Sperm Cryopreservation

Sperm Cryopreservation. VAISHALI SHARMA.

Sperm Freezing is also known as Cryopreservation or semen banking is a technique of preserving sperms by freezing and storing in liquid nitrogen at the temperature of -196 ℃ that is used on a later date for fertilizing an egg. Cryopreservation is the term used to describe the process of freezing and storing sperm , eggs or embryos from an in vitro fertilization cycle. There are two methods at present used for freezing in IVF labs:- slow freezing and vitrification(ultra-rapid freezing) Vitrification is the process of converting something into a solid without any crystal formation. It is done by adding a cryo-protectant. This is important because ice crystal formation can be very damaging to frozen embryos..

SPERM FREEZING IS USEFUL IF:- Having a condition or are facing medical treatment for a condition, that may affect fertility About to have a vasectomy Have a low sperm count or the quality of sperm is deteriorating Having difficulty producing a sample on the day of fertility treatment. At a risk of injury or death..

How sperm cryopreservation is performed?. The freezing of sperm needs cryoprotective agents that minimize damage to the cells during the freezing and thawing process. CRYOPROTECTIVE AGENTS (CPA’S): CPA’S can be toxic if they are used at high concentrations. Permeating CPA’S (penetrates the plasma membrane) Such as dimethylacetaldehyde ,dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, glycol, ethylene, and methanol Stabilize cell plasma membrane proteins and reduce concentrations of electrolytes. 2. Nonpermeating CPA’S (unable to penetrate the plasma membrane) Such as albumins, dextrans , egg yolk citrate, hydroxyethyl, polyethylene glycols, polyvinyl pyrollidone sucrose. Minimize intracellular crystallization by increasing viscosity of the sample..

Benefits of cryoprotectants:- Maintaining sperm viability. Improvement in the recovery of motile sperm by the use of zwitterion buffers has been attributed to their ability to bind free hydrogen and hydroxy ions in the surrounding medium. Improve sperm membrane fluidity. Increase sperm longevity and percent survival. Increase ability of sperm to penetrate cervical mucus post-thaw..

SPERM FREEZING MEDIUM:- Developed to maximize sperm survival and to maintain DNA integrity and function after cryopreservation. It is egg yolk-free and contains only chemically defined components, including glycerol and sucrose as the cryoprotective agents. Contains both Glycine, that improves post-thaw sperm motility, membrane and acrosome integrity, and SSR with Insulin shown to be a pro-surviving factor..

Before storing the sperm there are various steps that are:- The patient needs to go through careful screening for HIV,HBV,HCV,COVID tests to avoid chances of infection. The patient needs to give a written consent regarding what will happen to his sperm, whether anybody can use your sperm such as your partner or for research or if it can be donated for somebody else’s treatment and for how long the person wants to store his sperm. The standard time for storing a sperm is 10 years , but the patient can extend the storage time up to 55 years..

How are sperm collected and frozen? Sperm(the reproductive cells found in a man’s semen) is typically collected through masturbation. A man can choose to collect his sample at home or in our clinic, but should use an approved, sterile lubricant that doesn’t harm the sample quality. Men are also asked to abstain from sexual activity for approximately two days prior to the appointment to allow for the best possible specimen. Once a semen sample is provided it is tested for sperm quantity, shape and movement within each specimen..

(A) Semen collection (B) Dilution (C) Cooling 1 1 1 (E) Vitrification i (D) Freezing (F) Preservation (G)Thawing.

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