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Freezing and Storage of

12.3.10

Some chemotherapy and HRT can WHAT DOES THIS WHY FREEZE SPERM? • Prior to having a vasectomy result in damage to a man’s future INVOLVE? • Prior to chemotherapy or ability to produce sperm. Freezing The freezing of sperm has been radiation therapy sperm before treatment can be a way performed since the early 1950’s and • to circumvent this potential problem. has been undertaken at Concept • Prior to HRT Fertility Centre since the early Sperm Donation • When the male partner is going 1980’s. A sample, collected at Sperm donation may be anonymous to be away during fertility Concept Fertility Centre is mixed with or may be provided to known treatment a cryoprotectant (similar to antifreeze recipients. The storage of sperm in a car) and drawn into thin plastic allows artificial to be straws, each of about 0.5ml in performed without the complication volume. Normally between 5 and 20 HOW IS SPERM FROZEN? of managing the sperm collection straws may be prepared from each • A semen sample is produced procedure. Sperm donors are also single ejaculate. The straws are and then mixed with a special health tested and each sperm coloured and a coloured plug is used freezing media sample remains in quarantine for six to seal the end. These colour • This mixture is then drawn up (6) months. The sperm samples are combinations are unique for each into thin, coloured plastic straws cleared for use after final health tests man. The man’s name, date of birth, (a bit like drinking straws) which are completed. This reduces the risk Concept file number and sample are sealed with a coloured plug of transfer of the known viral number are recorded on each straw. • The straws are labelled with diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. These straws are then placed into a name and a unique file number programmable freezing machine and and placed into a controlled rate liquid nitrogen is pumped into it at a freezer machine Management of Assisted controlled rate. This allows the sperm • Once frozen the straws are Reproductive Treatment straws to be frozen in a scientifically stored at -196°C in liquid Some men who are not going to be controlled manner. nitrogen readily available when their partner is

undergoing treatment for assisted conception or men who find semen At the completion of the freezing WHO WOULD STORE collection on demand a difficult programme, the straws of semen are SPERM? exercise, could consider the storage stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 C in The freezing and storage of sperm is of sperm a convenient option. a state of suspended animation. undertaken for many reasons:

Sperm can stay in this situation for Pre-vasectomy/Pre- many years without any detrimental chemotherapy/HRT effect. Men may store sperm before undergoing vasectomy or chemotherapy as an insurance policy. Vasectomies should be considered as irreversible because repair and reconnection of the vas deferens may be unsuccessful or accompanied by a significant reduction in normal fertilizing capacity of sperm.

Version 12 September 2019 Authorised by Peter Burton Page 1 of 2 Page 2 of 2

MANAGEMENT OF SPERM Stages involved in STORAGE Semen samples are collected in the sperm freezing Men who choose to store their sperm collection rooms at Concept or at need to be aware of the costs (see home. It is important to book the • Undergo blood tests for fee schedule 12.4.2). Please contact collection room at a suitable time HIV, Hepatitis B & C Concept Fertility Centre to discuss (Monday-Friday, 7.30am -3:00 pm). • Sign a semen storage the costs at the time. Further fees We advise abstaining from sexual consent form • will be incurred after 5 years of relations for one day prior to Collect a semen sample at collection. Because the collection Concept or at home storage. • rooms are used by others it is Semen is frozen All men who wish to store sperm important not to be late for the need to undergo blood tests for HIV, appointment. Concept will inform you Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. if the sample is unsuitable for How long can semen Concept forms (13.1.4 & 12.4.16) to freezing. A report will be sent to your remain in storage? store semen must be signed before doctor. The Human Reproductive storage, and this consent will last for Technology Act 1991 allows 5 (five) years up to a maximum of 15 semen to remain in storage for (fifteen) years. Special applications USE OF SPERM a maximum of 15 years. will be required to extend storage The sperm will be thawed and used Consent to continue storage beyond 15 (fifteen) years. Ongoing only with specific written consent of must be given every 5 years. In consent is needed at 5 and 10 years the man who owns the stored semen. special circumstances storage from the date of storage. Men who choose to donate their extension could be granted. sperm have the right to vary or It is important to inform Concept of withdraw their consent at any time. any change of address. If men are not contactable for renewal of the Change of address? consent and application for Please let Concept Fertility continued storage after (15) fifteen FURTHER INFORMATION Should you require any further Centre know your new contact years, the samples will be discarded. details if you change address. Under the Human Reproductive information please call the Scientific Technology Act 1991, no Director at Concept. posthumous use of semen is permitted. In the event of death, Concept will need to be informed so that decisions can be made regarding the disposal of the stored semen. Please contact Concept if you wish to discuss this further.

Questions and Notes Contact Us 218 Nicholson Road Subiaco WA 6008

Telephone: (08) 9382 2388 Facsimile: (08) 9381 3603

[email protected] www.conceptfertility.com.au