Male Fertility Preservation
What is Male Fertility Preservation?
Male Fertility refers to a man’s ability to father a child through natural conception. It involves the proper functioning of the male reproductive system, including the production of healthy sperm, its ability to travel effectively through the reproductive tract, and successful fertilisation of the female egg.
For a man to be fertile, his body must produce a sufficient quantity of sperm, and those sperm must be capable of moving effectively (motility) and have a normal structure (morphology). Various factors, such as hormonal health, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and genetics, can impact male fertility. Male fertility problems are common and can be evaluated and treated through diagnostic tests, lifestyle changes, medication, or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF or ICSI.
Who Should Consider Male Fertility Preservation?
- Men Undergoing Medical Treatments:
- Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain surgeries can damage sperm production or cause permanent infertility. Preserving sperm before starting treatment ensures future reproductive options.
- Other Medical Conditions: Men undergoing treatments for autoimmune diseases, testicular conditions, or genetic disorders may also experience compromised fertility.
- Occupational Risks:
- High-Risk Jobs: Men with jobs that expose them to chemicals, radiation, or other fertility-compromising conditions (e.g., military personnel, first responders) may choose to freeze sperm as a precaution.
- Age-Related Fertility Concerns:
- Delayed Fatherhood: Men who wish to delay parenthood may preserve their sperm at a younger age when the sperm quality is optimal. Advancing age can impact sperm quality and increase genetic risks.
- Gender Transition:
- Transgender Individuals: Individuals undergoing gender reassignment surgery or hormone treatments may want to preserve their sperm before beginning the transition process to ensure future biological children.
- Medical Procedures Affecting Reproductive Organs:
- Testicular Surgery: Men undergoing testicular surgery or vasectomy may choose fertility preservation to maintain future reproductive options.
Sperm Cryopreservation: The Process of Male Fertility Preservation
- Sperm Collection:
- Sperm is typically collected through ejaculation, either at our clinic or in the comfort of your home, following a brief period of sexual abstinence (2-5 days) for optimal sperm quality.
- Sperm Freezing (Cryopreservation):
- The collected sperm is frozen using advanced cryopreservation techniques. Vitrification, a fast-freezing process, ensures the sperm cells are preserved without ice crystal formation, maintaining their viability.
- Storage:
- The frozen sperm is stored in liquid nitrogen at ultra-low temperatures, preserving its quality indefinitely. Our facilities ensure secure, long-term storage until you’re ready to use it.
- Future Use:
- When you decide to start a family, the stored sperm can be thawed and used in fertility treatments such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Benefits of Male Fertility Preservation
- Ensures Future Fertility: By preserving sperm now, men have peace of mind that they can have biological children, even if their fertility is affected by medical conditions or treatments in the future.
- Protection Against Age-Related Decline: Sperm freezing allows men to preserve their fertility at an age when sperm quality is at its peak, reducing risks of genetic abnormalities in future offspring.
- Non-Invasive and Reliable: Sperm freezing is a non-invasive, well-established technique that ensures high success rates in preserving reproductive potential for years or even decades.
- Supports Long-Term Family Planning: For men who are not yet ready to start a family, fertility preservation offers the flexibility to plan parenthood on their terms without worrying about age-related fertility decline.
When Should You Consider Male Fertility Preservation?
- Before Cancer Treatment: Men facing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries affecting reproductive organs should consider freezing their sperm before treatment begins.
- Prior to Vasectomy: Men considering a vasectomy but who want to keep future reproductive options available may choose sperm preservation.
- For Delayed Parenthood: If you plan to have children later in life, sperm cryopreservation can help maintain optimal fertility.
- In High-Risk Professions: If your occupation involves exposure to harmful conditions that could compromise fertility, preserving sperm is a safe option.