Cryopreservation involves the freezing and storage of sperm samples for future use. The samples are collected and analyzed for quality before being placed in vials for freezing using liquid nitrogen. The vials are stored at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius until such a time when needed. The samples are then thawed and used for various Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).
ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo offers cryopreservation of sperm as part of our fertility services.
Is Sperm Freezing Right for Me?
Sperm freezing in Kitchener-Waterloo is available for males who want to take proactive measures to improve their chances of becoming a father. Unlike females, men have more fertility opportunities throughout their life. With that said, there are many circumstances that can hinder or lower the chances of fatherhood. Cryopreservation of sperm provides options.- Medical Procedures: Sperm freezing is recommended for men who need to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery for certain conditions that can impact sperm quality. Freezing sperm beforehand ensures high-quality sperm is available for future use.
- Delayed Parenthood: Many adult males chose to delay family planning to focus on their career or other life choices. As sperm quality declines with age, cryopreservation protects the health of the sperm for later use.
- Occupational Hazards: Males who have been exposed or are currently exposed to certain chemicals and toxins may be at risk for testicular injury, leading to infertility. Freezing healthy sperm allows men to have more options.
- Family Planning Considerations: Sperm cryopreservation is a viable solution for single men and couples who require a sperm resource for fertility issues, who may be considering gender affirmation treatment, or who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
- Age and Overall Health: The quality of sperm naturally declines after the age of 40 and is impacted by various health conditions. Cryopreservation allows the sperm to be frozen when the man is in his prime with good health.
- Future Family Plans: For men who are unsure of their family plans, freezing sperm provides them the chance for fatherhood in the future. It may be a viable option for men who choose or require a vasectomy. While this procedure may be reversible, it can lead to the development of antibodies that may prevent the production of viable sperm.
How Is Sperm Frozen at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo?
At ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo, our sperm freezing process entails:- Consultation: As with all fertility treatments, an initial consultation with a specialist is required for all parties involved. The consultation will focus on both partners’ medical histories, health conditions, and pre-existing fertility issues.
- Semen Analysis: The male partner provides a sperm sample and the semen is assessed in a laboratory. The assessment measures the shape, movement, volume, density, viability, liquefaction, and chemical makeup of the sperm.
- Freezing Techniques: The sperm is frozen using vitrification, an advanced method to quickly freeze the sperm to prevent damaging ice crystals from forming. Sperm is stored in cryo tanks at a consistent temperature of -196 degrees Celsius.
- Secure Storage Facilities: Storage facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art cryo tanks with 24/7 monitoring and temperature control.
Is Sperm Freezing Covered by Ontario Fertility Program Funding?
Certain costs related to fertility treatments, including sperm freezing, are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) and the Ontario Fertility Program. For those who qualify, one full in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle is covered per lifetime, which includes sperm freezing and preservation of one batch.What Is the Best Age for Sperm Freezing?
While males produce millions of sperm daily, the quality of the sperm begins to decline between 30 and 40 years of age. While male peak fertility is typically between the ages of 25 and 29 years old, studies have shown that men have the healthiest sperm between the ages of 18 and 35 years.Sperm can be frozen at any age. A semen analysis is performed before the sperm is cryopreserved and assessed based on the quantity, motility, and morphology. Men over the age of 40 can produce healthy sperm for reproductive treatments if they are in good health and have no history of disease.
How Long Can Frozen Sperm Be Stored?
With the proper technology and storage facility, sperm can be frozen for decades. At ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo, we take proactive measures to protect the quality of the sperm during the freezing and thawing stages.Studies have shown that using frozen sperm during ART procedures has no impact on the quality of the embryo or the lifespan of the child. Thanks to proper freezing and monitoring methods, the use of frozen sperm has resulted in successful births as many as 27 years after the sperm was cryopreserved.
Sperm Cryopreservation at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo
ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo is an accredited fertility clinic. From the initial consultation, our trained staff of specialists provides compassionate care and counselling, as well as customized treatment plans that are founded on science-based evidence.In addition to our sperm cryopreservation services, we offer various assisted reproductive technology (ART) therapies including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and intro-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Contact us at (519) 650-0011 or email info@onefertilitykw.com for more information about our sperm cryopreservation services.
