Techniques and complementary tests

Semen freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a procedure that allows semen samples to be preserved at very low temperatures (-196 °C) for future use in assisted reproduction techniques.

After assessing the quality of the semen, the sample (usually obtained by masturbation) is mixed with a cryoprotective medium that protects the integrity of the sperm during the freezing process. It is then divided into cryotubes or straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. These samples can remain preserved indefinitely, until the patient decides to conclude his reproductive journey.