What Is Sperm Cryopreservation and How Does Sperm Freezing Work?

 


Sperm cryopreservation, also known as sperm freezing, is a medical process that preserves sperm cells at very low temperatures for future use. Doctors and fertility clinics use this technique to help individuals protect their fertility and plan for the future.

At Cryolab, we support clinics and laboratories across the UK and Ireland by providing reliable cryogenic storage solutions that protect reproductive samples at every stage.

What Is Sperm Cryopreservation?

Sperm cryopreservation involves freezing sperm in liquid nitrogen at –196°C. At this temperature, all biological activity stops. As a result, the sperm can remain stored safely for many years.

Clinics commonly recommend sperm freezing in several situations. For example:

  • Before chemotherapy or radiotherapy

  • Prior to surgery that may affect fertility

  • Before a vasectomy

  • When sperm quality may decline over time

  • For donor sperm banking

  • During IVF or other fertility treatments

Therefore, sperm freezing gives patients reassurance and flexibility. It allows them to preserve their chances of having biological children later in life.

How Does Sperm Freezing Work?

Laboratory professionals carry out sperm freezing using a carefully controlled process. Each step helps protect the sperm cells and maintain their quality.

1. Collection and Assessment

First, the patient provides a semen sample. Embryologists then analyse the sample to check sperm count, movement and shape. This assessment helps the clinic understand the quality of the sample before freezing.

2. Adding a Cryoprotectant

Next, the laboratory team adds a special solution called a cryoprotectant. This solution protects sperm cells during freezing. Without it, ice crystals could form inside the cells and cause damage. As a result, the cryoprotectant plays a crucial role in preserving viability.

3. Controlled Cooling

After preparation, specialists cool the sample gradually. Controlled cooling prevents sudden temperature changes that could harm the cells. Once the temperature drops sufficiently, the team transfers the sample into liquid nitrogen.

4. Long-Term Storage

Finally, clinics store the frozen samples in liquid nitrogen tanks at –196°C. These tanks maintain a stable and consistent temperature. Consequently, the sperm can remain preserved for many years.

At Cryolab, our CryoNest Series LN₂ storage tanks provide secure and stable long-term storage. In addition, our systems support clinics in maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance.

How Long Can Sperm Be Frozen?

Sperm can remain frozen for decades without significant loss of quality. In fact, doctors have achieved successful pregnancies using sperm stored for over 20 years.

In the UK, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) regulates storage limits. Therefore, clinics must follow strict guidelines. Reliable cryogenic storage systems help clinics meet these requirements and ensure sample safety.

What Happens When Clinics Thaw Sperm?

When a patient requires treatment, laboratory professionals thaw the sperm carefully in a controlled environment. They then remove the cryoprotectant and reassess the sample.

Doctors can use thawed sperm in several treatments, including:

  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

  • In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Although some sperm may lose motility during freezing and thawing, modern techniques achieve high survival rates. As a result, sperm cryopreservation remains a reliable and effective option.

Why Reliable Cryogenic Storage Matters

Success of sperm cryopreservation depends not only on laboratory skill but also on secure storage conditions. Even small temperature fluctuations can affect sample quality. Therefore, clinics must use dependable equipment.

Cryolab supplies high-quality cryogenic solutions tailored to fertility clinics and NHS facilities across the UK and Ireland. Our CryoNest Series ensures stable long-term storage, while our CryoStork Series dry shippers enable safe and secure transportation of sensitive reproductive materials.

Most importantly, we understand that every stored sample represents a future family. For that reason, we design our products with safety, reliability and performance at their core.

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