Treatment Options with Frozen Sperm

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

It is sometimes referred to as artificial insemination. IUI is generally recommended when the semen analysis results are normal or close to normal. With this treatment, the motile sperm are separated, concentrated and inseminated into the uterus. This can improve the chances of pregnancy by increasing the number of forwardly moving, normal shaped sperm that reach the egg.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

This treatment is generally recommended for normal/mild/moderate male factor infertility. The semen sample is washed, concentrated and the sperm is placed directly with the eggs in the laboratory. Using this method the chances of fertilization are increased. The resulting fertilized eggs (embryos) are then transferred back into the uterus.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is usually performed when there is severe male factor infertility. This technique maximizes the chance of the egg fertilizing as a single sperm is injected into the centre of the egg.

ICSI Procedure

Day of Semen Freeze

You must allow at least half an hour upon dropping off the sample to the clinic for a consultation with the scientist. This meeting involves discussion of the risks involved with the freezing of your sample.

A Declaration Form and a Consent form must be signed prior to EmBIO clinic accepting your sample for freezing purposes. Both these forms will be given to you before the procedure for you to review. Any questions you may have will be answered at this point. Please do not hesitate to contact EmBIO scientists if you have any questions at any stage.

Unless prior consent forms are signed for the female partner to receive results, they will only be released to the person providing the sample. It is a requirement of EmBIO that the person whose sample was frozen makes contact with a scientist for the freeze results. A formal report will be sent to your doctor depending on your request.

FAQs on Sperm Freezing

How long can the sample be frozen for?

Practically, forever. We would take your samples out of storage for the following reasons:

• To use sample/s for any ART treatment (see Treatment Options below).
• If you indicate that you no longer wish to keep the sample/s stored.
• If you stop making payment of your fees.
• Under the instruction of your Last Will and Testament.

How much does Semen Freezing cost?

The annual storage fee for sperm freezing at EmBIO is 200 euros (per batch of sperm or embryos).

What else would you like to know about sperm freezing?

Ask Dr Paraschos: paraschos@ivf-embryo.gr
You'll get your confidential answer in 24 hours.