Male Fertility Preservation

SPERM BANKING

Sperm storage is a simple, affordable option for males who are concerned about preserving their future fertility due to possible sterility after cancer treatment or surgery.

Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, has been practiced for many decades. Cryopreserved sperm is easily frozen in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 degrees C. The frozen sperm cells are stored in a state of “suspended animation” and all cellular activity is halted until the sperm are needed and thawed. After thawing, a majority of the healthy sperm return to the pre-frozen state. Many thousands of conceptions have resulted from the use of cryopreserved sperm. According to the American Association of Tissue Banks, cryopreservation does not appear to alter or damage the cryopreserved sperm cells.

TESTICULAR AND EPIDIDYMAL SPERM ASPIRATION

TESA or ESA are procedures that must be performed before chemotherapy or radiation therapy are initiated. Testicular or Epididymal sperm aspirations are in-office surgical procedures available for males after puberty. Testicular tissue is surgically obtained and examined for the presence of sperm cells.

If sperm cells are found, they are removed and used immediately. The sperm cells can also be frozen for future use.

TESTICULAR TISSUE FREEZING

Testicular tissue freezing is an outpatient surgical procedure that is performed before cancer treatment is initiated. Testicular tissue, including the cells that produce sperm, is surgically removed. The tissue is then analyzed, processed, frozen, and stored for later use.

During this procedure, the tissue and sperm are mixed with a cryoprotectant solution and placed in plastic vials used for freezing and storage. These cryo-vials are placed into liquid nitrogen and preserved at temperatures of -196 degrees C until needed. The procedure is relatively new and has produced several pregnancies.

ELECTRO-EJACULATION

Electro-ejaculation is utilized when the nerves that are responsible for carrying the signal for ejaculation are injured. These nerves are most commonly injured after spinal trauma, major bowel or vascular surgery, or surgery for testicular cancer. Electro-ejaculation is performed with a device known as an electroejaculator*. A current generated by the electroejaculator is applied to stimulate the nerves and produce contraction of the pelvic muscles resulting in an ejaculation. Once the semen specimen is collected, it is cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen and stored for future use.

*the patient is responsible for this device

Insurance plans differ with respect to covered benefits; please check with your carrier,.