Sperm Freezing
Table of Contents
Sperm Freezing (Cryopreservation): Secure Your Fertility for the Future
Sperm freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a proactive option for men looking to preserve their fertility. Whether due to medical treatments, advancing age, or personal reasons, this process allows you to plan for the future while maintaining peace of mind. At NewLife Fertility Centre, we provide personalized care and expert guidance to make the process simple, safe, and effective.
What is sperm freezing?
Sperm freezing, also referred to as sperm cryopreservation, is a medical procedure that involves the collection, preservation, and storage of sperm for future use. This process allows individuals to preserve their sperm for later use in assisted reproductive technologies, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Sperm can be safely thawed and utilized when needed, providing individuals with greater flexibility in managing their fertility, particularly in the face of medical treatments, advancing age, or other personal considerations.
Who Benefits From Sperm Freezing
Sperm freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a proactive way to safeguard your fertility for the future. Whether you’re planning for a family later or preparing for a medical procedure, here are some key reasons to consider sperm freezing:
1. Low Sperm Count or Quality
If you’re experiencing a decline in sperm count, freezing your sperm while it’s in a healthy state ensures you have viable options for future fertility treatments like IVF, ICSI, or IUI.
2. Medical Treatments or Conditions
Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation for cancer, can impact sperm production and quality. By freezing sperm beforehand, you preserve the opportunity to have children after your treatment is complete.
3. Surgeries
If you’re undergoing a procedure that could affect fertility or your future plans change, cryopreservation ensures sperm is available when you need it.
4. Busy Lifestyles or Frequent Travel
If your work or travel schedule doesn’t align with your partner’s ovulation window, frozen sperm can eliminate the stress of timing.
5. Aging and Fertility
As men age, sperm quality naturally decreases, which can affect the chances of conception. Freezing sperm in your 30s or 40s is a proactive step to maintain healthier fertility options.
6. Gender-Affirming Care
For transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming treatments, freezing sperm beforehand ensures you have the option to build a family later, even if hormone therapy or surgery impacts sperm production.
What to expect?
Interested in freezing sperm? Here’s an overview of the process:
Step 1: Book Your Consultation
Schedule your Sperm Freezing Consultation online at your convenience. Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with the next steps, including a short intake form and consent forms, as well as a link to schedule a semen analysis.
Step 2: Semen Analysis
Although optional, we highly recommend booking a semen analysis before your consultation. This allows your fertility specialist to review your sperm count and quality during your appointment. A link to schedule the test will be sent after you book your consult.
Step 3: Consultation with a Specialist
At your consultation, you’ll meet with a fertility expert to discuss the benefits of sperm freezing. Your medical history and semen analysis results (if completed) will be reviewed, and we’ll answer any questions you may have. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan based on your needs.
Step 4: Produce Your Semen Sample
You can produce your semen sample in one of our private clinic collection rooms or at home (if you live nearby). If choosing to collect at home, please keep the sample at body temperature and bring it to our lab within 30-60 minutes.
Step 5: Sperm Freezing
Once collected, your sample will be processed and cryopreserved by our andrologists in our on-site lab, located directly across from the collection rooms.
Step 6: Sperm Storage
Your frozen sperm will be securely stored in our facility for future use. An annual storage fee will apply.
Trans-Affirming Care
We proudly offer sperm freezing services for trans individuals with testes. While the process is the same for everyone, we are committed to providing inclusive care for members of the LGBT2SQ+ community.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How is sperm frozen?
Sperm freezing, or cryopreservation, involves collecting a semen sample, processing it to remove impurities, and then freezing it at extremely low temperatures to preserve sperm viability for future use.
Is sperm freezing covered by OHIP in Ontario?
Currently, OHIP does not cover sperm freezing in Ontario. However, some private insurance plans may offer coverage, and we encourage you to check with your provider for more details.
What is the optimal age for sperm freezing?
While sperm quality generally starts to decline in men over the age of 40, sperm freezing is an option at any age, especially for those who want to preserve fertility due to personal, medical, or lifestyle reasons.
How long can frozen sperm be stored?
Frozen sperm can be stored indefinitely, as long as the proper storage conditions are maintained. Many men choose to store sperm for several years or until they are ready to use it for procedures like IUI or IVF.
Do I need a referral to access sperm freezing?
No referral is required for sperm freezing consultations at NewLife Fertility Centre. Simply schedule an appointment online, and our team will guide you through the process.
Preserve Your Future with NewLife Fertility Centre
Whether you’re planning to start a family soon or later, sperm freezing is a safe, reliable option to secure your fertility.
Get started today! Schedule your OHIP-covered consultation and take control of your fertility journey.
