Unmarried And Planning To Become A Father Later? Know All About Sperm Freezing

In an era where individuals’ life choices are increasingly celebrated, many bachelors are contemplating parenthood on their own terms. Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, has emerged as a viable option for those who wish to delay fatherhood while preserving their fertility.

Moreover, financial pressures and the globally impending recession have put pressures on the youth today to prioritize their professional life and secure their futures. Late marriage and Delayed parenthood are popular among the youth and hence, awareness and education towards fertility preservations, rather sooner than later, has become the need of the hour.

Men do not typically choose sperm freezing solely due to advancing age, as they continue to produce a sufficient quantity of sperm concerning count and motility. However, there are various other reasons for considering this procedure. In the context of couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (UVF) treatment, preserving a frozen sperm sample serves as a precautionary measure before commencing the treatment. Additionally, men suffering from cancer and preparing for chemo may undergo sperm freezing to prevent potential damage to their sperm cells. Sperm Freezing is a choice for many many defense personnel in order to assist their family expansion decisions. These individuals spend a significant amount of time away, and when they return home, they are often preoccupied with reconnecting with family and friends or shopping. Consequently, they might miss their wives’ ovulation window. Recognizing this issue, many are turning to technology for assistance in conceiving a child.

Sperm Freezing and Fertility Planning

Although women in their 20s and 30s are frequently reminded of the ticking of their biological clock, discussions regarding men’s fertility are less prevalent. This is attributed to the more gradual nature of the decline in the male biological clock compared to the abrupt changes in females. However, it is crucial to recognize that sperm quality tends to deteriorate after the ages of 40 to 45. The DNA housed in the sperm head begins to decline after the age of 45, leading to DNA fragmentation. This degradation can be measured using a test known as the DNA fragmentation index.

Below are some of the key factors to ensure a comprehensive understanding of male reproductive organs:

1. “Sperm” and “semen”, although used interchangeably, are two distinct components of male reproductive biology. Semen is the fluid expelled from the penis during ejaculation, while sperm are the microscopic, tadpole-like germ cells contained within semen. The primary purpose of sperm is to fertilize an egg, carrying half the normal human chromosome count.
2. Typically, an average ejaculation releases approximately 1.5 to 5 milliliters of semen, each containing roughly 15 million sperm. There is a substantial quantity of sperm because even though it only takes one to fertilize an egg,  the journey to a woman’s egg is not an easy route.
3. An average sperm count falls within the range of 40 million to 300 million sperm per milliliter. A high sperm count is considered to be more than 300 million sperm per ml, while a count of 20 million to 40 million sperm per ml indicates a lower-than-average sperm count.
4. Sperm health can be significant by environment disruptors and certain lifestyle choices. Substance Abuse (Smoking & Alcohol Intake), irregular sleeping patterns, unhealthy dietary choices, sedentary lifestyle, underlying health conditions, increased age, etc cause detrimental effects to one’s sperm.

WAYS TO BOOST SPERM HEALTH

Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in improving reproductive potential. Following area few ways to enhance fertility:

1. Healthy Sleep Routine: Ensure you don’t sacrifice your sleep. In today’s hustle culture, making your sleep schedule a priority is the initial measure in combating infertility. Achieving 7-8 hours of quality sleep is essential for optimal sperm production.
2. Avoid Smoking and Drinking: Refrain from smoking and excessive drinking. While occasional indulgence may not significantly impact sperm health, excessive smoking and drinking can lead to a decline in sperm quality and count.
3. Daily Exercise: Exercise plays a role in reducing inflammation, enhancing antioxidant presence, improving organ blood supply, and boosting testosterone production, all contributing to better sperm health. However, it is important to not overexert oneself in the name of muscle building and adopt healthy, modern exercises.
4. Fertility-rich foods: Certain foods, such as almonds, walnuts, garlic, tomatoes, and pomegranates, citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit,  are known to have positive effects on sperm health, thus increasing fertility potential in men.
5. Loose, Breathable Pants: Opting for loose, breathable cotton boxers instead of tight, synthetic undergarments is crucial to maintain fertility. The testes function optimally at a slightly lower temperature than the body temperature.
6. Reduce Caffeine and Soy Intake: High levels of caffeine and soy exposure can negatively impact reproductive health. Therefore, being mindful of caffeine and soy consumption can be beneficial for reproductive health.