Sperm Banking Research Articles

Making a Family: Kinning and Conception in Lesbian Families

ABSTRACT In the Netherlands, lesbian couples have a relatively high level of agency in shaping conception, as they can choose between different donor constructions (sperm bank donor versus contact donor), high- and low-tech medical interventions, and clinical and non-clinical inseminations. This results in pluriform conceptive practices, which this paper examines through the lens of kinning, i.e. the active establishment of kinship ties. This paper aims to increase our understanding of how lesbian couples shape conception and how this is related to existing kinship discourses, particularly discourses on motherhood and the role of the donor. 48 semi-structured interviews with both partners in 24 lesbian couples expecting their first child were conducted and thematically analyzed. Analysis show that kinning intentions play an important role when lesbian couples make decisions for conception. Reaffirming the lesbian relationship and managing the relationship with the sperm donor were central concerns. I conclude that conception is a symbolically laden event in which different strategies could be employed to set the stage for desired future family relations. As such, conceptive practices provide a window into how expectant lesbian couples understand and mold existing kinship discourses to fit their families.

The association between greenspace exposure and sperm quality: A retrospective cohort study focusing on sperm kinematics and the influence of buffer settings.

The association between greenspace exposure and sperm quality: A retrospective cohort study focusing on sperm kinematics and the influence of buffer settings.

Body fat distribution and semen quality in 4304 Chinese sperm donors.

Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017-2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 106 (0.09 × 106-0.27 × 106) ml and 12.21 × 106 (4.52 × 106-19.91 × 106) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.

Clinical exome sequencing for carrier screening in assisted reproductive technology and sperm donation.

To assess the efficacy of clinical exome sequencing (CES) in individuals involved in assisted reproductive technology (ART) or sperm donor programs, with a specific focus on its impact on clinical decision-making. A total of 3991 individuals without a family history of genetic disorders underwent CES targeting 5595 genes at a reproductive center between December 2022 and April 2024. The cohort comprised 217 sperm donors, 232 female recipients, and 1771 couples (3542 patients) undergoing ART with their own gametes. At-risk couples (ARCs) were identified when both partners had a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant (P/LP) in the same autosomal recessive gene or X-linked variants in females. The analysis primarily examined carrier frequencies, reproductive choices, and outcomes of ARCs. Among the 3991 individuals screened, 3895 (97.6%) were found to carry at least one P/LP variant, with an average carrier burden of 3.8 variants per individual, showing no significant disparity in carrier status between individuals with infertility and sperm donors/recipients. Within the screened couples, 9.3% were identified as ARCs and 2.3% opted for preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M). As of now, 31 ARCs proceeded with the transfer of euploid and unaffected blastocysts, resulting in 8 healthy live births and 13 ongoing pregnancies. The findings reveal a significant prevalence of carrier status for autosomal recessive and X-linked diseases, irrespective of fertility status. This highlights the critical importance of integrating genetic risk counseling and informed reproductive decision-making into fertility clinics and sperm banks.

Comparative genetic analysis of blood and semen samples in sperm donors from Hunan, China

Objectives At present, most genetic tests or carrier screening are performed with blood samples, and the known carrier rate of disease-causing variants is also derived from blood. For semen donors, what is really passed on to offspring is the pathogenic variant in their sperm. This study aimed to determine whether pathogenic variants identified in the sperm of young semen donors are also present in their blood, and whether matching results for blood are consistent with results for sperm. Methods We included 40 paired sperm and blood samples from 40 qualified semen donors at the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank of China. All samples underwent exome sequencing (ES) analysis, and the pathogenicity was assessed according to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines. Scoring for sperm donation matching, which was based on gene scoring and variant scoring, was also used to assess the consistency of sperm and blood genetic test results. Results A total of 108 pathogenic (P)/likely pathogenic (LP) variants in 82 genes were identified. The highest carrier had 7 variants, and there was also one donor did not carry any P/LP variant. On average, each donor carried 2.7 P/LP variants. Among all the P/LP variants, missense mutation was the dominant type and most of them were located in exonic regions. Chromosome 1 harboured the largest number of variants and no pathogenic copy number variants (CNV) was identified in semen donors. The P/LP variant of all the 40 semen donors was consistent by comparing sperm and blood. Except for one case that was slightly different, the rest simulated matching results for blood were all consistent with results for sperm. Conclusions It is reasonable to choose either blood or sperm for genetic screening in semen donors.

Experiencing fertility preservation in adolescence - a qualitative interview study indicating gender disparities in AYAs diagnosed with cancer.

Fertility counselling on options for fertility preservation is increasingly implemented for children and adolescents at time of cancer diagnosis. Sperm cryopreservation has been standard of care for male patients during several decades and the procedure is not expected to delay the onset of cancer treatment. However, oocyte cryopreservation in female adolescents remains controversial, the reasons include the need of ovarian stimulation, gynecological exams and interventions, in all a potentially distressing experience for patients without previous experience of this type of examination or without previous sexual debut. With this study we wished to investigate how adolescent cancer patients experience fertility preservation procedures aiming at semen banking or oocyte cryopreservation. Adolescent patients diagnosed with cancer that underwent fertility preservation at the Reproductive Medicine Clinic of Karolinska University Hospital were invited to participate in the study. Inclusion required the ability to communicate in Swedish or English. Exclusion criteria were current age under 15 at time of the interview and ongoing cancer treatment. The study had a qualitative study design and phenomenological approach with semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews. Ten interviews with six female and four male study participants were conducted between June and August 2023. The analysis resulted in three identified main themes: Communication about the risk of infertility and the fertility preservation, Freezing gametes - the process and healthcare encounters, and The decision to preserve gametes for one's own sake. Gender specific gaps in communication about fertility risks and fertility preservation procedures were found, with young females expressing a wish for improved communication and reporting experiences of discomfort during the procedures needed for oocyte cryopreservation, whereas young men were generally satisfied with their experience. Limitations include a risk of responder bias since not all patients who were contacted agreed to interview. Although gender disparities were identified in this study, fertility preservation was perceived as a positive experience and mitigated fertility-related distress in both male and female adolescent patients. Our study adds to the scarce literature on adolescents of both sexes undergoing fertility preservation and underscores the importance of specialized communication in fertility counselling and treatment of AYAs diagnosed with cancer.

The emotions, concerns and reactions of sperm donor candidates to their rejection by a sperm bank

PurposeTo explore the emotions, concerns and reactions of sperm donor candidates to their rejection by the sperm bank.MethodsAn online questionnaire was administered at Cryos International in the USA and Denmark to sperm donor candidates who had received notification that they were ineligible to donate.ResultsA total of 101 rejected donor candidates completed the questionnaire. The majority were disappointed and surprised by the rejection but only a relatively small group had concerns about their health, fertility or manhood. More than half of them (54.5%) were satisfied with the way they were informed of their ineligibility while 17.8% were neutral, and 27.7% were dissatisfied. Approximately half (47.5%) thought that the information provided to them was sufficient while 24.8% were neutral and one in four (27.8%) considered it as insufficient. The most frequent suggestions for improvement were to provide an information leaflet specific to the reason of rejection, offer personal counselling and explain better what the implications are for them.ConclusionThere is room for improvement in the information provided to donor candidates about the reason for their rejection. Although some information is already currently provided, a minority of donor candidates considered this to be insufficient. However, rejected candidates do not request more information on their own initiative. Routine provision of an information sheet specific to each reason for rejection may improve the experience of these men.

Parenthood in a Swedish prospective cohort of 1,378 adolescents and young adults banking semen for fertility preservation at time of cancer diagnosis.

The possibility of future parenthood is a highly relevant issue for patients of reproductive age facing oncologic treatment. This study aimed to investigate how fatherhood was achieved in a patient cohort of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) banking semen at time of cancer diagnosis and to determine the effectiveness of cryopreservation aimed at fertility preservation in the cohort. Observational cohort study examining AYAs with a cancer diagnosis who underwent semen banking for fertility preservation at Karolinska University Hospital 1988-2020, as part of the Stockholm regional fertility preservation program. This cohort is being prospectively followed since time of referral to the program, with most individuals included when presenting with primary cancers (Study Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NTC04602962). Individuals achieving adulthood in the cohort were followed-up regarding their reproductive outcomes by linking to the Swedish Multi-generation Register, to identify fatherhood through natural conception or adoption, and to the Swedish National Quality Registry for Assisted Reproduction to identify parenthood through medical assistance, including the use of own sperm either cryopreserved or fresh, or donor sperm. Of the 1,378 patients referred during the study period, 1,357 were eligible for fatherhood analysis (aged >20 years at the end of follow-up, December 31, 2021). In total, 493 men became fathers following cancer treatment: 399 (81%) did so naturally, 87 (18%) via assisted reproductive techniques (including two using donor sperm), and 7 (1%) through adoption. Of the 92 patients who used their cryopreserved sperm for assisted reproductive techniques, 34 (37%) successfully fathered a child. The patients may have had children prior to cryopreservation. A large proportion of AYA cancer survivors achieved fatherhood through natural conception in this cohort, whereas less than 1 in 5 survivors needed medical assistance to conceive. Although a low utilization rate of cryopreserved sperm was found in this cohort, its use was highly effective in the group that developed infertility. At present there are no standardized predictors of testicular toxicity after cancer treatment, and inter-individual variability is high. Further research is needed to identify patients at risk of infertility who would benefit from fertility preservation.

All you need is [somebody’s] love “third-party reproduction” and the existential density of biological affinity

What is the true significance of biological kinship? During the last decades, it seemed to be uncontroversial that abandoned and even adopted people feel the negative impact of biological parents’ absence throughout life in several ways (Miller et al. 2000; Keyes, Margaret A., Anu Sharma, Irene J Elkins, and William G. Iacono, Matt McGue. 2008. The Mental Health of US Adolescents Adopted in Infancy. Archive Pediatric Adolescense Medicine 162(5): 419–425.). However, in the case of people conceived via “third-party reproduction”, especially in sperm donation, the disruption of the kinship network derived from natural bonds tends to be presented as something irrelevant. This article disputes that assumption, explores its relationship with a deconstructivist vision that presents kinship as a purely social construct and defends the personal and existential value of a person’s biological bonds with her parents. While analysing the anthropological shift inherent to the way some political discourses present the nuclear family and heterologous biotechnology, it proposes renewed philosophical attention on the significance of filiation and human affinity. This article argues for the density of genealogical ties and defends that the consecration of an individual “right to a child”, namely (but not exclusively) through the normalised access to sperm banks, is incompatible with the rights of the child, since it deprives people from knowing not only who but also how is their father.

Rising trends in the use of frozen dog sperm: a retrospective study in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Sperm cryopreservation is a valuable technique for storing valuable canine genetics. However, little is known concerning the fate of frozen sperm stored in a sperm bank. This study aimed to characterize dogs presented for sperm cryopreservation and describe the use and popularity of frozen sperm in the Netherlands and Belgium over recent years. Medical records from dogs presented for sperm cryopreservation between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2022 at two different freezing centers were reviewed retrospectively. Imported frozen sperm was excluded due to lack of usage information. Each sperm cryopreservation was considered a single event, and data were collected separately for each cryopreserved sample. A total of 3,090 ejaculates from 1,040 males of 157 different breeds were included and investigated using exploratory data analysis. The findings showed a steady rise in the popularity of sperm cryopreservation, with annual growth rates ranging from 8.4 to 41.9%. The majority of dogs (88.5%) were between 1 and 9 years old at the time of sperm cryopreservation, with nearly one-third aged 2-4 years. Most dogs were collected for sperm cryopreservation once (62.8%) or twice (21.6%). Sperm banks were used for both short- and long-term storage needs, and 6.83% of ejaculates were eventually discarded. The primary use of froze sperm was for international shipment, while 21.8% was used locally for artificial insemination. Depending on the year of cryopreservation, between 44.1 and 79.6% of frozen ejaculates remained unused or only partially used at the time of data collection. The results of this study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the use and popularity of frozen sperm among dog breeders in Belgium and the Netherlands and suggest a change in breeding practices in recent years. The percentage of breeders resorting to sperm cryopreservation and the extent of frozen sperm use in current breeding strategies remain to be defined in future studies.

Premières données françaises sur les demandes de don de spermatozoïdes faites par les couples de femmes

Premières données françaises sur les demandes de don de spermatozoïdes faites par les couples de femmes

Insuring masculinity: negotiating reproductive vulnerability and control through sperm storage

ABSTRACT Cryopreservation of sperm dates to the 1950s. Today, private sperm banks and fertility clinics cryopreserve sperm for private customers for all kinds of reasons. Little is known, however, of why individual men cryopreserve their sperm. The invisibility of the existing practices of sperm storage is mirrored in the ethnographic literature. Based on qualitative interviews with 30 men, this article analyzes how talking about sperm storage invokes imaginaries of masculinity shaped by reproductive vulnerability and control. Drawing on critical men and masculinity studies and feminist science and technology studies, we show that well-known imaginaries of masculinity and sexuality are reproduced, yet they are also reconfigured and displaced in surprising ways. When men talk about their sperm storage, they draw on imaginaries of masculinity that exceed future reproduction and control. To these men, sperm storage becomes a techno-scientific insurance that helps them manage their reproductive vulnerabilities.

The Case for Pre-Treatment Sperm Banking as Standard of Care for All Post-Pubertal Males with Cancer.

The Case for Pre-Treatment Sperm Banking as Standard of Care for All Post-Pubertal Males with Cancer.

Hormone-Driven Temperature Optimization for Elevated Reproduction in Goldfish (Carassius auratus) under Laboratory Conditions.

This study investigates the efficacy of hormone-induced artificial reproduction in goldfish (Carassius auratus) under controlled temperatures. Ovaprim injections significantly enhanced ovulation and sperm production compared to controls. Medium temperature (22 °C) produced the highest ovulation rates, fastest ovulation timing, and optimal sperm quality (motility and morphology) compared to high (28 °C) and low (16 °C) temperature groups. The low-temperature group exhibited reduced sperm motility duration and higher rates of sperm and larvae damage. The sperm volume of the high-temperature group was higher, but their post-injection survival rates were lower. Furthermore, the lowest spawning rate and low egg quality were noted in the high temperature. Cryopreservation using extender E4 (15% DMSO) exhibited superior post-thaw sperm motility and achieved higher fertilization rates. Fertilization rates, embryo development, and larval survival were all highest at the medium temperature. Larvae hatched from fresh sperm at medium temperature exhibited faster growth and fewer deformities. These findings suggest that hormone stimulation coupled with a medium temperature regimen is critical for successful artificial reproduction in goldfish. Cryopreservation with extender E4 holds promise for sperm banking; however, further optimization is necessary to improve fertilization success with thawed sperm. Future research could explore the influence of temperature on sperm physiology and refine cryopreservation protocols to enhance fertilization rates.

The experience of transfeminine adolescents and their parents regarding fertility preservation via testicular sperm extraction (TESE): a qualitative study.

How do transfeminine adolescents and their parents experience fertility preservation via testicular sperm extraction (TESE)? Participants experienced the TESE process positively when provided with appropriate guidance to navigate the decisional dilemma between preserving future biological parenthood and the pressure to start puberty suppression early. Sperm banking through ejaculation is not feasible for all transfeminine adolescents due to genital dysphoria and early puberty; for this group, TESE is the only alternative. However, during early puberty, they must postpone or pause puberty suppression until spermatogenesis is fully developed. All consecutive TESE patients in our centre and their parents were invited to participate. Between December 2022 and May 2023, we included 6 adolescents and 10 parents. We used a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews to study the experience of the transfeminine adolescents and their parents. Transfeminine adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria in early puberty (Tanner stage ≥2) who underwent TESE before the start of puberty suppression or gender-affirming hormones participated in this study. The interviews were recorded, manually transcribed and analysed using reflective thematic analysis focusing on understanding the participants' experiences of puberty and fertility preservation and the various factors and social processes influencing their decision to undergo TESE. Transfeminine adolescents decide to undergo invasive fertility preservation because of a possible, future desire for parenthood. Parents stressed the importance of preventing future decisional regret. They both saw masturbation to obtain a semen sample as unreachable. Even though TESE is a surgical procedure with possible complications and pain afterwards, this alternative seemed less dysphoric to them.Adolescents had to postpone the start of puberty suppression, waiting for spermatogenesis to complete. Given the unpredictable development of puberty, they felt a lot of stress and anxiety during this period and were primarily concerned about the lowering of their voice. Because of this puberty-related stress, they were constantly balancing their motivations for fertility preservation against the early start of puberty suppression to prevent unwanted irreversible pubertal body changes. To support this decisional dilemma, adolescents and their parents need adequate communication with each other and their healthcare providers to reflect on their stress for pubertal change. Furthermore, close, continuous surveillance of their current mental state by their parents, together with their psychologist and pubertal development by their physicians, is needed. Despite the challenging decision and postponement of puberty suppression, they retrospectively experienced it positively without any regret. All adolescents successfully underwent TESE, with viable spermatozoa obtained and without complications. This may result in a more positive reflective experience regarding fertility preservation. Furthermore, the perspectives of adolescents with the intention of TESE but who already started with puberty suppression before the preservation were not included. This study helps healthcare providers improve their counselling and guidance of transfeminine adolescents who consider postponing puberty suppression for fertility preservation via TESE. The adolescents and their parents know more clearly what to expect during fertility preservation. Specific peer-support programs may facilitate the decision process for upcoming adolescents. No external funding was used for this study. None of the authors have any conflicts of interest. Not applicable.

Examining Factors in the Decision to Sperm Bank by Adolescent and Young Adult Males Diagnosed With Cancer: A Review of the Literature.

Background: Despite American Society of Clinical Oncology and Children's Oncology Group recommendations, the rate of sperm-banking for newly diagnosed adolescent and young adult males with cancer remains between 18% and 35%. The purpose of this study was to examine recent literature regarding decision-making and fertility preservation prior to the initiation of therapy for adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Method: A search of multiple online databases was undertaken for peer-reviewed studies between the years of 2010 and 2022. The databases CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, Google Scholar, and forward citation search was employed using the same Boolean search phrases in each database. Some 402 articles were then screened for relevance by title, abstract, and full review based on inclusion/exclusion criteria for synthesis. Results: Ten articles met criteria to be included in this review. Three themes were identified as impacting the decision to cryopreserve sperm prior to the initiation of therapy. Provider recommendation, parent recommendation, and referral for fertility specialist consult emerged as statistically significant factors in the decision to attempt sperm banking. Discussion: While the most significant factor impacting the decision to preserve fertility, parents reported they were more likely to recommend this to their child if they received clear recommendations from the medical team. Pediatric oncology physicians and nurses are in a unique position to positively impact quality of life and psychosocial outcomes in survivors of pediatric cancer by providing up-to-date evidence-based information, risk assessment, recommendations, and/or referral to fertility preservation specialists to families and patients.

Quality and Biochemical Characteristics of Frozen Semen of Purebred and Crossbred Bulls

In the present study, frozen semen straw were collected from the bull semen bank and performed routine semen analysis. We also studied different biochemical parameters of seminal fluid, including ROS generation and DNA fragmentation. Average viability and motility of sperm showed within 77% and 27%, respectively, which is not satisfactory. Biochemical constituents like glucose, fructose, total protein, cholesterol, and others varied among the different breeds, and there was no superiority among the breeds. The results of different electrolyte concentrations were closely associated among the different breeds that protected the sperm from osmotic lysis. Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase activity were mostly better in exotic and crossbred breeds than in pure indigenous breeds. Antioxidant profile and oxidative stress (OS) were also studied. The results indicated that antioxidant enzyme (catalase, GPx) activity and reduced glutathione content were high in the crossbred variety. However, lipid peroxidation rate was high in the Gir breed. Flowcytometry study revealed that the ROS generation level was very high, and the rate of DNA fragmentation was around 50%, which indicated the loss of 50% of sperm due to ROS. In conclusion, it could be said that cryopreservation decreases sperm viability, motility, and increases ROS that is detrimental to sperm survival.

Fertility services for gay men: A website content analysis of US fertility clinics and sperm banks.

Fertility preservation and subsequent third-party reproduction represents a principal pathway by which gay and bisexual cisgender men may have biologically related children. Previous studies of a similar design have commented on the availability of fertility services for sexually and gender diverse communities, but none have investigated access to the aforementioned services for this specific population. To assess the availability of fertility preservation and third-party reproduction services for gay and bisexual cisgender men across US fertility clinics and sperm banks. A content analysis was performed on a sample of fertility clinic and sperm bank websites compiled from three online sources. Sample construction and analysis were completed in 2023. Each website was systematically examined by two separate coders with a third coder deciding any discrepancies. Website coding followed a pre-constructed standardized questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify statistically significant differences. A total of 675 clinic and sperm bank websites (136 academic and 539 private) were analyzed. Five hundred and two (74.4%) offered third-party reproduction and 326 (48.3%) offered fertility preservation for gay and bisexual cisgender men. Furthermore, 248 websites (36.7%) featured some form of disqualifying language either directly communicating or implying exclusion of gay and bisexual cisgender men from these services. Private facilities were more likely to offer third-party reproduction (odds ratio [OR]=1.88, p<0.01) but less likely to offer fertility preservation (OR=0.68, p<0.05) compared with academic affiliated facilities. Lastly, states in the highest Human Rights Campaign Equality Index tier were significantly more likely to offer third-party reproduction (OR=2.50, p<0.01) than the lowest tier. These findings demonstrate great variability in access to fertility preservation and third-party reproduction services. Geography and ambiguity in facility-specific policies represent persistent barriers to family building for gay and bisexual cisgender men.

(262) AN UPDATED PROFILE OF THE VASECTOMY REVERSAL PATIENT

(262) AN UPDATED PROFILE OF THE VASECTOMY REVERSAL PATIENT

(267) SPERM EXTRACTION IN MEN INTERESTED IN FERTILITY AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

(267) SPERM EXTRACTION IN MEN INTERESTED IN FERTILITY AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY