Sperm freezing is a modern, safe solution for any man who wishes to preserve his fertility. Whether due to planned medical treatment, high professional stress, or simply taking proactive measures before the age of 40, this process ensures reliable sperm samples ready for future use.
Sperm cryopreservation is the process in which sperm is collected, frozen, and stored under specialized conditions, allowing it to be used at a later time. It is intended for men who want to maintain their fertility for personal use, particularly in cases of upcoming medical treatments or prior to procedures that may affect sperm production.
At the same time, sperm cryopreservation also enables sperm donation for use by third parties, provided that the required screening protocols are followed. In donation cases, the sample is placed in quarantine for a period of three to six months, depending on the tests performed by each fertility clinic. This period is necessary to ensure the absence of infections or other factors that could affect the recipient’s health. It is a simple, painless procedure with long-term benefits.
Why Should a Man Consider Sperm Freezing?
Sperm cryopreservation is a preventive or necessary option in many situations, such as:
Before undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
that may permanently affect fertility
In case of testicular surgery
such as removal due to malignancy
When diagnosed with oligospermia
or declining sperm quality over time
When the man cannot be physically present on the day of egg retrieval
due to work or personal reasons
In cases of difficulty ejaculating at the clinic
where pressure may affect sample collection
Prior to vasectomy
to preserve the ability for future fatherhood
For men requiring surgical sperm retrieval
(e.g., after azoospermia)
When exposed to toxic environmental factors
that could affect fertility
To store donor sperm
for future IVF cycles
When a man wishes to delay fatherhood
and safeguard reproductive potential
How Long Can Sperm Stay Frozen?
The duration of sperm preservation is practically unlimited, provided strict storage conditions are maintained and storage contracts are renewed. Samples can be stored in liquid nitrogen for many years without quality deterioration, allowing men to use them at any future time.
Sperm is thawed only under four specific conditions:
When it's intended for use in assisted reproduction
When the individual formally requests to discontinue storage
In case of non-payment of annual storage fees
According to a valid directive in the person’s will
Choose the storage duration that suits you and preserve your sample for as long as you need.
IUI, or artificial insemination, is one of the simplest assisted reproduction methods. It is used when sperm parameters are normal or only slightly compromised. The frozen sample is thawed, processed to isolate motile sperm, and placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. This boosts the chance of natural fertilization and is a painless, quick, and cost-effective option.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is recommended when mild to moderate male infertility exists or when other fertility barriers are present. The frozen sperm is thawed and processed in the lab to optimize quality before being combined with eggs in controlled conditions. If fertilization occurs, the best embryos are selected and transferred into the uterus. This widely used method yields high success rates.
IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is mainly used in cases of severe male infertility, such as azoospermia or very low sperm motility. The thawed sample is carefully analyzed to select the best sperm cell, which is then injected directly into the egg via micromanipulation. This technique overcomes natural barriers and increases the chance of fertilization. ICSI has helped many couples achieve parenthood when other methods failed.
The Sperm Freezing Process
Step 1
Detailed Information and Consent
The process begins with a personal visit to the FertUlity clinic. During this consultation, all stages of sperm cryopreservation are explained in detail, including the potential benefits as well as any possible risks. Any questions are addressed on the spot, ensuring a full understanding of the procedure before proceeding.
Step 2
Sperm Evaluation and Lab Testing
During the first visit, the man states the reason for sperm cryopreservation and undergoes an initial evaluation of sperm quality. At the same time, blood tests are performed to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These include testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. This step is essential to ensure the safety and suitability of the sample prior to freezing.
Step 3
Result Delivery and Data Management
The results of sperm freezing are provided exclusively to the individual who submitted the sample, unless written consent has been given for disclosure to a partner. FertUlity places the highest priority on confidentiality and the proper management of personal data, ensuring full compliance with data protection standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sperm Freezing
What is sperm cryopreservation and when is it recommended?
Sperm cryopreservation is the freezing and storage of sperm for future use. It’s recommended before treatments like chemotherapy, in cases of low-quality sperm, or for men who wish to postpone fatherhood.
How long can frozen sperm be stored?
Sperm can remain frozen indefinitely, as long as storage contracts are renewed and required preservation conditions are met.
How much does sperm freezing cost at FertUlity?
Costs include an initial fee for sample collection and processing, plus an annual storage fee. Contact our team for a detailed price list.
Are medical tests required before sperm freezing?
Yes. Men undergo screening for sexually transmitted infections such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis before sample freezing.
What are the steps of the sperm freezing process?
The process includes a consultation, consent signing, sample collection, lab testing, and ultimately freezing and storing the sample.
What fertility treatments can be done with frozen sperm?
Main treatments include IUI, IVF, and ICSI — depending on the sperm quality and the couple’s specific fertility needs.
Can my partner receive the sperm freezing results?
Only with signed consent. Otherwise, results are given exclusively to the individual who provided the sample.
Our Doctors
In an era where fertility requires knowledge, care, and substantial guidance, FertUlity is not an impersonal clinic. It is two people who look you in the eye and accompany you step by step on the journey you dream of.
Dr. Chrysostomos (Makis) Papadopoulos Obstetrician – Gynecologist, MD, PhDc, MIC I
100% genuine, public Google reviews. Because every fertility journey begins with honesty and trust.
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Μαρια
26 days ago
The word "thank you" to Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is too small to describe the gratitude we feel for this man. I am pregnant after IVF, having succeeded on the first attempt, and we owe this exclusively to our doctor. First Contact & Communication: From the very first contact, he won us over with his kindness, enthusiasm and willingness to dedicate as much time as we needed. Willing to explain everything in every detail, he solved every question we had in depth — not even a professor to students would analyze them with such patience and contagiousness! Scientific Training: He is an excellent scientist, with deep knowledge of the subject, a perfectionist and focused professional who leaves absolutely nothing to chance. He designed the right treatment for us, solving every problem down to the last detail, making us feel that whatever problem arises, it is certain that it will be solved. HUMANITY & SUPPORT: The most important thing, however, is his humanity. Communication with him was Immediate and he always had as much time as you needed on the phone to solve every question. He showed a deep, real interest, embracing us not just as a doctor, but as if he were our brother. We highly recommend him to every couple starting this journey. He deserves blind trust! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the greatest miracle of our lives!
I don't often write reviews, but I feel that Mr. Makis truly deserves it. From the very first moment, he made me feel safe and confident. He listened carefully to what was on my mind, answered every question I had, and explained everything in a simple way, always based on scientific data. Many times, he even sent me relevant scientific studies so that I could better understand why he was suggesting a particular approach. But what stood out to me the most was that he didn't stop at the appointment. He followed up, was genuinely interested in my progress, and was available when I needed him. This is something you rarely encounter. Fortunately, he returned to Greece. He is one of the few doctors who, beyond their knowledge, remain above all human beings. He makes you feel like he sees you as a person and not as just another incident.
A big thank you to Dr. Makis Papadopoulos who supported us from day one, who checked every little detail, who explained to us every move-step, every test, every medication for the reason we were doing it and what we would achieve. With incredible experience, knowledge, a lot of patience (because we had two other failed attempts with another doctor) and trust, within 8 months he adapted the protocols for our case and we achieved the positive result and we hold in our arms a priceless diamond. Above all, a rare person, calm and always available to listen to our concerns and reassure us. I highly recommend him!
Thanks to Dr Makis Papadopoulos, I am now holding my two beautiful babies in my arms! He is a true expert. Professional with a human centric approach, friendly and empathetic, always available to answer our (many many) questions. I trust Dr Makis blindly and, honestly, I cannot recommend him enough!
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Ivy
100 days ago
My experience with Dr. Makis took me from a clinical stagnation to an incredible breakthrough, highly recommend Dr. Makis! Navigating the exhausting world of IVF, you know how devastating it is to watch your protocol dosages go up while your results go down. After three intense, high-dosage cycles with a previous clinic, I was left feeling incredibly discouraged. Despite escalating medications and growth hormones, my blastocyst yield was dwindling, culminating in a heartbreaking round with zero blastocysts. I knew I needed a doctor who didn't just follow a standard script, but who truly understood the nuances of egg quality and customized protocols. That is when I found Dr. Makis. Dr. Makis completely revolutionized my treatment plan. Instead of just pushing maximum dosages, he took a highly strategic, tailored approach. The result? Quality over pure protocol size. While my previous doctors kept increasing the medication dosages (which yielded fewer or zero blastocysts), Dr. Makis completely changed the strategy. He lowered the heavy stimulation, introduced smart egg-quality support (like melatonin), changed the protocol style entirely, and achieved a 700% increase in blastocysts compared to my best previous rounds. Beyond the incredible results, Dr. Makis brings a level of expertise, precision, and reassuring care that is rare to find. He looks at you as an individual, not a statistic, and knows exactly how to pivot when traditional routes fail. If you are looking for a specialist who can turn a difficult prognosis into an overwhelming success, look no further than Dr. Makis. I am incredibly grateful for his care.
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Olga
111 days ago
Dr. Makis Papadopoulos was excellent, professional, and very reassuring throughout the entire process. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, we were able to identify the issue early and take the appropriate steps from the beginning. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all our questions with patience, and made us feel comfortable and confident throughout our journey. We truly appreciated his caring approach, professionalism, and dedication. Highly recommended!
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Euaggelia
122 days ago
Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent scientist and above all a rare person! He is an approachable and smiling doctor, with excellent medical knowledge, who from the first moment I met him made me feel comfortable and trust him completely, answering every question I had with patience and documenting every answer with scientific studies and articles! The most important thing, however, is that Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is always there on the other end of the line to listen to you and reassure you without a trace of haste, a doctor who truly cares and makes you feel like he is your own person! Makis, thank you very much for everything!!! I am very lucky to have met you!
Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent scientist with a human-centered interest. Our collaboration was excellent from the very beginning and he made me feel confident and secure by explaining every step of the process in great detail. I highly recommend him!
Dr Makis Papadopoulos is very professional, caring and attentive. Very thorough in explaining the whole process throughout every step. Thank you! Highly recommended!!
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Christina
134 days ago
I would like to share my experience with Dr. Makis Papadopoulos, an outstanding gynecologist and scientist. We first connected in the summer of 2024, while he was based in Germany, through a mutual acquaintance, following a particularly challenging period for us. Prior to meeting him, we had gone through repeated unsuccessful attempts of stimulation and fertilization with other gynecologists. Unfortunately, those approaches relied largely on standardized protocols, without sufficient personalization to address the specific needs of my case. From the very beginning, Dr. Makis stood out for his human-centered approach and his willingness to dedicate time to truly understand our situation in depth. With strong, up-to-date scientific knowledge, he approaches every case holistically, focusing on individualized treatment and adapting protocols to the patient's unique needs. Throughout our collaboration, which now spans approximately two years (with a few breaks on our side), he has consistently been available, supportive, and clear in his guidance. He inspired confidence and helped us stay positive even during difficult phases of the journey. Beyond his scientific expertise, what truly sets him apart is his genuine care for the person behind each case: his empathy, honesty, and continuous effort to achieve the best possible outcome. My husband and I are deeply grateful for his support and guidance, and we now feel ready and optimistic to move forward to the next final stage. We highly recommend him to anyone seeking a gynecologist with true expertise, professionalism, and compassion. I would like to share my experience with Dr. Makis Papadopoulos, an excellent gynecologist and scientist. We met in the summer of 2024, when he was in Germany, through a mutual acquaintance, after a particularly demanding period for us. Before meeting him, we had gone through repeated failed attempts at stimulation and fertilization with other gynecologists. Unfortunately, the approaches that had been followed were mainly based on standardized protocols, without the necessary individualization to the specifics of my case. From the beginning, Dr. Makis stood out for his human approach and his willingness to spend time to understand our case in depth. With modern knowledge and scientific training, he approaches each issue multidimensionally, emphasizing the individualization of treatment and adapting the protocols to the real needs of the patient. During our collaboration, which now spans about two years (with short breaks on our part), he was always available, supportive and clear in his guidance. He inspired confidence in us and helped us remain optimistic even in difficult phases. In addition to his scientific competence, what sets him apart is his genuine interest in the person behind each case: his empathy, his honesty and his constant effort to achieve the best possible outcome. My husband and I thank him warmly for his support and guidance and we now feel ready and optimistic to move on to the next final stage. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a gynecologist with real knowledge, professionalism and humanity.
Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent gynecologist and above all an excellent person! I truly thank him for his support and care during the egg freezing process. Although my case was particularly demanding, he stood by me with patience, knowledge, great experience and real interest. Our communication was direct and human, while his availability at the many appointments made me feel safe at every step. The protocols were designed specifically for me, aiming for the best possible result, while also taking into account the cost of the medications. I recommend him with all my heart to every woman who wants to trust someone for something so important and sensitive for her.
I highly recommend Dr. Makis, he is an incredible specialist. My journey was far from easy, encountering several challenges that made the process feel overwhelming at times. What sets him apart is his willingness to go beyond standard procedures. He developed a specialized, custom protocol, tailored to my situation, which ultimately made all the difference. Beyond his technical expertise, his calm and clear communication kept me grounded throughout the process. I am so grateful for his persistence and high level of care!
Why choose FertUlity?
Because every fertility journey deserves the right support. At FertUlity, we provide science-based fertility care with a human approach. We support every path, from fertility assessment and preservation to modern assisted reproduction.
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Knowledge brings confidence. At FertUlity, we share evidence-based information so you can make the right decisions about your fertility.