Infertility is a common issue seen in both men and women. 1 in 6 couples face infertility issues, and 50% of these cases are due to male fertility problems.

However, with advancements in medical science, there are various treatments available for men to address infertility issues. Amongst these treatments, sperm preservation or ‘sperm banking’ is one option available for men to consider if they are unable to have their own children due to infertility or any other life-altering situation.

What is Sperm Preservation?

Sperm preservation is the process of freezing and storing a man’s sperm in a laboratory facility. The sperm can be stored for several years and ensures that the man has a sample of his own sperm available when he needs it.

Some of the reasons men may choose to preserve their sperm include:.

Having a medical condition or undergoing medical treatments (such as cancer therapy) that may affect their fertility in the future
Being diagnosed with male infertility or low sperm count
Undertaking a vasectomy but later wanting to have children
Certain professions (such as the military or athletics) may require men to be away from home for extended periods, which can make conception difficult

The Procedure of Sperm Preservation

The process of sperm preservation involves three main steps:.

Semen Analysis: The man is required to provide a semen sample, which a laboratory will need to analyse. They look at the quality and quantity of the semen and sperm. The laboratory may suggest doing multiple analyses to ensure accurate results.
Sperm Cryopreservation: If the semen analysis is deemed suitable, the laboratory will freeze the sperm and store it in liquid nitrogen. The sperm can be stored for many years at very low temperatures (up to -196°C).
Sperm Thawing: When the man wants to use his sperm, the laboratory will thaw it and prepare it for use. The thawed sperm can be used in a variety of ways, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

The Cost of Sperm Preservation

The cost of sperm preservation can vary based on the country, laboratory, and the duration for which the sperm is stored.

On average, the cost for fertility preservation ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per cycle, which includes semen analysis, sperm cryopreservation, and storage. Long-term storage can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000 per year.

Alternatives to Sperm Preservation

While sperm preservation is an excellent option for men to have control over their fertility, there are other treatments available to men that can address infertility issues:.

: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is a process that involves the insertion of washed sperm into the woman’s uterus using a thin tube. IUI is used to improve the chances of pregnancy by putting good quality sperm directly into a woman’s uterus.

The procedure is straightforward and can take place during a woman’s natural cycle or alongside medication. This procedure uses fresh, non-frozen sperm samples, so no storage is required.

: Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

TESE is a surgical procedure that involves the extraction of sperm directly from the testicles. The procedure is usually conducted under local anaesthesia or sedation.

TESE is used when there is a lack of sperm in the semen, which can hamper any efforts with traditional IVF. The sperm retrieved from the testicles can be frozen for later use or used immediately.

: Varicocele Embolization

A varicocele is an enlarged vein in the scrotum that can cause low sperm count, poor quality sperm, and infertility. The condition can be treated through a minimally invasive procedure that involves blocking the blood supply to the varicose veins.

This procedure helps to decrease the size of the varicose vein, ultimately leading to improved fertility and sperm production.

Conclusion

Male infertility is an issue that is prevalent globally. However, there are several treatments available to men that can assist in overcoming infertility.

The most popular ones include sperm preservation, intrauterine insemination, testicular sperm extraction, and varicose vein embolization.