Semen banking, also known as sperm banking or sperm cryopreservation, is a process of collecting, freezing, and storing semen samples for future use in assisted reproductive techniques. It is primarily used to preserve male fertility and provides an option for men to store their sperm for various reasons, such as fertility preservation before medical treatments that may impact fertility, before vasectomy, or for individuals with certain medical conditions.
The process of semen banking typically involves the following steps:
- Semen Collection: A semen sample is collected through ejaculation either at the fertility clinic or a designated location.
- Semen Analysis: The collected semen sample is analyzed to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology to determine its viability for freezing.
- Semen Cryopreservation: If the semen sample meets the required criteria, it is then cryopreserved or frozen using specialized techniques. Cryopreservation involves adding cryoprotectants to protect the sperm from damage during freezing.
- Storage: The frozen semen sample is stored in a cryopreservation tank, typically using liquid nitrogen, at extremely low temperatures (-196°C or -321°F) to keep the sperm viable for an extended period.
- Future Use: The frozen semen can be stored for an indefinite period and used in the future for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- Semen banking offers individuals and couples the opportunity to plan their family-building journey on their terms and provides an option for preserving reproductive options in the face of potential fertility challenges. It is a valuable resource for those seeking fertility preservation or who may require assisted reproductive techniques in the future. To know more visit Medcy IVF website.