Question |
| Response |
| How long can sperm be stored? |
| There is no practical limit to the length of time sperm, correctly maintained in liquid nitrogen, can be stored |
| Is freezing harmful to the sperm? |
| A percentage of the sperm will not survive the freezing process. The survival rate varies greatly between individuals. There may be some loss of fertilization potential in the sperm that do survive. Again, the effects of cryopreservation are variable between samples and patients. |
| How is semen stored? | | A single ejaculate is collected into a sterile container by masturbation. A private room is available specifically for the purpose of semen collection. |
| What is the normal volume of an ejaculate? |
| A normal ejaculatory volume ranges from 1.5 to 5 milliliters (1.5-5cc). |
| How many samples should be frozen? | | A minimum of two samples is recommended for storage prior to surgery and/or therapy, however it’s the patient’s choice as to how many samples he will freeze. The patient should discuss his future plans during the initial consult, and establish a plan based on time constraints and future need. The number of samples needed for adequate storage is different for each situation and varies with the quality of the sample once it is thawed. |
| What if the initial semen quality is poor, or the concentration is very low?
| | Many cryopreserved samples may not be of sufficient quality for use with artificial insemination. However, advanced procedures used in association with IVF are regularly performed with sample of very poor quality or concentration. Any sample containing sperm, regardless of concentration or quality, is routinely frozen. If there is a concern at the time of processing the sample for cryopreservation the laboratory director or your care-provider will be contacted. |
| How long should the abstinence period be between collections?
| | Optimal abstinence time is from two to five days.
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| How can I be sure my semen sample is not contaminated with another sample or mislabeled?
| | The specimen container used to collect the sample is labeled and verified by the patient prior to collection. Once the sample is received it is handled with extreme caution. All materials used in the process are labeled with the patients name, the current date, and a visit number unique to the patient and the sample collected. Each sample is assigned a physically isolated workstation. All tools and solutions used in preparing the sample for cryopreservation are sterile and single-use. This, and the use of trained, certified Andrology technicians will ensure there is no confusion in the handling of semen samples. |
| What if I move out of the Utah area? | | Arrangements can be made to ship semen samples to another clinic or storage facility in the area you are moving to. Some paperwork, including a written request that has been notarized will be necessary to ensure proper handling and security of the samples. Your samples can also continue to be maintained at the University of Utah under the same conditions. You only need to provide a billing address and a permanent mailing address. |
| What is the procedure for using the frozen sperm? | | A few weeks prior to the date you anticipate needing the samples, contact the Andrology Department to give sufficient time to bring the samples out of long-term storage. If you plan to use the samples for artificial insemination, we will need to have a physicians requisition order on file. When you know the day you will need the sample prepared, call and set an appointment to pick the sample up. Many physicians have additional requirements, such as blood tests or a current pap and pelvic exam, that they require before they will perform an insemination. Be sure to communicate with your physician in advance to avoid any delays. |
| What is the procedure for terminating the storage agreement? | | A client (or, in the event of his death, his legally authorized representative) may terminate a Storage Agreement at any time by requesting and completing an Order for Destruction form (contact the Andrology Lab to obtain an Order for Destruction form). Please carefully read and complete the entire form. Please note: the original signature must be witnessed by a UUHSC employee or a Notary Public. The original written notice must be received and acknowledged by the University before the agreement is terminated. |
| How can I guarantee that I will become pregnant using the samples? | | Regardless of how many samples are frozen it is impossible to guarantee success. The best advice is to carefully consult with both an Andrologist and REI before beginning any use of the samples. |
Physicians
