Preserving Fertility Before Getting a Vasectomy

For men who don’t want any or any additional children, getting a vasectomy is an easy, safe, and effective way to permanently prevent pregnancy. In general, men who choose to get a vasectomy have put a lot of deep thought into the decision and are certain that this is the right option for them and, if applicable, their partners. However, life can be unpredictable and sometimes lead to an unforeseen change of heart.

For example, you might be single and uninterested in fatherhood when you get your vasectomy, but then, later on, meet someone with whom you want to have a family. Or you may be married and don’t want any more children at the time of your vasectomy, but then get divorced and remarried to someone who wants to have a child. Whatever the case, circumstances sometimes change even the most certain of decisions. While most men are aware that they can have their vasectomy reversed should they ever change their mind, another option that you might want to consider before going through with the vasectomy is cryopreservation or sperm freezing.

Pre-Vasectomy Sperm Freezing

Freezing your sperm before undergoing a vasectomy is a quick and easy alternative to a potential vasectomy reversal. Unlike egg freezing, sperm freezing is very simple and noninvasive. Semen samples are produced by you via masturbation and collected into a vial. While semen collection often takes place at your sperm bank clinic of choice, some sperm banks, including Fertility Center of California, provide at-home freezing kits so that you can do the process from the comfort of your own home.

After providing a sample, the semen sample is analyzed to determine the quantity and quality of sperm, as well as screened for infectious diseases. The sample is then divided into multiple vials. While one sample will yield several vials, many men choose to provide multiple samples to ensure they have enough for the future. In most cases, sperm can be stored indefinitely and is easily retrieved if you decide to use it.

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Freezing your sperm before having a vasectomy is a solid backup plan that can help you feel confident and at ease with your decision. If there is even the slightest chance that you may change your mind and want to have children after your vasectomy, preserving your fertility can give you and your future family peace of mind. To learn more about sperm freezing and storage, contact the Fertility Center of California today.