What is Sperm Freezing?
Sperm freezing (sperm freezing) is the process of storing male reproductive cells (sperm) in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196°C for future use.
This method provides important protection for men whose sperm count or motility is decreasing, who will undergo cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), or who plan to become fathers at an older age.
FertiJin Women’s Health and IVF Center, located in Şişli, Istanbul, provides services with high success rates and advanced laboratory technologies in sperm freezing and storage procedures.
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Why is Sperm Freezing Performed?
There are many factors that affect sperm quality:
- Advanced age,
- Genetic or hormonal problems,
- Infections or febrile illnesses,
- Chemotherapy / radiotherapy,
- Environmental toxins,
- Situations such as a stressful lifestyle may reduce sperm count and motility.
Therefore, sperm freezing;
➡️ For men who do not currently consider becoming fathers,
➡️ But who plan to have children in the future, it is a preventive step.
How is the Sperm Freezing Procedure Performed?
The sperm freezing process is a sterile, painless, and fast laboratory procedure.
The stages are as follows:
- Consultation and Evaluation:
Before the procedure, the patient is evaluated by a urology specialist. Medical history, lifestyle, and factors affecting sperm production are analyzed. - Sperm Sample Collection:
- The most common method is providing a sample through masturbation.
- If sperm production is insufficient or a sample cannot be obtained, sperm can be retrieved using MESA, PESA, TESA, or TESE methods.
- These procedures are performed under local or general anesthesia.
- Preparation and Analysis:
The collected sperm sample is evaluated in the laboratory in terms of motility, concentration, and morphology.
Quality sperm are prepared for the freezing process with special solutions. - Freezing Process:
Sperm samples are mixed with a protective solution and can be frozen using two different methods:- Slow Freezing: Sperm are cooled within 3–4 hours and then placed into a nitrogen tank at -196°C.
- Rapid Freezing: Sperm are exposed to nitrogen vapor for 10 minutes and then immersed at -196°C.
With this method, the sperm survival rate is higher.
Who Can Freeze Sperm?
The following conditions are the most suitable candidates for sperm freezing:
- Men who will undergo cancer treatment (chemotherapy/radiotherapy)
- Individuals with low sperm count or motility
- Those with a family history of early menopause or genetic infertility
- People working in high-risk occupations or professions with a high risk of injury (for example soldiers, athletes)
- Couples who want to store sperm before IVF treatment
💡 At FertiJin IVF Center, sperm freezing is carried out within the framework of confidentiality and ethical principles.
Success Rate of the Sperm Freezing Procedure
The success rate of sperm freezing procedures performed in professional centers is quite high.
Sperm frozen in FertiJin laboratories can maintain a high level of viability even after thawing.
However, the occurrence of pregnancy depends not only on sperm;
➡️ Egg quality,
➡️ Uterine health, and
➡️ The treatment method applied.
How Long Can Frozen Sperm Be Stored?
Frozen sperm samples can be stored for years without deterioration in -196°C liquid nitrogen tanks.
However, legally, the storage period in Turkey depends on Ministry of Health regulations.
If necessary, the period can be extended with patient consent.
Sperm Freezing Prices (Istanbul 2025)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the sperm freezing procedure cause pain?
No. No pain is felt in samples obtained through masturbation.
Surgical methods (TESA, TESE) are performed under local or general anesthesia.
How long can frozen sperm be used?
Sperm samples stored under appropriate conditions can remain viable for more than 10 years.
Can IVF be performed with frozen sperm?
Yes. Frozen sperm can be thawed and successfully used in IVF treatment with the microinjection (ICSI) method.
Does sperm quality decrease after the procedure?
Quality loss in sperm frozen under proper laboratory conditions is minimal.