As a man, freezing sperm is primarily a fertility-preserving measure. Malignant diseases in adolescence and early adulthood in particular influence the quality of sperm, so that the questions about the possible long-term effects of oncological therapy measures on their fertility are of great importance for those affected. The effects of chemotherapy on the maturation of sperm cells vary from person to person, and possible after effects on the genetic makeup of chemotherapy or radiation therapy are also relevant.
It can also make sense for you to think about creating a procreation reserve before a planned vasectomy because of (allegedly) completed family planning, as life circumstances can change again and again, which make the desire for reversibility arise. Other possible areas of application of this method can be seen in men in high-risk professions, such as jet pilots, racing drivers, in professions in radiation areas or in the transport of dangerous goods. As a patient with a chronic illness that could lead to an inability to conceive, you should also think about the possibility of creating a conception reserve in good time.
In liquid nitrogen and constantly cooled to -196 ° Celsius, the sperm cells can be kept for many years. The storage takes place in a specialized facility. After this type of sperm cryopreservation, the realization of a later desire for children is usually only possible through certain procedures such as ICSI. However, this is usually due to the fact that the patient's sperm function was limited due to certain previous illnesses prior to freezing.
In summary, it can be said that the cryopreservation of human sperm as the creation of a reproductive reserve, especially in oncological patients, is a sensible and proven measure. As early as 1954, the first child was born after insemination with previously frozen sperm cells. This experience of thousands of children who have since been born using this method worldwide has shown that this method can be described as safe for the health of these children.
