ĐẶT LỊCH KHÁM

Typically, the entire process, from sample collection to receiving the results and placing the sample into storage, takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

1. What is the sperm cryopreservation process?

1. Preparation before sperm collection

• To ensure that the semen analysis more accurately reflects sperm quality, men should abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before visiting the hospital. During this period, sexual intercourse and masturbation should be avoided.
• In addition, it is recommended to limit alcohol, stimulants and exposure to hot baths or saunas before sample collection.
• Proper preparation according to the instructions helps ensure that the semen sample is suitable for analysis and cryopreservation.

2. Medical examination and screening tests

• Before sperm cryopreservation, the patient will undergo a general health assessment by a doctor and blood tests to screen for certain infectious diseases, including:
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Syphilis
• This is a mandatory step to determine the appropriate storage area for the sample.
• If the person providing the sample has any of the above infectious diseases, the sperm can still be cryopreserved. However, the sample will be stored in completely segregated liquid nitrogen tanks to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

3. Semen collection

• The man will be provided with a sterile plastic container and instructed to collect the sample in a private, dedicated room at the hospital.
• During collection, lubricants, saliva and regular condoms should not be used because the chemicals contained in these products may adversely affect sperm.
• Immediately after collection, the semen sample will be transferred to the laboratory for analysis.

4. Semen analysis

• At the laboratory, an embryologist will examine the sample under a microscope to assess sperm quality before cryopreservation.
• The main parameters evaluated include:
  • Volume: The amount of semen ejaculated in a single collection, typically 1.5 mL or more.
  • Concentration: The number of sperm present per milliliter of semen.
  • Motility: An assessment of the sperm’s ability to move, particularly the proportion of sperm capable of progressive movement.
  • Morphology: An assessment of the structure of the sperm head, midpiece and tail to determine the proportion of sperm with normal morphology.
• The semen analysis results help doctors and laboratory specialists evaluate the characteristics of the sample before selecting an appropriate processing and storage method.

5. Sperm processing and cryopreservation

• After assessment, the sperm sample will be processed and divided into small storage tubes.
• The sample is then gradually cooled according to a controlled protocol before being placed in liquid nitrogen at approximately −196°C for long-term storage.
• Dividing the sample into smaller storage units makes it more convenient to thaw and use the sperm when needed in the future.

6. How is the appropriate sperm cryopreservation technique selected?

• At Hanoi Hospital of Andrology and Fertility, the primary method used for sperm cryopreservation is slow cooling. However, the specific technique is selected according to the characteristics of each sperm sample:
  • For good-quality sperm samples obtained from fresh semen and sperm retrieved from testicular tissue: slow cooling is the primary method used.
  • For samples containing very few sperm or an extremely low sperm count: depending on the individual case, the sample may be cryopreserved using either slow cooling or vitrification with specialized devices similar to those used for embryo cryopreservation.
• The selection of the most appropriate method depends on the characteristics of the sperm sample and is carried out according to the laboratory’s professional protocols.

7. Completing the storage procedures

• After the cryopreservation process is completed, the patient will sign a storage agreement with the hospital.
• Each stored sample is assigned a unique medical identification code. The sample management system typically combines barcode identification with information verification procedures to ensure accurate identification throughout the storage period and during thawing for future use.

2. What are the benefits of sperm cryopreservation?

• One of the key benefits of sperm cryopreservation is the preservation of gamete quality at the time of storage.
• Sperm quality is determined at the time the sample is stored and is not subsequently affected by aging or external factors that may arise after the sample has been cryopreserved.
• Therefore, sperm cryopreservation, as well as gamete preservation in general, plays an important role in preserving reproductive potential and gamete quality at the time of storage.
• This may be an option worth considering for men who wish to proactively preserve their reproductive potential or before circumstances that may potentially affect sperm quality in the future.