Sperm Freezing for Cancer Patients: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sperm banking or sperm freezing is a process that has been around for many decades. The advantage of preserving one’s sperm is that it provides flexibility in choosing the right time to build a family. Sperm freezing for cancer patients is no different from regular sperm freezing as it takes a short time to obtain the sperm. Since cancer treatments have been known to have a negative impact on a person’s fertility, preserving healthy sperm beforehand provides the supply required to produce healthy children, right from the start. We shall be discussing how sperm freezing is done for cancer patients.

Why Sperm Freezing is Recommended Before Cancer Treatment

The purpose of freezing sperm before undergoing cancer treatment  is that cancer treatment often has a negative impact on the reproductive system, damaging DNA and causing people to lose their fertility. This is especially true when a person undergoes chemotherapy or radiation therapy. When sperm is damaged, it could lead to pregnancy loss or birth defects. Typically when one is diagnosed with cancer, the priority is getting treatment as soon as possible. Many times, oncologists will not address family building, therefore it is recommended that cancer patients speak with their doctor regarding their family building goals prior to beginning their treatment. 

The Sperm Freezing Process

Freezing sperm or banking sperm  is done by collecting a sperm sample from the patient. Sperm is usually collected in a sterile container by masturbating and ejaculating into it. Once retrieved it is examined for any damage or anomalies and healthiest sperm are then frozen for later use. Patients are also screened for infectious diseases and hormone levels prior to sperm collection. Typically when sperm are frozen, a person is able to build their family using fertility treatments.For sperm freezing, it is recommended that no lotions or moisturisers be used in this process as they can contaminate the sample. The sample is then examined for proper structure movement and DNA health. Additionally sperm is also optimized in a process that removes unwanted materials from the semen as well as sperm that is not viable. Thereafter, sperm is separated from the semen, frozen in several vials, and stored in separate storage tanks. 

Storage and Thawing Success Rates

The storage of sperm is done through cryopreservation. This process removes the water content from the cells and replaces it with a preservation fluid. Using this method has seen more than 50 percent of sperm cells survive thawing. Cryopreservation is more effective as ice does not form within and around the cells, which tends to damage the cells when they are thawed. Once they are thawed, sperm cells are analysed again for any damage before they are used for fertilization. 

How Long Can Sperm be Stored?

Potentially, sperm themselves can be stored indefinitely. Legally, the law permits a person to store their sperm for a maximum of 55 years, as long as they renew their consent for storage every 10 years. There is an advantage to this duration for cancer patients, particularly minors. Another aspect to consider when storing sperm is the annual storage fees. As well, keeping updated records with the fertility clinic is vital in order to ensure that one is accessible, should anything happen to their sperm. Failure to renew consent or pay storage fees can result in a person’s sperm being discarded.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Sperm freezing costs include $50 to $400 for collection and analysis; $300 to $500 for DNA testing; $200 to $1,000 for optimizing and cryopreservation; and a $100 to $500 annual fee for storage. As with all medical insurance covers, an individual’s plan determines how much they will be covered for sperm freezing. That aside, State law requires insurance providers to cover oncofertility for cancer patients. It is best for one to speak with their insurer regarding the extent of their cover. It is also important to know that there are discounted rates, grants and financial aid options for oncofertility for male patients. 

FAQs

Can cancer treatment affect sperm production?

Yes, cancer treatment does affect sperm production depending on the type of treatment being administered, the dosage prescribed, how long the treatment lasts, including factors such as a patient’s age. 

How long can sperm be frozen?

Sperm can be frozen for a very long time. The longest duration that sperm has been stored and still found viable is 20 years. Studies have shown that in general, the quality of cryopreserved sperm does not decline.

Can I use frozen sperm for IVF?

Of course you can! Frozen sperm has been used in assisted reproductive technology treatments successfully.