Fertility treatments
Sperm freezing
Quality frozen sperm, once thawed, can be used for ICSI, IVF or IUI treatments
What is sperm freezing?
Sperm freezing (also known as sperm banking or sperm cryopreservation) is the process of collecting and freezing a man’s sperm for his future use in conceiving a child. Sperm freezing is a safe procedure, however not all sperm survive the freezing and thawing process.
How does it work?
Step 1 - Consultation
You begin your sperm collection journey with an initial consultation with your fertility specialist.
Everything will be explained to you – the procedure, expected results and legal considerations.
Step 2 - Blood test analysis
Blood tests will be carried out. This includes screening for: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis. These blood tests are mandatory by law.
Step 3 - Appointment for sperm collection
Prior to your appointment, be asked to abstain from sexual intercourse for two to four days. For your comfort, you will have access to a private room at the clinic. Sperm is deposited in a sterile sample cup by masturbation. If you would prefer to do this at home then it’s important to note: Your sperm sample must reach the clinic within an hour of deposit.
Dependent on your sperm quality, you may be asked to make a further deposit at another appointment. This is to optimise the quantity of sperm to be frozen. In cases of no sperm found, you may need to have further tests and potentially undergo a testicular biopsy in order to retrieve your sperm.
Who is sperm freezing for?
Sperm freezing is appropriate for men who:
- Produce very low number of sperm
- Quality of sperm is deteriorating
- Experience difficulty in producing a sperm sample on day of fertility treatment (their female partner’s day of egg collection)
- Have a medical condition which may affect their fertility (for example in cases of cancer treatment)
- Work at hazardous worksites or are deployed in the military
- Are considering a vasectomy and wish to store some sperm for future use in conceiving a child
- Are approaching mature age and wish to preserve their future fertility (sperm quality decreases with age). Studies have also shown an increase in pregnancy complications and birth defects with advanced paternal age
Sperm Freezing Frequently Asked Questions
Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a method of preserving male fertility by freezing and storing sperm for future use in fertility treatment.
Sperm freezing may be suitable for men who wish to delay fatherhood, are undergoing medical treatments that could affect fertility (such as chemotherapy), have a medical condition impacting sperm quality, or want to preserve fertility before surgery or lifestyle changes.
A semen sample is collected and analysed in the laboratory. Healthy sperm is then frozen using specialised techniques and stored at very low temperatures to maintain quality until it is needed.
Yes. Sperm freezing is a well-established and widely used procedure in fertility care. When performed in an experienced laboratory, frozen sperm can be safely stored and used years later without increased risk to pregnancy outcomes.
Frozen sperm can usually be stored for many years. Storage duration and conditions depend on local regulations and individual circumstances, which your clinic will explain clearly.
Modern freezing techniques are designed to preserve sperm quality. While some sperm may not survive the freeze-thaw process, enough healthy sperm typically remain for use in treatments such as IUI, IVF, or ICSI.
When you’re ready, frozen sperm is thawed and prepared in the laboratory. It may then be used for IUI, IVF, or ICSI, depending on sperm quality and the recommended treatment plan.
Yes. A semen analysis assesses sperm health and fertility potential, while sperm freezing involves preserving sperm for future use. A semen analysis is usually performed before freezing to assess quality.
In some cases, multiple samples may be frozen over time to increase the number of stored sperm. Your fertility specialist can advise what’s appropriate based on your needs and results.
No fertility treatment can guarantee pregnancy. Sperm freezing preserves fertility potential, but success depends on factors such as sperm quality at freezing, the female partner’s age and health, and the type of treatment used later.
At Bourn Hall UAE, sperm freezing is carried out in advanced andrology laboratories using strict quality and safety standards. Each patient receives personalised guidance to ensure samples are stored securely and appropriately.
A fertility specialist at Bourn Hall UAE will review your medical history, semen analysis results, and future family plans to help you decide whether sperm freezing is the right option.
