You may wish to consider sperm freezing if:

• You suffer from an illness or are undergoing medical treatment for a condition likely to damage the quality of your sperm and cause permanent infertility (e.g. chemotherapy or radiotherapy).
• You wish to suspend your fertility for personal reasons (e.g. a professional career).
• You are about to undergo surgery (e.g. a vasectomy) and wish to preserve the possibility of conceiving a child in the future.
• You are about to undergo an assisted reproduction treatment with your partner, your frozen sperm may be used if necessary (e.g. if you have difficulty producing a sperm sample on the day of the operation or are unable to be physically present on that day).

Sperm samples are collected by masturbation or surgical aspiration (testicular biopsy) and undergo a preparation process that includes the addition of a cryoprotectant to protect the spermatozoa from damage caused by freezing.

The samples are then frozen at very low temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius) and stored in cryogenic tanks until they are needed.

The average sperm survival rate after thawing is around 50-60%. This rate may vary according to the quality of the sperm processed. Therefore, the use of a fresh sperm sample for PMA treatment.

According to Article 15 of the LPMA law of December 18, 1998 (status as of July 1, 2023):

• Gametes may only be stored with the individual’s written consent, for a maximum period of five years. Upon request, storage can be extended for an additional five years.
• Longer storage may be granted to individuals preserving gametes to protect their fertility before undergoing medical treatment or procedures that could cause sterility or genetic damage.
• Consent for the storage and use of gametes can be revoked in writing at any time.
• If consent is revoked or the storage period expires, the gametes must be destroyed immediately.

Please note, sperm vitrification involves annual storage fees. The fixed amount of CHF 254.40 must be paid within 30 days of receiving the invoice