196°C.
Cryostorage
Frozen sperm are stored in clearly labelled cryovials in liquid nitrogen tanks. Multiple samples may be banked across separate visits for security.
Thawing & Use
When required, sperm are carefully thawed and assessed for post-thaw survival and motility before use in IUI, IVF, or ICSI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can sperm be stored?
Sperm can be stored for many years. Our team will advise on storage duration limits and renewal procedures at consultation.
Does freezing damage sperm?
Some reduction in motility after thawing is normal (typically 50–70% of pre-freeze motility is recovered). However, sufficient viable sperm remain for successful IVF/ICSI in the vast majority of cases.
How many samples should I freeze?
We generally recommend banking 2–3 samples to ensure adequate sperm for multiple treatment attempts. Your specialist will advise based on your semen parameters.
Ready to Begin Your Sperm Freezing Journey?
Our specialists are here to guide you. Call us or book a consultation today.