Investig Clin Urol.  2018 May;59(3):177-181. 10.4111/icu.2018.59.3.177.

Utilization of cryopreserved sperm cells based on the indication for storage

• Machen GL
• Harris SE
• Bird ET
• Brown ML
• Ingalsbe D
• East MM
• Reyes M
• Kuehl TJ

• KMID: 2410590
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/icu.2018.59.3.177

Abstract

PURPOSE
Cryopreservation of sperm from human semen has been available since the 1950s. The actual utilization of available cryopreservation technology has been infrequently reported. We set out to examine the utilization and outcomes of cryopreserved sperm cells based on the indication for storage.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A dataset was developed from retrospective review. The purposes for cryopreservation, eventual utilization, and outcomes of use for insemination were recorded. The types of utilization were accumulated as proportions for different purposes. The timing for use of samples for insemination procedures was evaluated using survival statistics. The frequency of patients arranging to destroy samples was also reported.
RESULTS
From September 1988 through March 2015, 1442 samples were cryopreserved. Samples were cryopreserved for four primary purposes: infertility treatments focused on intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization/intracellular injection (IVF/ICSI), for fertility preservation related to cancer treatment, or prior to military deployment. Total utilization rates were 19.3%. Samples cryopreserved for IUI were more likely to be used (64.3%), while samples cryopreserved as backup for IVF/ICSI were more likely to be destroyed (29.8%). Pregnancy rates varied based on the indication and ART used. Pregnancies per cycle were 35% for IVF/ICSI and were 10% for IUI.
CONCLUSIONS
Cryopreservation of sperm is a valuable and underutilized resource, particularly amongst male cancer patients. This technology can facilitate infertility treatments based on a variety of indications, including deployment"”a patient cohort unique to our dataset.

Keyword

Cryopreservation; Fertility preservation; Infertility; Male; Sperm

MeSH Terms

Cohort Studies
Cryopreservation
Dataset
Fertility Preservation
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Infertility
Insemination
Male
Military Personnel
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Rate
Retrospective Studies
Semen
Spermatozoa*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Proportion of unused samples remaining in storage at our institution. IVF, in vitro fertilization; ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IUI, intrauterine insemination.

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