Sperm freezing and fertility preservation give men the opportunity to protect their ability to have biological children in the future, whether the reason is medical, practical, or simply to keep the option open.
Dr Rozen has a special interest in male fertility preservation, and works with men facing cancer treatment, other medical conditions that may affect sperm production, or those who want to bank sperm for personal reasons. She develops a preservation plan tailored to each patient’s situation, taking into account upcoming treatments, current health status, and future family goals.
Sperm freezing, or sperm cryopreservation, is a straightforward procedure that allows men to store sperm for future use. It is suitable for men who want to delay fatherhood for personal reasons, those about to undergo a vasectomy, or anyone who wants to bank sperm as a precaution. A semen sample is collected, processed in the laboratory, and frozen for future use in IUI, IVF, or ICSI.
For men facing cancer treatment or other medical procedures that may affect sperm production, freezing sperm before treatment begins is well worth considering. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and some surgical procedures can damage the testes, affect hormonal signalling, or reduce sperm production, sometimes permanently. Banking sperm before treatment begins protects the possibility of biological fatherhood in the future.
Learn more about fertility preservation before cancer treatment
Testicular tissue freezing is an experimental option for men who are unable to produce a sperm sample, including boys who have not yet reached puberty and cannot produce sperm due to their age. It involves removing and freezing testicular tissue before cancer treatment begins, with the aim of using it to restore fertility in the future. This technique is still considered emerging and is primarily considered where no other preservation option is available.
Dr Rozen understands that a cancer diagnosis can make everything feel overwhelming, and that fertility may feel like a secondary concern. She approaches these conversations with sensitivity and urgency, making sure patients can make informed decisions without unnecessary delay.
Gender affirming hormone therapy and surgery can affect future fertility, sometimes permanently, which is why fertility preservation is worth discussing before treatment begins. Sperm freezing before starting hormone therapy is generally the most effective option, since fertility may decline once treatment is underway. Where a semen sample cannot be produced, testicular tissue freezing may be considered as an alternative, including for adolescents who have not yet reached puberty.
