The Many Benefits Of Sperm Freezing

With age, female fertility declines, and many women are familiar with the need to proactively freeze eggs. While men can have a baby much later in life, there are a few reasons why a man may want to consider sperm freezing to preserve male fertility. The relatively straightforward cryopreservation process can be done for medical reasons and personal preference alike. With sperm safely banked, men don’t have to feel rushed into parenthood.

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1. Younger, healthier sperm

Although men can father a child much later in life than women can, research shows that the health of the sperm can decline with age. A recent study found that infants born to men over the age of 45 had higher risks for preterm birth and seizures. Other data shows increased chances of miscarriage, birth defects, and low birth weight in babies fathered by older men. To avoid such risks, some men who desire parenthood later in life may consider freezing sperm at a younger age. This healthy sperm can be stored for years until the time is right to have a baby.

2. Cancer and chemotherapy

When facing a cancer diagnosis, future fertility is often the last concern a man may have. However, because certain cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can negatively affect fertility, sperm preservation is an important decision to consider. Surgery for testicular, prostate, or bladder cancer can also impact male fertility. Since cryopreservation is quick and easy, men can bank a sample before treatment for peace of mind.

3. Risky careers

Men in certain occupations, such as the military or police force, have a higher risk of death. To allow a surviving partner to have additional children, men in risky careers can consider banking sperm before deploying or starting a high-risk job. This idea can be especially appealing to couples with just 1 child who desire a blood-related sibling. If the unthinkable happens and the male partner passes away prematurely, the stored sperm can be used with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to have a baby.

4. Health problems

Certain medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis (CF), diabetes, some infections, and autoimmune disorders, can negatively affect male fertility. Certain medications can also impact sperm quality. Although patients can’t always predict when a health problem may occur, men with a family history or early signs of a disease may want to consider sperm freezing.

Preserve for peace of mind

The cryopreservation process is easy and painless. Men concerned about health risks of older parenthood, the effects of chemotherapy, a risky job, or certain medical problems can bank sperm for peace of mind. Should fertility be negatively affected, a baby will still be possible.