Cryopreservation is a process under which the eggs, sperms and embryos are frozen in a sub zero temperature for use in the future. They are basically of three types :-
- Sperm Cryopreservation
- Eggs Cryopreservation
- Embryos Cryopreservation
Sperm Cryopreservation:
Sperm are frozen to preserve because of a string of reasons:
- To create a sperm bank;
- To donate stored sperm;
- To use it during the treatment if the male partner is unable to ejaculate on the stipulated day;
- Before undergoing vasectomy;
- Prior to Cancer treatment which might adversely affect fertility;
- Retrieved sperms from epididymis (PESA) or testes (TESA).
If the sperm is to be used for treatment for donor it is used for 1 year and if it is used for pre-chemotherapy, it is stored for 10 years which can be extended in certain cases.