Sperm Freezing

Preserve your sperm for use
in future treatment

INTRODUCTION

Choosing to freeze your sperm is the most successful method of preserving male fertility so that you can still start a family later in life.

Why?

Sperm freezing is provided at IVF London as a method of preserving your fertility for use in future treatment. Some men choose to freeze their sperm for medical reasons, e.g. they have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness which is likely to impact their reproductive organs and can prevent them from producing healthy sperm in the future. Other men may wish to consider freezing their sperm if they are about to undergo a vasectomy procedure but may change their mind in future, or they have been diagnosed with a low or a deteriorating quality of sperm.

How?

Your sperm sample will need to be produced on our premises so that we can ensure it can be frozen within an hour of production to ensure minimal deterioration. If producing a sample on site is difficult then it can be brought in within an hour of production in a suitable sterile container which we can provide at the clinic.

The sample must be produced in a pot given to you by our staff and be labelled with your full name, date of birth and registration number. It must also be accompanied by a completed semen production form. We recommend 2-3 days abstinence (2 or 3 days since ejaculation, i.e. via sexual intercourse or masturbation) to ensure a good sample is available for collection. Men who find it difficult to produce a sample via masturbation can attempt natural intercourse using a spermicidal free non-toxic condom which can be provided by the clinic.

What next?

When you decide that you wish to use your sperm, your partner will need to undergo fertility treatment which may include IVF or IUI or, in the event that your sperm is not of optimum quality, you will be offered either ICSI or IMSI treatment. Once your sperm have been thawed they’ll be used in exactly the same way as fresh sperm and as such, have an equal success rate

WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS/RISKS

To ensure the safety of all our stored samples, we need to know if you are a carrier of a viral infection, such as Hepatitis or are infected with HIV.. Following a negative screening test, samples will be kept in designated ‘cleared’ banks. Samples from patients who have not been tested are stored with previously untested samples. There should be minimal concern as samples are stored in closed vials. Not all sperm will survive the freezing and thawing process. We will advise you further if the samples are suboptimal and if multiple samples are necessary for freezing over a period of time.

Our consultant is happy to answer any questions you may have when you visit to consult with us for a Sperm Freezing procedure.

STORAGE REGULATIONS AND CONSENT

The statutory length of time that sperm can be stored is for a period of 10 years, as regulated by the HFEA. This period can be extended in certain circumstances, in increments of 10 years up to a total of 55 years.

As with both egg and embryo freezing, there are legal regulations regarding the freezing and storage of sperm. HFEA requires that you complete consent documentation which outlines the length of storage, what the sperm is to be used for, what happens to any stored samples after you die and what happens to them if they remain unused. You will be required to complete these forms prior to the procedure and can contact us at any time in the future to amend your consent forms should your circumstances change.

Treatments

Find out more about our related services

Why Choose Us?

Here are some facts about your fertility journey with us that we’d like to share with you:

Every evaluation and treatment plan is uniquely tailored to meet your individual needs

You will have access to leading professionals, with over 35 years combined expertise, providing you with confidence and reassurance in your fertility diagnosis and subsequent treatment

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in fertility, urology, nutrition, counselling, genetics, endocrinology, haematology and weight management to provide a comprehensive range of support as and when you need it

We will work with you closely to understand your individual circumstances, identify any problems and agree with you, the best course of action to help make your dream a reality

We will always be honest and open about your chances of success with treatment.

Your comfort and care is always our top priority

Our focus remains entirely on you as an individual, your unique needs and your wellbeing

All investigations and treatments are provided within our new state-of-the-art clinic based in Elstree which offers a spacious environment with comfortable surroundings, to enhance your care and experience. We offer investigations and scans at our satellite locations too.

Our friendly consultant-led team is here to support you at every step throughout your fertility journey

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