Protecting male fertility

When you receive a difficult diagnosis or find out that you are due to undergo cancer treatment, many questions spring to mind. One of them comes up particularly often: will I be able to become a father in the future?

It’s a natural concern. Fertility preservation ensures you retain the option of having children in the future. Thanks to cryopreservation Once you’ve had your sperm analysed, you can start treatment with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken care of your future.

What is fertility preservation?

Fertility preservation involves the cryopreservation of sperm, i.e. freezing it at a very low temperature (around –196°C in liquid nitrogen). A properly prepared sample can be stored for many years and used in the future to treat infertility.

How does fertility preservation work for men?

Before surgical treatment of genital cancers (testicular cancer, prostate cancer, penile cancer)
Before the system-wide cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy(a), which can usually cause a permanent reduction in semen parameters
Before treating conditions that may permanently impair sperm quality, particularly diseases autoimmune or genetic disorders with a proven effect on fertility
Before surgery on the genital organs for reasons other than cancer.

In the case of conditions that may affect fertility, it is advisable to make the decision to preserve fertility as early as possible – before there is an irreversible decline in sperm quality.

Funding is currently available to cancer patients through a government programme covering the collection, freezing and storage of sperm. Cancer patients are seen on a fast-track basis.

Available methods:

sperm freezing – the most commonly used method,
freezing of testicular tissue – used in selected cases where it is not possible to obtain sperm by other means.

When should you consider fertility treatment?

1. Preparation

It is recommended that you abstain from sex for 2–5 days before providing a semen sample.

Prior to the procedure, tests are carried out to screen for infectious diseases (including HIV, HBV and HCV), in accordance with current standards.

2. Collection of material for fertility preservation

The sample is collected by the patient providing a semen sample at the clinic via masturbation into a sterile container, in a specially prepared, comfortable and private room with an en-suite bathroom, ensuring complete privacy.

Before providing a sample, it is recommended that you follow basic hygiene guidelines, including washing your hands and genital area.

In medical situations where it is not possible to obtain a semen sample, sperm is collected directly from the testicle or epididymis during a brief procedure: classical a testicular or epididymal biopsy, or using an operating microscope (TESE / mTESE).

3. Assessment and preparation of the material

The semen is analysed in a specialist embryology laboratory (sperm count, motility and morphology) and then prepared for freezing. The sample is divided into portions that can be used in the future.

4. Cryopreservation

A special solution is added to the sample to protect the sperm from damage during freezing.

The samples are gradually frozen under controlled conditions and stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of approximately –196°C.

5. Storage and use

Frozen sperm can be stored for many years and used in the future.

If you are considering fertility preservation, you should consult an andrologist at Invimed who specialises in assessing suitability for sperm cryopreservation. Each patient requires an individual medical assessment, and decisions regarding treatment are made by the specialist in consultation with the patient, taking into account their state of health and individual needs.

Book a consultation with an andrologist to find out which fertility preservation options are suitable for your situation.

The medical information presented should be considered as general guidelines and does not replace the individual judgement of the doctor regarding the medical management of each patient. The doctor, after a thorough examination of the patient's condition, determines the extent and frequency of diagnostic tests and/or therapeutic procedures, taking into account specific medical indications. All medical decisions are made in full consultation with the patient.

Author of the article

Invimed editorial team - we serve patients by solving their fertility problems. We use world medical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and treatment methods. We are here to make dreams of parenthood come true. The smiles on the faces of happy parents give meaning to our work.

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