What is Sperm Freezing?
Sperm freezing, also referred to as cryopreservation, involves the process of collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future use. Samples can be collected either at home or at a fertility clinic. If you are considering freezing your sperm, here are some essential points to keep in mind. Typically, individuals are advised to refrain from sexual activity for 48 hours prior to providing a sample. You can use a home collection kit to gather your sample and send it to a sperm bank for freezing and storage, or you may choose to visit a fertility clinic where your sperm will be analyzed for quality, motility, and count before being frozen.
Why Freeze Sperm?
There are numerous reasons why you might consider freezing your sperm. For instance, if you plan to travel during your partner’s peak fertility window, storing your sperm allows you to ensure its availability for conception during ovulation. A study from the National Institute of Health highlights the benefits of sperm freezing for military families where one partner may be deployed for extended periods.
Additionally, men with low sperm counts may need to bank their sperm for procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). In cases where a sample cannot be produced or is insufficient, doctors have the option to surgically retrieve sperm directly from the testicles for freezing.
Sperm freezing can also empower single mothers by choice, lesbian couples, and transgender individuals to conceive. An American Academy of Pediatrics study reported positive fertility outcomes for young transgender adults who opted to preserve their sperm before transitioning.
Moreover, men diagnosed with cancer may wish to freeze their sperm prior to undergoing treatments that could affect sperm quality. It’s worth noting that male fertility can decline with age, making sperm freezing an option for men in their 30s and 40s who wish to improve their chances of conceiving a healthy child later in life.
How is Sperm Frozen?
Sperm samples are placed in specialized vials that contain a cryoprotectant agent, typically cooled with liquid nitrogen vapor to preserve the sperm cells. These vials are then stored in tanks at a sperm bank. When ready for use, the sperm is thawed, washed, and retested before being utilized in fertility treatments like IVF or IUI.
Where Can You Freeze Your Sperm?
You can freeze and store your sperm at either an independent sperm bank or a sperm bank affiliated with a fertility clinic. Independent sperm banks typically screen, collect, freeze, store, and sell donor sperm. They also work with individuals who wish to freeze their own sperm for future use.
Some fertility clinics have on-site labs that allow patients to store frozen sperm, embryos, or eggs for fertility treatments or to safeguard future fertility options.
Can You Freeze Your Sperm at Home?
While it is possible to collect your sperm sample at home, it is not feasible to freeze it using a standard home freezer. Typical home freezers only reach temperatures around zero degrees Fahrenheit, while sperm must be stored at approximately negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit using specialized equipment. This extreme cold preserves the sperm, preventing aging or degradation until thawed. Therefore, for effective cryopreservation, it is essential to send your sample to a sperm bank or fertility clinic.
How Much Does Sperm Freezing Cost?
The cost of sperm freezing varies based on the specific sperm bank or fertility clinic, the number of samples collected, and the duration of storage. Generally, the entire process—including collection, testing, and freezing—ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. Some facilities may also charge additional fees to wash the sperm for IUI preparation. Storage fees typically range from $200 to $1,000 per year, depending on the facility and the number of samples.
How Long Can Frozen Sperm Last?
Not all sperm survive the thawing process, which is why fertility specialists aim to preserve a sufficient sample to ensure viable sperm after thawing. Fortunately, there is no time limit on how long sperm can be stored; there are documented cases of sperm frozen for over 20 years resulting in successful pregnancies.
How Does Frozen Sperm Work with MakeAmom?
Using frozen sperm with MakeAmom’s at-home insemination kit is entirely possible. It is advisable to order “unwashed” ICI sperm if available, as this typically provides a larger volume (1 ml) compared to the smaller IUI vials (0.5 ml) used in clinical settings. For those considering the IUI method, you might want to refer to our article on the differences between ICI and IUI for more insights.
While MakeAmom’s kit is designed for comfort and ease of use, it does not fit perfectly into a frozen donor vial. After allowing the sperm sample to liquefy, you can pour it into our collection cup and then draw it into the MakeAmom syringe. This extra step is completely acceptable and ensures you’re using the sperm effectively. If you have any questions or need assistance, MakeAmom offers resources to support you on your conception journey.
For further reading, check out what the IVF process is really like for expert insights on fertility treatments and visit our resource on pregnancy chances after a temperature rise for additional information on home insemination.
To Summarize:
Freezing sperm is an important option for various individuals looking to preserve their fertility for future use. While the process can be undertaken at sperm banks or fertility clinics, it is not feasible to freeze sperm at home. Understanding the costs, procedures, and potential outcomes can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Visit MakeAmom for innovative at-home insemination solutions and to learn more about the resources available in our supportive community, including our free sperm donor matching group.