Sperm freezing and storage
Sperm freezing and storage is the procedure whereby sperm cells are frozen to preserve them for future use. Scientists freeze the sperm using a special media then keep sperm in liquid nitrogen at minus 196C, and it can be stored for many years while maintaining a reasonable quality.
Why would I want to freeze sperm?
Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. There are many situations that could interfere with your future fertility. These may include:
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Certain types of pelvic or testicular surgery.
- Vasectomy.
- High-risk occupations or sports.
- Diabetes, which may cause erectile difficulty.
- Being away from home on day of assisted reproductive treatment.
- Anxiety on the day of treatment (back up storage)
Consent for Freezing of Gametes/Sperm/Oocytes
I/We, __________________________________________________________ and ___________________________________________, consent to freezing of the my _________________________(sperm/oocyte). We understand that the gametes would be normally kept frozen for ten years. In the exceptional circumstances If I/we wish to extend this period, we would let the ART Clinic …………………………………..(Name and address) know at least six months ahead of time. If you do not hear from us before that time, you will be free to (a) use them for research purposes; or (b) dispose them off. We also understand that sometimes the quality of these ………………………………… sperm/occytes may decrease on subsequent thaw and that frozen gametes may have a lower pregnancy rate than when fresh gametes are transferred.