Sperm cryopreservation is a method that enables the long-term preservation of male fertility by freezing sperm. After semen collection and semen analysis, the sample is frozen in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures, thereby maintaining sperm viability for an extended period. This method allows for the later use of sperm in assisted reproduction, which can be crucial for men who wish to have children later in life or for those facing the risk of infertility due to various medical reasons. Cryopreservation is a safe and effective method that offers hope and opportunities for many patients to preserve their fertility.

Sperm cryopreservation is a key tool for preserving fertility in men who face medical challenges that threaten their reproductive abilities. Thanks to this method, men can freeze their sperm before undergoing treatment or before further deterioration of the sperm count. In our laboratory, by prior arrangement, we perform sperm freezing for patients of the General University Hospital (VFN) and the Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (ÚHKT). Patients with a medical indication have sperm cryopreservation covered by public health insurance, provided they bring a valid referral for the collection. Storage of sperm in the cryobank is subject to a fee according to the current CAR price list.

Oncological treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical procedures, can negatively affect spermatogenesis and cause temporary or permanent infertility. Cryopreservation before starting treatment gives patients the option to freeze sperm at a time when they are of good quality and ensures that the best possible samples will be available for future use.

In the case of cryopreservation for oncological indications, upon presentation of a valid request form, the collection, freezing, and the first year of sperm storage are covered by public health insurance. After the first year, health insurance further covers up to 9 years of storage, provided the patient submits documentation confirming that treatment has been undertaken (see §38a of Act No. 48/1997 Coll., on Public Health Insurance and on Amendments and Supplements to Certain Related Acts, as amended). After 10 years of storage, sperm storage is subject to fees according to the current CAR price list.

Patients of our center can take advantage of the option to freeze sperm even in situations where they cannot attend on the day of oocyte retrieval, have difficulties with collection, or frequently travel. This procedure provides flexibility and assurance that sperm will be available on the day of oocyte retrieval. This service is subject to fees according to the current CAR price list.

The procedure includes sperm collection, evaluation, and subsequent freezing. If sperm cannot be obtained through masturbation or if no sperm are present in the ejaculate, it is also possible to collect sperm surgically at the Urology Clinic, with an expected hospitalization of 1-3 days. Collection is performed microsurgically by aspirating sperm from the epididymis and via biopsy, where tissue is obtained from the testicular tubules through small incisions. After collection, a spermogram is evaluated, the sample is mixed with a medium containing cryoprotectants, and it is frozen in special straws. The straws are stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C.

Before sperm cryopreservation, a blood test for sexually transmitted infections is required. Blood can be drawn no earlier than 3 months before and no later than the day of sample freezing, and it is conducted at our clinic. In addition, the patient must sign an informed consent form confirming that they have been fully informed about the procedure, risks, and options for cryopreservation.

Cryopreserved sperm can be used for assisted reproduction methods after thawing. If sperm parameters are sufficient, the thawed sperm can be used for intrauterine insemination [IUI], where they are directly placed into the partner’s uterus. They are also used in in vitro fertilization [IVF], where sperm fertilizes eggs in laboratory conditions, and the resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus. In cases where sperm quality or quantity is low, intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] is used, in which a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. The use of frozen sperm is determined by the man whose sperm was frozen and who gave consent for the freezing.