Can low quality sperm samples be frozen?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by Doctor Diem Thi Yen - Doctor of IVF Lab, Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital
Currently, there are many different sperm cryopreservation techniques, but for extremely poor quality sperm samples, special preservation measures are required, while ensuring convenience, so that each thaw Freezing is the amount of sperm needed for 1 time IVF, how to still have a frozen reserve of sperm to use for the next time without having to thaw and refreeze many times.
According to the classification of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010, epidemic samples of normal quality must satisfy the following conditions:

For semen samples that do not satisfy the above criteria, they are assessed as low quality semen samples. However, in this article, we deal with the problem of cryopreservation of sperm on extremely weak samples, that is, the density is less than 1 million/1ml of semen. These are usually samples:
Sperm samples from ejaculate that have a sperm concentration of less than 1 million/1ml of semen. Sperm samples obtained from surgery: MESA, PESA, TAFNA, TESE.

1. What is sperm cryopreservation?

Sperm cryopreservation is a technique in which a sperm sample is frozen and stored in a cryopreservation environment. When necessary, it can be defrosted for use.

2. Cryopreservation technique for weak sperm samples on coagulation stalks

2.1 Preparation For semen samples from ejaculate, it must be kept in an incubator for complete lysis, then rinsed with a specialized solution to maximize the amount of sperm and remove some of the semen. For sperm samples taken from surgery need to be centrifuged, remove supernatant to collect as much sperm as possible. The embryo freezing tube must be fully recorded with patient identification information: Full name, date of birth, PID number, date of freezing. Liquid nitrogen, freezing medium (containing a cryoprotectant to prevent sperm from being subjected to heat shock during the thawing process) at room temperature, pipette. 2.2 Conduct Evaluation and record sperm quality parameters according to WHO 2010 standards Mix the spermatogenesis medium into the semen at a predetermined ratio (this ratio varies by center), and leave at room temperature. ambient temperature for 5 minutes. Pipette 10μl of solution containing spermatozoa and cryoprotectant, spread evenly on embryo storage stem, then drop into liquid nitrogen, close the stem cap. Record and store the stalk in a sperm storage vessel.

3. What is the technique of freezing sperm on embryonic stem?

For cases where it is difficult for a man to obtain sperm by ejaculating. Sperm usually have to be removed and frozen first to be ready for IVF. For cases of azoospermia due to obstruction, surgical intervention is required to collect sperm. At Vinmec Times City Hospital, sperm freezing technology is being applied on embryo coagulation stalks. This is a modern method that meets all of the above requirements.
Sperm freezing service is performed in many fertility centers, to ensure the quality of sperm after thawing, it is necessary to have a team of experienced professional medical staff and good medical equipment. If you need to store sperm, you should visit a doctor and perform sperm storage to ensure the most optimal method.
The assisted reproductive techniques performed at Vinmec IVF Fertility Center are performed by a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and specialists, capable of synchronous deployment and comprehensive range of the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques today, helping to realize the dream of parenthood of hundreds of families across Vietnam.

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