What Is Sperm Cryopreservation?
Sperm cryopreservation is a process that makes it possible to store sperm samples for future use. The samples are stored at extremely cold temperatures of -196°C and by storing sperm in this fashion, it can be preserved for several years. There are a number of reasons why men should consider sperm cryopreservation.

Prior to Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy or Surgery That May Affect Fertility
Over the last decade, the survival rate of patients battling cancer has increased significantly. Many of them are able to resume a normal life and for men, oftentimes the desire of fathering a child following cancer becomes a feasible project.

Prior to Undergoing a Vasectomy
Men who plan to undergo a vasectomy may wish to consider sperm cryopreservation because making a decision as radical as electing to no longer have children may turn out to be one that they come to regret. In fact, some vasectomies are irreversible and the pregnancy rate following a vasovasostomy remains small. Furthermore, following a vasectomy, many men develop antisperm antibodies that could impair their ability to produce offspring. For the above mentioned reasons, men who plan to undergo a vasectomy should consider sperm cryopreservation to allow them the possibility of having a child, in spite of their infertility.

Prior to an Artificial Insemination or In Vitro Fertilization
It is possible for the spouse of a patient undergoing an in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination treatment to store his sperm ahead of time in the event that he could not produce a sperm sample on the day of the procedure. For some spouses, the mere fact of knowing that they have some sperm in reserve lessens the stress that often stems from the fear of not being able to produce the sample at the opportune moment.

The Technique Used in Sperm Cryopersrevation
At the outset, semen is collected and analyzed. It is then treated and put into 0.5 ml straws (small plastic tubes). Each individual straw is labeled with the man's name, the freeze date along with its own exclusive identification number (provided during the first appointment). Samples are stored in a cryogenic container filled with liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C. Sperm samples stored in this fashion for future use can be preserved for several years. To increase the chances in a suitable sperm banking, the man should expect to produce 3 to 4 sperm samples (in average). An obstinence of 2 to 5 days between each sample is required. It is therefore essential to begin promptly when the treatments occur such as: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, vasectomy or hormonal treatments that may affect the fertility process.

As a rule, spermatozoa resist well to the cryopreservation process particularly in the case where a "good sperm sample" is obtained at the outset. Sperm originating from the ejaculate or from fluid extracted from the male genital tract can be frozen.