Pre-Vasectomy Fertility Preservation: How Long Can Sperm Be Stored?

Some men who want a vasectomy believe they don’t want any more children, but worry about potentially changing their minds down the road. If you feel uncertain about your reproductive future, you may want to consider pre-vasectomy fertility preservation. Freezing your sperm ahead of a vasectomy can give you peace of mind. Additionally, freezing sperm is a quicker and easier alternative to a vasectomy reversal or sperm retrieval.

How Long Can Sperm Be Preserved?

Factors such as temperature and other storage conditions can influence sperm quality and survivability during storage. A reputable cryogenic storage facility should be secure and only accessible to authorized personnel. The cryogenic tanks should be independent of electrical sources, so they aren't impacted by power outages. Additionally, your sperm storage facility of choice should have experienced staff that perform daily inspections of all tanks. In the right conditions, sperm can be preserved indefinitely.

Fresh vs Frozen Sperm Success Rates

Despite a small loss of quality, research shows that frozen sperm produces equal pregnancy and live birth rates compared to fresh sperm. Additionally, there’s no evidence that shows that using frozen sperm results in an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects.

The Sperm Freezing Process

Freezing sperm is easy and non-invasive. You can produce a semen sample via masturbation into a vial at your sperm bank clinic. Some sperm banks provide at-home freezing kids so that you can complete the process from the comfort of your own home. Before freezing, your sample will be analyzed to determine the quantity and quality of the sperm. It'll also be screened for infectious diseases. Then, your sperm will be carefully frozen and properly stored.

Learn More About Pre-Vasectomy Fertility Preservation

Getting a vasectomy can sometimes come with uncertainty. Freezing your sperm ahead of the procedure can give you the peace of mind you need to move forward. If you have any questions about pre-vasectomy fertility preservation, schedule an appointment with Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists today. Our team can guide you through the process and effectively preserve your sperm in San Diego and La Jolla, California.