Sperm from two sources can be frozen: from ejaculates or from fluid extracted in the operating room during surgical procedures (vasal, epididymal and testicular sperm specimens). The sperm cryopreservation is usually frozen for a period of one year (sperm bank); at that time, future arrangements are discussed. It is generally believed that sperm that have been through the freeze-thaw process are no more likely to result in birth defects than freshly ejaculated sperm.

Crete Fertility Centre walks in co-operation with the largest sperm bank in Europe, Cryos Bank in Denmark, in order to secure the highest sperm quality standards in case of assisted reproduction with the use of donor’s sperm.

All Donors are under a state of the strictest and obligatory procedures every three months, in order to secure sperm quality. These procedures include psychological examinations, full pathological, haematological and microbiological tests in order to trace genetic abnormalities, sexually transmitted diseases and various viruses (such as hepatitis). All sperm samples become approved after being quarantined for 6 months.

There are situations in life when the depositing of sperm in a long-term storage bank offers options for future preservation and peace of mind. The two primary reasons for sperm freezing are long-term preservation for later use by depositors and availability of sperm for donor insemination.

There are a number of reasons men should consider sperm cryopreservation:

When involved with Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Sperm can be stored for use for IUI, IVF, ICSI, GIFT, and other similar procedures so that it is available at a critical time. Sperm that is obtained through sperm aspiration, vibratory stimulation, or through surgery can be stored to prevent the need for additional procedures.

Before undergoing cancer therapies

Cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can cause permanent sterility and infertility. Having their sperm frozen can preserve future fertility.

Before having prostate or testicular surgery

Testicular surgery, prostatectomy and similar surgeries can cause sterility, or redirect the flow of semen into the urinary bladder. Sperm cryopreservation can ensure that men who have these surgeries can preserve their reproductive capabilities.

If considering a vasectomy

Sperm cryopreservation can preserve fertility and prevent the need for reversal surgery if personal circumstances change.

High-risk occupations

High risk professions with exposure to chemicals, radiation, extreme heat, etc. can cause sterility in men.

Low sperm counts or low-quality sperm

Higher-quality sperm samples can be frozen for later use with IVF and ICSI. Specimens can be pooled to increase the likelihood of achieving pregnancy.

Ejaculatory dysfunction

It is thought that sperm number and quality decreases over time when ejaculation doesn’t occur. Therefore, in cases where men can’t ejaculate, such as with spinal cord injury, preserving sperm as early as possible may increase their fertility chances.

When men are going to be absent

Sperm freezing enables the female partner to continue with her reproductive schedule even if the male partner can’t be there, due to a busy schedule, unforeseen events, etc.