Sperm Freezing

Sperm freezing or sperm cryopreservation is a preservation technique that has been used for more than 75 years for use in assisted reproductive treatment, such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

The process is relatively simple: the semen sample that the patient takes in the laboratory through masturbation is collected and a treatment is given to preserve the sperm prepared to be fertilized.

How is it done?

• Collection of the semen sample. After collecting the semen sample, the sperm are analyzed and the best ones are chosen, discarding those that have died, have little mobility or some defect.
• Dehydration. The sample must be dehydrated to remove all traces of water that may form crystals.
• Vitrification. Once the sample has been dehydrated, it is placed in liquid nitrogen at -196 ° C, which freezes the sperm in seconds and allows them to retain their qualities.
• Storage. Frozen sperm are stored indefinitely until required for use in an assisted reproductive technique.

When to consider doing it?

Sperm freezing or sperm cryopreservation is recommended in the following cases:

• Cancer patients before chemotherapies or radiotherapies that can damage the quality and quantity of sperm; for example, in the case of testicular lymphoma, which can cause infertility.
• Before testicular surgery, prostate surgery or hormone replacement therapy in transgender people.
• Before a vasectomy in case of wanting to postpone paternity.
• Before undergoing fertility treatments to have healthy and ready sperm available when needed.
• Men with low sperm count or sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.

In addition to these cases, athletes or people with high-risk work, for example those who are exposed to pesticides, environmental toxins, lead or radiation, which in addition to having a risk of affecting their fertility, can damage the quality of sperm.

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How to prepare for the procedure

Before submitting the patient to the procedure, the specialist requests blood tests to rule out the presence of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, herpes, among others; In addition, a semen sample is often required to analyze sperm motility, sperm count, and other factors.

Before the procedure, the patient must have 3 to 4 days of sexual abstinence to have a good amount of semen and good quality sperm; Longer abstinence is not recommended as it may increase the number of immobile sperm.

Success rate

A frozen sperm sample suffers some mobility impairment, however this is not significant (especially in cases of in vitro fertilization) and the loss is based on individual differences. However, current techniques seek to obtain samples with better quality even in prolonged storage times.

Therefore, after the freezing and thawing of a semen sample, a count of more than 10 million motile sperm can be obtained, ready to be used in reproduction treatments.

Frequent questions

• How long can it stay frozen? Indefinitely, there is no time limit; Pregnancies have even been obtained with samples that had been frozen for up to 15 years.
• When is the best age to do it and is there an age limit? In men, age is not a limiting factor, since what is sought in sperm is quantity, good quality and an adequate mobility.

Sperm Freezing Cost

In the United States, the price of freezing sperm can exceed a thousand dollars between consultations, clinical tests and the cryopreservation process; However, the alternative of going to Tijuana, Mexico, a city known as the capital of medical tourism, is increasingly profitable as it finds treatments up to 3 times cheaper than in the US, but with equally trained specialists and in clinics with cutting edge technology.

The Fertility Center is the alternative you are looking for high quality assisted reproduction treatments, with successful results in our patients and at a more affordable price than in the USA. Schedule an assessment appointment and check it out yourself.

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1.- Schedule your appointment

2.- Talk to our specialist

3.- Prepare your studies

4.- Attend your consultation

5.- Start your treatment plan