Sometimes in our lives we have to face things that we don't expect. Maybe it's a sudden illness, it could be a different treatment to take, or it could be the nature of your job. For reasons like these, you may feel a little scared and worried about becoming a father one day in the future. So, at a time like this, we are talking about a very important method that will help you preserve your male fertility and fulfill your future hopes.
Simply put, what is sperm banking?
Sperm banking, simply put, is the process of collecting your sperm cells at a specialized medical facility, freezing them, and storing them for future use.
We all know that sperm are the reproductive cells of a man. They are produced in your testicles. When semen is released during sex or masturbation, millions of sperm cells are released with it. Sperm banking is where these sperm cells are collected and stored safely.
Why should I bank my sperm?
This is really a personal decision for you to make. You may have high hopes for becoming a father in the future, but it may not be possible given your current circumstances. There are several reasons why you might want to consider sperm banking.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Health conditions | Some types of cancer, such as testicular cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukemia, have a high risk of damaging male fertility. |
| Some treatments received | Things like chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer can reduce or stop sperm production completely, as can things like orchiectomy, which removes the testicles. |
| Aging | Although men usually produce new sperm every day, sperm quality may decline slightly after the age of 40. |
| Low sperm count | Even if you are young, your sperm count may be low. At a time like this, if you bank some of the best quality sperm, you can later have a child through techniques like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). |
| Frequent long-distance travel due to work | If you are someone who travels frequently for work, you may be absent from Sri Lanka during the fertile window for your wife to conceive a child. Then you can use this stored sperm. |
| Risky jobs like military service | For those in high-risk jobs like the military and police, there is a risk of injury to the reproductive system. This is a good way to prepare for such an eventuality. |
| Vasectomy | Some people get a vasectomy as a method of family planning. But if they want to have a child later, it would be a great help if they had previously banked their sperm. |
The most important thing is that if you are married or in a committed relationship, you make this decision together with your partner. If you are under 18, it is essential to talk about this with your parents or guardians.
When is the best time to start this? Will treatment be delayed?
If you have a serious illness, this decision may need to be made quickly. It's best to discuss sperm banking with your doctor before you begin your medical treatment (e.g., chemotherapy).
Many people fear that this will delay their treatment. But that's not the case. Sperm banking will not delay your medical treatment at all.
To get the best quality semen sample, it's best to wait at least 48 hours since you last had sex or masturbated. You may need to take multiple samples. However, if your treatment schedule doesn't allow for that much time, 24 hours is fine. Your doctor will advise you on this.
What happens before sperm banking?
Before you donate your sperm, your doctor will test you for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is for your safety and the safety of anyone who uses your sperm in the future. These tests usually involve taking a blood sample.
The main diseases tested are:
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV and AIDS
This is like a regular blood test. A small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. You won't feel much pain.
How does the sperm retrieval process work?
This procedure takes place at a fertility clinic. A member of the medical staff will take you to a private room. There, you will be given a special, small, sterile container with a lid to collect your semen.
You have to masturbate in the privacy of that room and add the ejaculate to that bottle.
A few important things to remember:
- Do not use any lubricants. Even saliva can damage sperm. If you absolutely must use a lubricant, use only a special type that is safe for sperm and is prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not use regular condoms. Regular condoms from pharmacies may contain spermicide, which can ruin your sample.
- You may feel a little uncomfortable and embarrassed about this. It's very normal. But the medical staff is very aware of this, so there is no reason to be embarrassed or afraid in any way.
Some people find it difficult to do this in a clinic. If you have the same problem, you can ask your doctor about a home sperm-banking kit. They will then have the kit sent to your home and give you clear instructions on how to use it. However, if you collect the sample at home, you will need to bring it to the clinic within a few hours, at close to body temperature.
What happens after sperm donation?
After you provide the sample, it is securely labeled. Your name, patient identification number, and date are all recorded on it. So you don't have to worry about your sample being mixed up with someone else's.
Then, a small amount of your sample is taken for testing, and the rest is divided into small tubes (cryovials). Next, a special chemical liquid (cryopreservative) is added to prevent damage to the sperm during freezing, and the freezing process begins.
This is done in several stages.
1. First, it is exposed to a temperature of about -29 degrees Celsius (-29°C).
2. Then it is placed in liquid nitrogen vapor for about two hours, at a temperature of about -66 degrees Celsius (-66°C).
3. Finally, it is permanently stored in special storage tanks filled with liquid nitrogen at a very low temperature of -196 degrees Celsius (-196°C).
Will my sperm sample be tested?
Yes. A small sample of your sperm will be tested before and after freezing. The main things that will be looked at are:
- Total sperm cell count.
- The number of viable (live) sperm.
- The percentage of sperm that move well (swim) (motility).
The results of these tests can help doctors decide what the best way for you to have a child in the future is. For example, this information can help you choose the most suitable method for you, such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
What are the advantages of this method?
There are several main advantages to sperm banking.
- Preserving fertility: Even if your fertility is compromised due to medical treatment, illness, or other reasons, having healthy sperm stored can preserve your hope of becoming a father in the future.
- Health and Safety: Children conceived using frozen sperm in this way are not at risk of congenital conditions. They are as healthy as children conceived normally.
- Durability: If stored properly, these sperm samples will not lose any quality even after years.
Are there any risks or complications with this?
Although there are no major risks in this process, there are a few things to be aware of.
Ejaculation difficulties
Some medical conditions, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), may prevent you from obtaining a sample through masturbation. If that's the case, don't worry. There are surgical procedures that can collect sperm directly from the testicles. MicroTESE and PESA are two such surgical procedures. Your doctor will explain these to you.
Cost
There is a fee for sperm banking. You will also have to pay annual storage fees. It is best to ask the hospital or clinic where you are receiving treatment for details about this.
Hereditary diseases
If you are banking sperm because of cancer, you may be concerned about passing the disease on to your future children. Not all cancers are hereditary. Your doctor will tell you if the type of cancer you have is one of these. If you have any concerns about this, it is worth talking to a genetic counselor.
If I die, unfortunately, what happens to my sperm?
This is a very sensitive, but important issue. When you bank your sperm, you can appoint someone who has legal authority to make decisions about it (an executor). This could be your spouse, a family member, or a trusted friend. After your death, that person can decide whether the sperm will be used or destroyed. It is important to ask the institution about these legal arrangements.
Ultimately, this is a very personal decision about your life. Talk openly with your doctor about all your concerns, fears, and anything you have. They are always there to help you.
Take-Home Message
- Sperm banking is a very safe and effective way to preserve your fertility for the future.
- This is especially important for those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy for cancer, those with certain health conditions, and those in risky jobs.
- This process will not delay the start of your medical treatment, and all of your information will be kept strictly confidential.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have about this. It is essential to get the most accurate information and guidance.
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