Everything You Need To Know About Sperm Freezing
If you’re worried about not being able to conceive a baby in the future, you may have considered sperm freezing as an option. However, there are many misconceptions about this process floating around the internet, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can seem confusing and intimidating, especially since there are so many options available to you when it comes to freezing sperm samples. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about sperm freezing and dispel the most common myths surrounding this delicate procedure.
Why Freeze Your Sperm?
There are many reasons you may want to freeze your sperm. For example, if you plan on traveling for a long period of time, it is a good idea to get frozen sperm for the duration of your trip. Or maybe you’re heading into active military duty and want some insurance against injury or death during deployment. Whatever the reason may be, there are steps that need to be taken in order for this process to work properly.
The Process of Freezing Sperm
Sperm is frozen using a coolant that preserves the cells. Once it’s been frozen, the sperm can be stored for up to 10 years. Semen is collected by masturbation or during sexual intercourse, then placed in a vial or syringe and cooled down to -196 degrees Celsius (-320 degrees Fahrenheit). The samples are then stored in liquid nitrogen tanks until they’re ready for use.
How Long Does Sperm Last After Freezing?
If you are in the process of freezing sperm, it is important to understand how long it will last after being frozen. After the semen has been collected, it can be stored for a maximum of ten years. If you want to store your sperm for more than 10 years, you must have it frozen in liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is able to freeze and preserve sperm for up to 75 years.
The Success Rate of Frozen Sperm
While it is not possible to predict with 100% accuracy how many viable sperm cells will survive freezing and storage, the overall success rate for frozen-thawed sperm is about 50%. The success rates for individual men may vary depending on age, abstinence time, and other factors. For example, a man in his early 20s who has abstained from sex for less than six months might have as much as 75% of his sperm still alive after freezing.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Sperm Freezing?
There are some risks involved with sperm freezing. For example, if the semen is not frozen quickly enough, it can lose motility and be rendered useless. The process of cryopreservation also has a few side effects including erectile dysfunction and sperm DNA fragmentation.