Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation has been utilized routinely for over 40 years to preserve fertility in men undergoing cancer therapy and allow conception for infertile couples. This article provides a concise and up-to-date review of the literature and covers the latest advances in sperm cryopreservation and its array of clinical indications. Over recent years, the scope of clinical indications used for sperm cryopreservation has expanded widely. Consequently, more patient groups are eligible for sperm freezing, requiring specialist resources and higher running costs. Although sperm cryopreservation prior to cancer therapy is readily available in many countries, referral rates by oncology specialists and levels of patient engagement with cryopreservation services are both reported as low. Furthermore, sperm banking continues to raise ethical issues such whether sperm donation should be anonymous and whether sperm can be utilized posthumously by the surviving partner without consent from the patient. This review focuses on the technological advances and ethical controversies in sperm cryopreservation, and how better understanding of these issues could lead to improved access to fertility preserving treatment for patients.
Highlights
Sperm cryopreservation (“sperm freezing”) has been used widely since the 1970s to treat couples with infertility
A survey in the UK revealed that only 38% of oncology physicians provided patients with cancer with written information about fertility; contributory factors included having insufficient time to discuss sperm freezing, a lack of knowledge and poor perceived success of fertility preservation [59]
Evidence suggests that access to fertility preservation services could be improved; closer collaboration between clinicians and sperm bank providers is required to ensure patients with cancer can benefit from referral in a timely fashion
Summary
Sperm cryopreservation (“sperm freezing”) has been used widely since the 1970s to treat couples with infertility. Sperm freezing is principally used to store sperm in patients undergoing cancer therapy and play a vital role in treating couples with infertility. Several other clinical applications for sperm freezing have emerged in recent years. Sperm banking remains an emotive subject raising ethical debates in society. This article aims to provide a concise and contemporary review summarizing the major clinical applications, challenges and future avenues for sperm freezing
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