Recent advances in the field of oncology, urology and reproductive biology are providing men facing possible sterilization with new options regarding their reproductive capabilities. These male patients may want to consider the option of semen storage prior to proceeding with any medical procedure that may result in the loss of fertility potential. In most instances the availability of their frozen sperm obviates the need to use a sperm donor.

The option to store semen prior to vasectomy can preserve fertility potential and prevent the need for reversal surgeries, in the event that circumstances change during a man’s lifetime. Occasionally reversal is performed but yields sub-optimal results. In those cases, cryopreserved semen can be used to achieve conception.

Freezing a sperm sample at the vasectomy reversal has become a standard practice. In the event that the reversal procedure is unsuccessful (as often happens, when the interval from vasectomy reversal is greater than 10 years), the frozen sperm can be used to achieve a pregnancy.

Advances in the treatment of lymphomas, testicular and other types of cancer have improved the prognosis for many cancer patients. However, these same therapies (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation), frequently render male patients infertile. Semen cryopreservation prior to the initiation of treatment, offer the possibility of retaining reproductive capabilities for male patients. We offer counselling to patients and are able to schedule the appointments for sperm freezing immediately and thus not delay necessary treatment.

By storing semen prior to assisted reproductive procedures, the availability of semen at the critical time of the procedure is ensured. On the day of egg retrieval a sperm sample is needed in order to fertilize the eggs. In some cases, the sample provided is a low or inadequate. Occasionally, due to stress associated with the process, men have difficulty providing a sample. The availability of frozen sperm as back up relieves much of the anxiety and insures the best possible outcome.

Mounting evidence suggests an increased risk of birth defects associated with advance paternal age. Freezing of sperm allows men to preserve their potential for normal reproductive outcome.

Recent studies have shown that on-the-job exposure to hazardous materials can have profound health consequences, including make infertility. Freezing a semen sample insures the availability of normal sperm in the future. High risk occupational exposures include but are not limited to:

Couples seeking fertility therapy occasionally find themselves limited by the male partner’s schedule and his absence at the most critical time of the woman’s cycle. This often leads to frustration and increased stress. The availability of frozen sperm allows the treatment process to continue without interruption even in the husband’s absence.

If oligospermia (low sperm count) has been diagnosed, pooling several previously banked semen specimens to be used for one insemination may increase the chance of pregnancy. Couples whose infertility is related to a low sperm count are often treated with insemination. A single sperm sample however may not contain enough sperm. In those cases freezing of several samples and combining them for a single insemination (pooling) nay increase the odds of success.

All semen storage clients are required to have the following infectious disease testing at the time of storage.

All test results remain confidential. It may be necessary however to report certain test result to the Country Health Department.

When needed patients should contact LIFELINE CRYOGENICS at 203-967-2796 to schedule a consultation appointment with the Medical Director, Gad Lavy. The cryopreservation[Cryopreservation-Freezing at a very low temperature, such as liquid nitrogen (196 degrees C), to keep stem cells, sperm and/or embryos viable to store them for future use.] procedure will be discussed in detail. Specific issues such as the possibility of chances for spontaneous sperm recovery following chemotherapy or radiation exposure will also be discussed. Patients can arrange to collect a specimen on the day of their appointment. The semen will be analyzed and frozen by our andrologist. The quality of the sperm will often determine the most suitable therapy and the number of frozen samples needed. The treatment options available to the individual couple will be discussed in detail.

Couples seeking fertility therapy occasionally find themselves limited by the male partner’s schedule and his absence at the most critical time of the woman’s cycle. This often leads to frustration and increased stress. The availability of frozen sperm allows the treatment process to continue without interruption even in the husband’s absence. For oligospermia patients If oligospermia (low sperm count) has been diagnosed, pooling several previously banked semen specimens to be used for one insemination may increase the chance of pregnancy. Couples whose infertility is related to a low sperm count are often treated with insemination. A single sperm sample however may not contain enough sperm. In those cases freezing of several samples and combining them for a single insemination (pooling) nay increase the odds of success.