Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa

Abstract

Since the first attempts to freeze human
semen, (1) there have been many improvements in
cryopreservation. The ability to freeze human
spermatozoa has been possible for many years. (2) It is
widely used in assisted conception to preserve male
gametes and provide the opportunity for future fertility,
for example cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy
and some kinds of surgical treatment may lead to
testicular failure or ejaculatory dysfunction. Freezing
of spermatozoa before treatment provide patients with
fertility insurance. It is also useful for azoospermic
patients who have undergone testicular sperm
extraction or percutaneous epididymal sperm
aspiration, avoiding the need for repeat biopsies or
aspiration. (3) In this article, we will review about
benefits of sperm cryopreservation, methods for
evaluation of sperm cryopreservation, biochemical
optimization of sperm cryopreservation, physical
aspects of freeze-thawing procedure and future
aspects of sperm cryopreservation.