Sperm freezing (also called sperm cryopreservation) is the process of collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future use, allowing men to preserve their fertility in situations where it may later be compromised or delayed. This practice has been used safely for over 40 years, enabling future pregnancies through assisted reproductive technologies like IUI or IVF. Men may consider sperm freezing before chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery that could affect fertility, in cases of decreasing sperm count or quality, difficulty producing a sample on the day of fertility treatment, occupational risks such as military or high-contact sports, or for age-related planning. It is currently the only proven method for preserving male fertility.
Before freezing, an initial consultation and screening for infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B/C is conducted according to local and WHO guidelines. The semen sample is collected at the clinic in a designated room, and multiple samples may be requested over several days to optimise storage. The sperm is then mixed with a cryoprotectant and frozen using slow or controlled-rate freezing, before being stored in liquid nitrogen at −196°C. In the UAE, sperm can be stored for up to 5 years with annual renewal required, and an extension for another 5 years is possible.
When ready to conceive, frozen sperm can be thawed and used with assisted reproductive techniques such as IUI, IVF, or ICSI. Not all sperm survive thawing, but survival rates are high and outcomes are generally positive. While sperm freezing is safe and well established, it does not guarantee future pregnancy, as success depends on sperm quality, the method used, and the fertility status of the female partner. The World Health Organization and global fertility bodies recognise sperm cryopreservation as a standard option for fertility preservation.
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