What you need to know about sperm banking from a clinic near McKinney, TX
Sperm banking, or cryopreservation, has changed the game when it comes to assisting individuals with reproduction. It can help avoid the need for repeat surgeries in couples who are going through multiple cycles of in vitro fertilization. Furthermore, it also helps men who are undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation or those with deteriorating sperm quantity or quality where once there was almost no chance for a future family. If you are considering freezing your sperm, the NTIMC Sperm Lab Clinic near McKinney, TX offers patients the following information about what you should know about the procedure including its many benefits.
What is sperm banking?
Sperm banking allows men to have their sperm frozen and stored for future fertility needs. Unlike female procedures which can be far more invasive, sperm banking is relatively quick and non-invasive. The sperm is harvested from ejaculated semen and then frozen to be used later when pregnancy is desired through procedures such as in vitro fertilization.
The process for sperm banking
There are several steps in the cryopreservation process, they include:
- Screening for sexually transmitted infections
- A semen sample or sperm extraction
- Sperm analysis
- Freezing of viable sperm
- Storage of sperm
Collecting and Freezing Sperm
Sperm are the reproductive cells that are found within a man’s semen. Collection of the sperm is a time-sensitive process and is typically done through masturbation. If a man is unable to ejaculate, sperm can be surgically removed. The donation can be done either in-office by scheduling an appointment in one of our discreet collection rooms or done at home.
Once the sample is collected, the sperm will be analyzed for quality, quantity, and movement. Next, the samples will be separated and frozen using advanced technology to preserve the sperm cells. The sperm is frozen in a 1:1 ration with a freezing medium that allows it to survive the freezing process and storage.
The samples are then slowly frozen using liquid nitrogen. They are then put in specific containers where they are kept in liquid nitrogen until a future date. Most ejaculation samples can yield between one to six vials.
When the sperm is needed, it will be thawed and tested prior to use in fertility treatment. There is no specific time limit on how sperm can be frozen. There have been many cases of sperm frozen for 14 years or longer successfully resulting in pregnancy.
Benefits of Freezing Sperm
The biggest benefit of freezing sperm is it allows men to preserve their chances of having a future family. The most common reasons for sperm banking include:
- Age
- Poor sperm quality or quantity
- Cancer or other medical treatments
- Before a vasectomy
- Other career or lifestyle choices
Contact the NTMIC Sperm Lab near McKinney, TX today
Whether you are facing medical treatments or simply want to preserve your chance at a family later down the line, we are here to help. If you have questions about our sperm bank clinic or would like to schedule a private consultation, please give Dr. Buch a call today at (972) 616-4477.
