GYNAECOLOGY AND FERTILITY CENTRE
INFORMATION SHEET
Freezing sperm
The Agora
Gynaecology and Fertility Centre
Ellen Street
Brighton and Hove
BN3 3LN
T: 01273 229410
Sperm freezing
GYNAECOLOGY AND FERTILITY CENTRE
Freezing sperm
Sperm may be stored at the Agora Clinic for a variety of reasons, including as a backup for fertility treatments
or if you need to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery that might mean that you become infertile. It is
important that samples are frozen before you start these treatments as there is a risk that sperm can be affected
by the treatment. Very low sperm counts, or sperm that are collected during surgical sperm retrieval, can also be
stored for future treatment at the Agora Clinic.
We can also provide sperm freezing as a temporary backup in cases where the man finds it difficult to produce a
sperm sample or has to be away at the time of his partner’s fertility treatment.
If you are considering sperm freezing, we will ask you to complete various consent forms and it will be a condition
of the storage contract that you will be contacted annually to renew the storage agreements
Unfortunately some sperm do not survive freezing and, if the initial sample is poor, this may mean there is a very
poor survival rate after thawing. However, because of a technique known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (see
separate leaflet), samples that were previously thought too poor to be frozen can now be considered for freezing.
Please note: if you arrange to have your sperm frozen, you must allow time to complete the consent forms before
you leave the clinic as we cannot freeze and store your samples without your valid written consent.
What is involved?
We usually advise that the sample should be produced at the clinic; a private room is designated for this purpose
in a quiet area. We advise two to three days (no more) abstinence from sexual intercourse or masturbation
beforehand.
Storage periods
If sperm is being frozen as a backup only, then we would normally store it only until your treatment cycle is
complete, after which it is disposed of. However, if you would like the sperm be stored for a longer period you
can arrange to do this for an annual storage fee. The storage period is usually 10 years. However, if your fertility
has been impaired and the sperm is only for your own use then we are legally allowed to extend this to 55 years.
Freezing sperm because of chemotherapy can be arranged from the age of 14, and any other exceptional cases can
be discussed with one of our consultants.
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Sperm freezing
Sperm freezing
GYNAECOLOGY AND FERTILITY CENTRE
Consent forms
When you visit the clinic to produce the sperm sample, we will ask you to sign a number of consent forms, including
those that are necessary under the regulations of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Consent
forms include:
• HFEA ‘Freezing of Sperm’ form (MF)
• HFEA ‘Use of Sperm and Embryos in treatment’ form (MT)
• If the sperm is being stored for donation, then you will need to sign the
HFEA ‘Use of Sperm and Embryos for Donation’ (MD) form
• The Agora Fertility Centre ‘Consent to Freezing’ form
Before signing the HFEA consent forms you will need to consider the following questions:
• How long do I want the sperm to be stored?
• How do I want the samples to be used?
(eg, insemination of my wife or named partner, or used for donation or research)
• What should happen to my samples if I die?
• What will happen to my sperm if I do not use it?
What happens if I change my mind?
You will have already stated in writing at the time of freezing what you wish to do with your sperm. If your
circumstances change (for example, you are no longer with the same partner) or you change your mind and want
to alter your wishes you must do this in writing. If the samples are to be disposed of, then they will be thawed and
allowed to perish. You will be asked to sign a ‘Withdrawal of Consent’ form for this to occur.
You will be contacted annually to update your details and decide whether you require storage to continue for the
next year.
The medical information in this leaflet is provided as an educational resource only. It is not intended to replace the
advice of your GP or medical team and should not be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.
The information has been prepared by Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, Consultant Gynaecologist and Medical Director of
the Agora Gynaecology and Fertility Centre. It was last updated in August 2014.
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Sperm freezing