{"id":89,"date":"2020-09-09T08:55:51","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T08:55:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhkuivf.hku.hk\/?page_id=89"},"modified":"2026-01-06T18:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T10:02:32","slug":"male","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hkuivf.hku.hk\/en\/services\/fertility-preservation\/male\/","title":{"rendered":"Male"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sperm Freezing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why do I have to store sperm?<\/p>\n

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Cancer treatment can reduce and damage sperm in the testes. Freezing sperm is an option for men including adolescent boys.<\/p>\n

Having children may not be your priority right now, but it can become important for some of you later. Following cancer treatment, some may not be able to produce sperm. As a result, their ability to have children may be affected.<\/p>\n

Many can have their own children with the help of fertility treatment in the future if they freeze their sperm before receiving cancer treatment.<\/td>\n

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When should I freeze the semen sample?<\/p>\n

The semen sample should be preferably frozen before the start of the cancer treatment. However, your cancer treatment should not be delayed because of this.<\/div>\n

What will happen at the clinic?<\/p>\n

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The whole procedure can be finished within an afternoon session.<\/p>\n

You will meet our fertility specialist and be asked about your medical history.
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\nIf you decide to freeze sperm, you (and your parents if you are younger than 18 years old) will sign the consent.
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\nYou will be given a specimen cup, which is to be taken with you into a private room to produce a sample by masturbation.\u00a0 If you cannot achieve this, don\u2019t worry as it is easy to make another appointment for this. Sometimes, you may be asked to produce two samples a few days apart to increase the number of sperm that can be stored.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What if I cannot produce a semen sample?<\/p>\n

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If you are worried about this, you can always talk to a member of the team caring for you. We can further discuss alternative ways of collecting your sample.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What will happen to my sperm?<\/p>\n

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Your sperm will be checked under the microscope for their number, motility and appearance.<\/p>\n

They will then be stored in vials in a liquid nitrogen tank (an extra cold freezer). It will be kept in the freezer until you wish to use them to make babies or until when you do not wish to continue freezing them.<\/td>\n

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How can I use the frozen sperm to make babies in the future?<\/p>\n

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You may be asked to perform a sperm test after your cancer treatment, as some men may still have sperm after cancer treatment and may never need to use the frozen sperm. Your wife and you can be referred to our fertility clinic when you have plans for babies. This is what will happen:<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/td>\nBe legally married before you undergo fertility treatment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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\"\"<\/td>\nWe will collect eggs from your wife. We will then combine her eggs and your sperm together.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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\"\"<\/td>\nEmbryos will be formed in the laboratory and replaced to your wife\u2019s womb<\/span><\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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\"\"<\/td>\nYour wife will become pregnant if it is successful.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Embryo transfer<\/h2>\n

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How long can I store my frozen sperm in the laboratory?<\/p>\n

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In case of fertility preservation for cancer patients, you can freeze the sperm until you are 50 years old or for 10 years, whichever is later. You can specify an age limit lower than that.<\/p>\n

You need to renew the storage in writing every two years. The notice of extension must reach the Centre at least 1 month before the expiry date. Your frozen sperm will be discarded if you fail to renew the contract.<\/p>\n

After the initial 5 years of storage of sperm and every 2 years thereafter, you are required to receive proper counselling and sign a fresh consent. Our Centre should be informed in writing if you have changed your address or telephone number.<\/td>\n

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Can I terminate the storage contract?<\/p>\n

Yes, you can inform the centre anytime if you do not want to continue with the storage of frozen sperm.<\/div>\n

How much does this service cost?<\/p>\n

Semen freezing for cancer patients and the first 2 years of storage: HKD$ 4,800
\nFurther storage for every 2 years: HKD$ 6,600
\n(subject to changes)<\/div>\n

How do I arrange the sperm freezing service?<\/p>\n

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You can download a referral form<\/a> from our website or obtain a referral letter to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital from your cancer doctor. Please fax the referral letter to 22554842.<\/p>\n

We will arrange an appointment within one week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Male Fertility Preservation Counseling Video<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n