P-025 Freezing of the semen sample by the patient at home is clinically effective

Abstract

Abstract Study question To evaluate the efficacy of the method of freezing the seminal sample at home by the patient himself. Summary answer The freezing of the seminal sample at home is an effective method that brings the clinic closer to the patient, eliminating travel and stress. What is known already Seminal sample freezing for reproductive purpose is indicated in different situations: preservation of fertility, before a vasectomy, in patients with dysfunctions and problems obtaining a sample, and for those patients who cannot be present at the time of the oocyte retrieval. In many of these cases, the patient is under pressure to obtain the sample, in a clinical environment and at an exact time. Many experience this as a stressful situation, which in some cases forces them to travel if they live far from the clinic. Study design, size, duration In 2017, the home freezing protocol was validated with volunteers who obtained a semen sample at the clinic. After verifying that the quality of the sample was the same as if it were frozen by an expert biologist, we began offering this technique to our patients in 2019. We compared the results of the DO cycles with a control group to determine the efficacy of the protocol. Participants/materials, setting, methods Until December 2021, a total of 18 patients have used the Freezing Kit at home, 14 were residents in other EU countries, and 4 residents in Spain, but far from the clinic. As a control group, we used 608 oocyte donation cycles with a frozen sample. Patients who decided to freeze their sample at home receive a kit consisting of a travel tank with nitrogen vapors, a box with all the necessary material, and instructions. Main results and the role of chance Regarding the results of the 18 patients who have used the kit to freeze samples for their oocyte donation cycles, they have a mean of 44±7.1 years, and the samples had a post-thaw concentration of 48±30.5 M /ml with a mean mobility of 21.18±14.6%. No statistically significant differences were found in the fertilization rate compared to the control group (76.4±15.1% vs 77.8±18.3%; p = 0.485), blastocyst rate (61%±10 .5% vs 56.1±16.4%; p = 0.387) nor clinical pregnancy rate (62.8% vs 47.6%; p = 0.251). The fact of having a live birth from a sample frozen by the patient himself has just demonstrated the safety and usefulness of this novel freezing protocol. Limitations, reasons for caution The number of patients who have undergone this process is limited due to the nature of the treatment. Wider implications of the findings These results demonstrate the clinical utility of this freezing method for certain patients, where travel to the clinic may be inconvenient. Demonstrating that it is an effective method of cryopreservation of the seminal sample that brings the clinic closer to the patient, eliminating trips and stress. Trial registration number not applicable