Download Fertility Laboratory

Patient Information – Cryopreservation of Sperm after referral by a Medical Practitioner
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
On what fundamental basis can my sperm be stored?
 only with your written consent: nobody else can consent on your behalf
 at any time in the future you can change your mind and alter your consent
Whose sperm should be stored?
 chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some surgery can cause infertility. Infertility caused by these treatments may
be temporary or permanent. Freezing sperm can provide some insurance protection against this side-effect.
Sperm may be frozen to help manage fertility treatments – this incurs some costs.
Which samples are suitable?
 Modern techniques mean most, but not all, samples will be suitable for freezing.
radiotherapy can damage sperm, so it should be frozen before these treatments begin.
Chemotherapy and
How long can my sperm be stored for?
 10 years is the normal limit. In exceptional circumstances sperm can be stored until you are aged 55years
(with a maximum of 39 years)
How long will my sperm be stored for?
 The actual length of storage will depend upon regular contact with the Andrology labs.
Where will my sperm be stored?
 The Andrology laboratory at Hammersmith Hospital – 020 8383 4680
What are the prospects for using frozen sperm to have a child?
 This will depend on many factors, such as the quality and quantity of the sperm frozen, and the types of
appropriate treatment available. Your partner’s health may also have to be taken into account.
 As the number of samples frozen increases, the chances of a pregnancy increase – for example six
inseminations with good quality sperm can produce a cumulative pregnancy rate of 45%*, whereas a single IVF
attempt can produce a pregnancy ratio of 21%*
 Two to four samples with 1-3 days’ abstinence between samples will give reasonable fertility protection.
 No treatment can guarantee successful pregnancies
(*Scammel et al. Lancet 1985, HFEA Annual Report 1998)
Further information telephone the Andrology Laboratory 020 8383 4680 or Fax 020 8383 3691
What are the legal implications of freezing sperm?
 You will have to consider the following questions:
a) How long do I want my samples stored for?
b) What can my samples be used for?
c) What do I want to happen to my sperm if I die or become mentally incapacitated? (if used after your death your
sperm will be classified in legal terms as ‘donor sperm’, since under current British law you can become a
biological parent but not a legal father)
What will happen to my sperm if I do not use it?
 You must state, in writing, what you intend for your sperm if you do not use it
 You can alter your consent in writing if you change your mind
 If the samples are to be disposed of they will be thawed, allowed to perish and incinerated
What if I want to use my samples?
 To use them in an attempt to have children, your partner should be referred to a fertility clinic
 This can be arranged through your GP and you should both be seen in the clinic
What if I live too far away to come to Hammersmith Hospital for treatment?
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Your samples can be moved to another hospital if it has the appropriate facilities
You should get the clinic treating you to write to use (Andrology Labs) to make the appropriate arrangements
You will have to sign release documents and provide a suitable carrier to transport the samples – we are unable
to recommend any courier companies due to the special nature of the sample
Taking samples abroad is possible but it can be very difficult
There are number of issues to consider before you decide to store your sperm and some of
these may remain important after you have completed storage
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Your sperm is unlike any of your other cells or tissues. For this reason, any decision in relation top it is legally
regulated by an Act of Parliament, “The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990”. It ensures that you
have a right to counselling before and after you have frozen your sperm.
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Your sperm cannot be used at all without your written consent
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However, there are restrictions on the way that you can use and dispose of your sperm.
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Your consent to store is in some ways analagous to writing a will for your sperm.
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When you freeze sperm your potential to have children is in storage.
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Once frozen, sperm can be used to achieve a pregnancy even in the absence of the man who provided it. It is
therefore possible for a woman to conceive and have a child from your sperm even after your death.
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The decisions that you make may have consequences for other people, now and in the future.
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When considering the future use of your sperm it is important to take into account that your personal
circumstances are likely to change throughout your life.
Some important questions to consider include:
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What will happen to my sperm if I die? (Only you can decide)
Can anyone else decide what happens to my sperm? (Only with your written consent)
Can my wife use my sperm after my death (Yes – if you have given your written consent)
Can my girlfriend use my sperm (Yes – if you have given your written consent)
What happens if I don’t have a partner when my sperm is frozen but I want it stored in case I meet someone in
the future? (You can say what you want to happen in principle, but if you have not named a partner there may
be legal restrictions. However, if there is no purpose in keeping your sperm, it will eventually be allowed to
perish)
What happens if the fertility treatment does not work? (Counselling will be available)
You may feel that it would be helpful to talk these issues over with an independent counsellor and this is a service
that we make available free of charge. There is a team of independent counsellors at Hammersmith Hospital and
you can make an initial appointment by telephoning the 24 hour answerphone on 0208 383 8184 or by writing to:
The Infertility Counselling Service
IVF Unit
Hammersmith Hospital
Du Cane Road
London W12 0HS
Confidentiality
Whatever you discuss with your counsellor will be treated as confidential.
Further information may be obtained directly from The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, Paxton House,
30 Artillery Lane, London E1 71S. Telephone: 020 7377 5077