OHSU Fertility Sperm Cryopreservation
Success rates with frozen sperm
If you choose to have your sperm frozen, you can use your sperm at a later date to get pregnant. This would work either through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). When we thaw the sperm sample, experts in our lab are able to analyze the motility (ability to move) and mobility of the sperm through a “test thaw.” If the sperm has been negatively affected by freezing/thawing, the rate of conception through IUI may be lower. When we identify poor sperm characteristics, or when very few frozen sperm samples are available, IVF may be a better choice. In general, the IVF success rate is not affected by using cryopreserved semen.
In any event, when the time comes, you will always have the opportunity to discuss options with one of our specialists. We will help you determine the best options for achieving a pregnancy using your frozen samples.
The sperm cryopreservation process
Just as each person is unique, so is the success of the freezing/thawing process for each sperm sample. For each semen sample we determine the semen volume, sperm count (concentration), and percent motility (number of sperm that swim). We use a special solution (cryoprotectant) to protect the sperm from freezing conditions and place it into distinctive containers (cryovials) for freezing. Depending on the size and the quality of the sample, we will use one or more vials per sample. (Each vial can hold up to 1.8 ml). Each vial is labeled with your name, the freeze date and a unique vial number. The vials are slowly cooled, then frozen and stored in our liquid nitrogen tanks. Following freezing of the first sample, a small volume of semen is thawed to determine how well the freezing process worked and the number of motile sperm remaining per vial.
The number of semen samples to freeze
When it’s time to decide how many samples to freeze, you will work with your doctor and discuss:
- Semen quality
- Conception rates
- Current technology
- Anticipated sample need
- Time constraints
Regardless of how many samples are frozen, sperm cryopreservation does not guarantee future reproductive success. However, the goal is always to preserve a reasonable chance at producing a pregnancy.
Length of time sperm samples may be frozen
As far as we know, the viability of cryopreserved sperm may be kept forever. This is due to the freezing technique and because the semen is stored at such a low temperature (-196 C). Samples stored more than 20 years have been used to create successful pregnancies and healthy babies.
Scheduling appointments
Appointments to cryopreserve semen are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We recommend that you do not have sex for two to three days before each appointment. For best results, you should come into the clinic and collect your sample. You will be able to use one of the private rooms next to the lab. You may also collect your sample at home and bring it in. If this is the case, you must bring in your sample within one hour of collection. And it must be kept at body temperature during transport to the Andrology lab. All samples are collected in a special sterile collection container or in a unique kind of condom provided by us. Your first appointment usually takes about an hour. Appointments after that are shorter.
Requisition
Your doctor must place an order (a requisition) for sperm cryopreservation before your first appointment. Requisitions may be mailed or sent via fax to our Andrology lab at 503-418-3708. Our lab will send the cryopreservation results back to your doctor.
Consent for the use of cryopreserved sperm
Please contact our clinic for more information at 503-418-3700.
Fees for cryopreservation of sperm
Please contact our clinic for more information at 503-418-3700.