How long is the storage period of IVF semen?
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams by fertilizing male sperm and female eggs in vitro, and then transplanting the fertilized eggs into the female uterus. In this process, semen preservation is very important. So, how long can test tube baby semen be stored?
Methods of semen preservation
Semen is usually stored by freezing technology, that is, semen samples are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks for freezing. This method can effectively prolong the preservation time of semen and maintain the viability of sperm. There are two common semen freezing techniques: cryopreservation and quick freezing.
Cryopreservation is to freeze semen samples in buffer solution to minus 196 ℃, and then store them in liquid nitrogen tanks. The frozen semen can be stored for many years. Quick freezing preservation is to rapidly freeze semen samples to minus 80 ℃ in a quick freezer, which is applicable to those patients who need emergency freezing preservation.
Whether frozen or quick frozen, semen samples need to be treated before preservation, such as adding cryoprotectant, to protect the viability of sperm.
Term of semen preservation
According to the relevant international regulations, the test tube baby semen can be stored for up to 10 years. This means that semen samples can be stored in liquid nitrogen tanks for 10 years for emergencies. However, it should be noted that the preservation period of semen is not necessarily proportional to the success rate of pregnancy. After long-term preservation, the vitality and quality of sperm will gradually decline, thus affecting the success rate of pregnancy.
Therefore, it is suggested that when couples decide to use the preserved semen for IVF treatment, it is best to conduct semen quality testing to ensure that the viability and quality of sperm meet the standards of pregnancy.
Precautions for semen preservation
In addition to the storage time limit, semen storage also needs to follow some precautions:
First, the sampling environment should be kept as clean and sterile as possible to prevent bacterial infection. Secondly, semen samples should be sent to the hospital for cryopreservation within the specified time to avoid the delay of temperature and time. Thirdly, regular medical institutions should be selected for semen preservation to ensure the quality and safety of the preservation process.
summary
The storage period of IVF semen is generally 10 years, which can be preserved by freezing, quick freezing and other methods. However, in order to ensure the success rate of pregnancy, it is recommended to conduct semen quality testing before using the preserved semen for IVF treatment. In addition, the cleaning of the sampling environment and delivery to the hospital within the specified time are also matters needing attention during semen preservation.
In any case, the development of IVF technology provides new hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally. With the progress of science and technology and the update of medical equipment, IVF technology will continue to improve and perfect, bringing joy to more couples who are eager to have children.
