How long can sperm be stored?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Bachelor Tran Hue Tran - IVF Specialist - Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
Sperm freezing is the most successful method of preserving a man's fertility. Actively seeking out more information regarding sperm freezing can help you with your fertility planning.

1. What is sperm freezing?

Men can freeze their sperm to use for their own future treatment or to donate to someone else. Donor sperm usually must be quarantined for three or six months and screened for infections before being used by the recipient. The quarantine period depends on the type of screening your hosting center does.

2. When should sperm be stored?

You may consider freezing your sperm if:
You have a medical condition or are undergoing medical treatment for a condition that may affect fertility. You are about to have a vasectomy and want to have your sperm ready in case you change your mind about having more children. You have a low sperm count or your sperm quality is declining. You have difficulty getting a sperm sample on the day of the IVF cycle. You are at risk of injury or death (for example, you are a member of the Armed Forces being deployed to a war zone). If you are a male-to-female, you may want to maintain your fertility before starting hormone therapy or reconstructive surgery.

3. How long can sperm be stored?

The statutory storage period for which sperm can be frozen is up to 10 years. You can of course decide to store for a shorter period of time. Under certain circumstances, the law allows sperm storage for up to 55 years. For this to apply, a registered physician would need to confirm in writing that the patient is prematurely or likely to become infertile as a result of medical intervention.
This written opinion will need to be renewed at least every 10 years during the 55-year storage period. If you have the 55-year storage option, you will need to confirm that you want to continue storing your sperm, and your doctor will need to confirm that you are eligible to do so. Again, it's important that you stay in touch with your storage center to prevent your sperm from being discarded if the storage period runs out.
In the event that your fertility may have been impaired, you will be invited to return to the storage center for an appointment for an annual review for three years after sperm storage. At this point, you can take a semen sample and your doctor will evaluate your testicular function.
You will sign several consent forms regarding the storage of sperm, stating your wishes for its use. You should make sure you read the form carefully before you sign it. Signing the form indicates that you have read and are satisfied with the information and the terms and conditions of the hosting. Consent also allows the repository to contact any interested third parties such as your family member, GP or referral consultant, allowing the repository to collect information information about your health or in the event of your death.
The law does not allow the storage center to store sperm beyond the date you have agreed to. The hosting center will contact you a few months before the end of the hosting period to find out what you want the hosting center to do. It is important that you stay in touch with the repository, especially that you notify the repository of any change of address. If the storage limit has been exhausted and you do not agree to extend this limit, the repository is obligated by law to have any stored sperm samples damaged, even if the storage center is inaccessible. find you first.
It sounds simple, but the process of performing sperm cryopreservation is very complicated and always has its own strict standards. That is why, when you intend to freeze sperm, you should choose large, well-equipped medical centers to help you do this better.

Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec International General Hospital currently gathers a team of leading experts in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, and male gynecology in the country and internationally. With a high level of expertise and extensive experience, the team of experts here is capable of synchronously and comprehensively deploying the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques today to help you fulfill your desires in life. future.
Therefore, when there is a need to freeze sperm, you can rest assured that you can go to the Reproductive Center for advice and take steps in accordance with the existing process.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: hfea.gov.uk