Sperm cryopreservation offers individuals a way to collect and store their sperm for later use. Though originally developed for people undergoing cancer treatment, preservation can benefit several different groups.

Preserving sperm allows a person to use it at a later date in order to get a partner pregnant. The process involves collecting, preparing, and then freezing sperm samples.

When a person is ready to use the sperm, the storage facility thaws it and readies it for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What is sperm cryopreservation?

Sperm cryopreservation is the process of collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for later use.

Researchers originally developed the procedure for use in people who planned to undergo cancer treatment that might affect their fertility. In recent years, the ability to freeze sperm has opened up to others who may be interested in the process.

Who might freeze their sperm?

Several people may be eligible to have their sperm frozen for future fertility treatments.

People with cancer: The most common reason a person may have their sperm preserved is cancer treatments. Certain tumors and cancers pose a higher risk to fertility. High risk cancers include testicular cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia.
A person will typically need to collect and store their sperm prior to treatments starting.
Teens who undergo treatment for similar cancer treatments may also be able to store their sperm for later use.

Older Adults: As individuals age, their sperm quality tends to diminish. A person who is starting to age may want to preserve some of their sperm to maintain the ability to have children later on.

Occupational risk: This may include exposure to certain chemicals or high risk jobs, like military deployment

Donations: Sperm banks collect specimens from donors for people to use if they have difficulty becoming pregnant, are in a same-sex relationship, or wish to become pregnant without a partner.