Semen Freezing and Semen Banking

What is semen cryopreservation?
Semen cryopreservation (the freezing of sperm) is a way to store sperm for future use. Sperm is routinely frozen and maintained in the Center for Reproductive Medicine Andrology Laboratory. Your physician or another member of your health-care team will work with the Andrology Laboratory to arrange for semen cryopreservation, should you decide to participate in this process.

Who should consider semen cryopreservation?
Any male who is about to undergo a medical procedure that may leave him sterile may wish to consider semen cryopreservation. Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy often reduce fertility or cause sterility. Certain surgical procedures or intensive medication therapy may also result in reduced fertility or sterility. Semen cryopreservation allows semen samples to be stored prior to the procedure.

If I elect to participate in semen cryopreservation, will medical treatment be delayed?
Your health-care team will try not to delay your medical treatment for any significant period. The Andrology Laboratory will work closely with you and your physician to schedule appointments that will coincide with your scheduled treatment.

Can I collect semen samples for cryopreservation after my treatment has begun?
Collecting semen after treatment has begun is not recommended. If you have questions, speak with your physician.

How many specimens should I have frozen?
The general recommendation is to collect and freeze up to three specimens, collected two to seven days apart. However, depending on your particular situation, the recommended number of days between collection and the number of specimens for storage may vary. The number of specimens to be frozen also may vary depending on the number of sperm and the sperm motility in each specimen.

What are the chances of conceiving using frozen sperm?
Many new assisted reproductive techniques have been developed that increase a couple's chance of becoming pregnant even if there is only time to collect one sample or if semen sample is poor. Ask to speak with a reproductive endocrinologist if you have specific questions regarding your sample(s).

How long can frozen semen be stored?
Semen is stored in liquid nitrogen at -248° Fahrenheit. Because of the freezing process, the number of motile sperm in the sample decreases; however, based on current information, we believe samples stored this way will be usable indefinitely.

How do I obtain my frozen samples when I want to use them?
If assisted reproductive procedures are to be performed at Mayflower Women's Hospital, your physician will make all of the arrangements with the laboratory for your semen samples. If your samples are to be used outside Mayflower, call or write to Mayflower Women's Hospital in Ahmedabad, Center for Reproductive Medicine Andrology Laboratory. You will be sent a "Request for Specimen Transfer and Assumption of Risk" form. This form identifies where the Andrology Laboratory should transfer the specimens and the physician with whom the laboratory will arrange the transfer. The specimen transport will be done by a licensed courier.

If I die, what will happen to my stored specimens?
At the time of specimen collection, you will be asked to complete a "Consent for Cryopreservation" form. This form allows you to name the individual to whom you wish to transfer your stored specimens in the event of your death. Alternately, you may elect to have your specimens thawed and discarded if you do not wish them to be used in the event of your death. If a "Consent for Cryopreservation" form was not completed prior to your death, your specimens become part of your estate. The estate representative will then inform the laboratory of your wishes regarding the specimens.