Sperm Count, Fertility Treatment, And Cryopreservation
Severe male infertility is a common issue that can be addressed with in vitro fertilization (IVF), a form of fertility treatment. IVF is performed by combining a sperm sample with multiple eggs surgically extracted from the ovaries to create embryos. These embryos are then medically implanted into the uterus in hopes of achieving a pregnancy. For successful IVF cycles, a healthy sperm count is required. Cryopreservation is a crucial component of sperm preservation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) planning. Understanding sperm health is a key consideration in IVF planning.
A deeper understanding of sperm count
Most male infertility cases can be traced to an anomaly with sperm, and particularly a low sperm count. For natural conception, a healthy sperm count ensures that sufficient healthy sperm can reach and fertilize the egg released into the fallopian tubes. A normal sperm count typically ranges from 15 million to 300 million sperm per 1 mL of semen. A low sperm count, therefore, is below 15 million sperm per 1 mL of semen. Extremely low sperm counts are less than 10 million and can be responsible for infertility. Other markers uncovered by sperm analysis may include poor sperm motility and morphology.
Freezing fertility
Cryopreservation uses an advanced freezing technique to preserve and store sperm for future use. The quality and quantity of the sperm sample remain unchanged from the time of freezing. Cryopreservation is performed by collecting and analyzing a sperm sample and then using a freezing system to store multiple vials. A frozen sample can be thawed and prepared for intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, or other forms of fertility treatment.
When cryopreservation is essential
Men can use cryopreservation to increase the chances of pregnancy at later dates or in unique health and personal circumstances. For instance, detecting a low sperm count early can help men preserve sperm to use for future family planning. Some men wish to delay parenthood for personal or professional reasons. Men undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or surgery, which can damage sperm production, may also want to use cryopreservation. High-risk occupations or individuals who plan to have vasectomies but may want kids in the future can also leverage this technique.
Impact of freezing on sperm count
With cryopreservation, fertility clinics can attempt IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) later. ICSI allows the embryologist to use a single sperm to directly fertilize the egg and create embryos. This technique is helpful in cases where sperm quantity and quality are extremely low. While freezing sperm is a valuable tool for family planning, there are considerations for the effects of the procedure on sperm count. The freezing process can lead to the formation of ice crystals, which can rupture cell membranes and damage internal structures. The thawing process must also be performed expertly, as a rapid drop in temperature can damage some sperm. A higher sperm count is recommended, as statistics show that at least 30% of sperm are no longer viable after thawing. Despite these challenges, the embryologist can implement strategies to maximize post-thaw quality, improving success rates.
A future pregnancy, guaranteed
Sperm count plays a critical role in IVF success rates. Higher sperm counts increase the likelihood of successful implantation. Cryopreservation can be an essential tool for family planning, especially in cases of infertility or where sperm health may be compromised later in life. A proactive approach can lead to a more effective IVF or ICSI plan down the line. Consider planning ahead with the use of cryopreservation in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy in the future.
