Frozen sperm as good as fresh for IVF treatment

A recent study published in PLOS ONE finds that frozen sperm retrieved via testicular biopsy is as good as fresh sperm in leading to a successful pregnancy through IVF. The finding should make it easier to organize IVF procedures and increase options for infertile couples. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a technique that helps couples with fertility problems to have a baby. During the procedure, an egg is removed from the woman's ovaries, fertilized in a lab dish with sperm from the man, and the fertilized egg or embryo is then placed in the woman's womb to grow and develop. If the man has a low sperm count or no sperm in his semen at all - for example because of an inherited disorder or as a result of cancer - then viable sperm has to be retrieved directly from the testicle with a biopsy. This is then either used straight away as fresh sperm, or frozen for future use.

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The procedure is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and involves injecting a single sperm into the egg, instead of adding the sperm to the egg in a lab dish. If fresh sperm is used in the ICSI procedure, then events concerning both partners have to be synchronized precisely to maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy. But if frozen sperm can be used, then this simplifies the overall IVF process considerably, from a number of angles. For instance, from the timing angle, the man can give his sperm in advance, and from the location angle, the biopsy may not have to take place at the same clinic or surgery as the one the woman must attend. Kenan Omurtag, first study author and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, told the press: "The convenience and ease of being able to use frozen sperm taken by biopsy in ICSI offers many advantages over fresh sperm." When the procedure uses fresh sperm, the man has to undergo the testicle biopsy either the same day or the day before the egg is retrieved from the woman, and this may not be convenient for them. If frozen sperm is used, then the man can have the biopsy, and if sperm is found, it can be frozen for later use. Then, at a time convenient for the couple, the woman has her eggs harvested, and the rest of the ICSI, where the sperm is injected into the egg, can take place. The issue of convenience is important because it is not just a matter of the woman dropping into the clinic when she happens to feel like it. Before her eggs can be harvested, she has to have hormone injections every day for 7 to 10 days to stimulate her ovaries. And when the eggs are ready to be harvested, the doctor finds them with an ultrasound scanner, and removes them with a very thin, hollow needle. For their study, Omurtag and colleagues analyzed 15 years of data from the Washington University Infertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. Of 136 men who underwent ICSI, 84% of the procedures used frozen sperm and the rest used fresh sperm.

The researchers found that frozen sperm performed as well as fresh sperm in ICSI in terms of pregnancy success rate, despite there being a statistically significant difference in fertilization rate (frozen sperm 62%, fresh sperm 47%). They also found that the type of center or clinic where the sperm was taken and its distance to the IVF lab also made no difference to pregnancy success rates. The participants in this study underwent their testicular biopsies either in an operating room next to the IVF lab, an operating room in another building a mile from the IVF lab, or an ambulatory center 15 mile from the IVF lab. Co-author and professor of obstetrics and gynecology Randall Odem says: "This study demonstrates that using frozen sperm taken by biopsy works as well for most patients in what matters most - pregnancy rates." Researchers in Belgium recently showed it is also possible to develop a low-cost IVF procedure that could perform one treatment cycle for just over $250, making it accessible to many people around the world who cannot afford the conventional method, which in the US costs around $12,400 per cycle. Written by Catharine Paddock PhD ( http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is frozen sperm as effective as fresh sperm for IVF treatment?

According to recent research published in PLOS ONE, frozen sperm retrieved via testicular biopsy is just as effective as fresh sperm in achieving successful pregnancies through IVF. This is particularly good news for couples where the man has a low sperm count or no sperm in his semen, as it offers more flexibility in timing and logistics during fertility treatment.

Can I use frozen sperm for ICSI treatment on the NHS?

Yes, the NHS does offer ICSI treatment using frozen sperm where clinically appropriate. Eligibility for NHS-funded fertility treatment varies by Integrated Care Board (ICB), so it's worth checking with your local area regarding specific criteria and waiting times. The HFEA recommends discussing all available options with your fertility clinic to understand what's covered under NHS funding.

How long can sperm be frozen for IVF in the UK?

Under HFEA regulations, sperm can typically be stored frozen for up to 55 years, following changes to UK law in 2022. You'll need to renew your consent every 10 years to continue storage. This extended storage period gives couples much greater flexibility when planning their fertility journey.

What is testicular sperm retrieval and who needs it?

Testicular sperm retrieval, often performed via a small biopsy, is a procedure used when a man has no sperm in his ejaculate due to conditions such as obstructive azoospermia, genetic disorders, or following cancer treatment. The retrieved sperm can then be used fresh or frozen for ICSI treatment. With 1 in 7 UK couples experiencing fertility issues, this procedure offers hope for many men who would otherwise have no viable sperm available.

Does using frozen sperm affect IVF success rates?

The latest research shows that frozen sperm performs just as well as fresh sperm when used in ICSI procedures, with no significant difference in pregnancy success rates. This finding is reassuring for couples who may need to freeze sperm in advance due to medical treatment, scheduling constraints, or geographical considerations between partners and clinics.

How much does sperm freezing cost in the UK?

If you're not eligible for NHS funding, private sperm freezing in the UK typically costs between £300-£500 for the initial freezing process, with annual storage fees ranging from £150-£350 per year. Some fertility clinics offer package deals, so it's worth comparing costs across HFEA-licensed clinics in your area.

What are the benefits of freezing sperm before IVF treatment?

Freezing sperm in advance can significantly simplify IVF logistics, as it removes the need to synchronise both partners' procedures on the same day. It also means the sperm retrieval doesn't need to take place at the same clinic as the egg collection, offering greater flexibility. For men undergoing cancer treatment or facing other medical procedures that may affect fertility, sperm freezing provides essential fertility preservation options.