Treatment Overview
CHA Sperm Cryobank Service in Korea represents one of the most advanced and trusted sperm freezing and storage systems in the field of fertility preservation. Developed by the CHA Medical Group — a pioneer in reproductive medicine and biotechnology — this service combines decades of clinical expertise with cutting-edge cryogenic science to ensure long-term fertility protection and biological security.
Sperm cryobanking is the process of freezing and storing sperm at ultra-low temperatures (−196°C) using liquid nitrogen. At CHA, this procedure is conducted in specialized cryogenic laboratories within their fertility centers, which operate under internationally recognized standards for precision, sterility, and traceability. The service supports patients who wish to preserve their fertility for future use in treatments such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination).
The CHA Sperm Cryobank Service is designed to support both medical and elective fertility preservation. It’s ideal for men facing medical treatments that may impair fertility, those with occupational risks, sperm donors, and couples preparing for assisted reproduction.
With advanced vitrification methods, digital tracking, dual cryogenic backup systems, and continuous monitoring, CHA ensures that every sperm sample remains viable, safe, and traceable for years — even decades — after freezing.
Purpose & Benefits
The main purpose of CHA’s sperm cryobank is to safeguard male fertility potential while offering flexibility, reliability, and long-term reproductive assurance.
Key benefits include:
- Fertility preservation before medical procedures: Men undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can store sperm beforehand to secure their future fertility.
- Backup for IVF or ICSI cycles: Couples can store additional sperm samples to avoid issues on the day of egg retrieval.
- Donor and research programs: The cryobank maintains a secure, medically screened donor repository and enables ethical use of donor sperm.
- Flexibility in family planning: Sperm samples can be preserved and used years later when patients decide to pursue parenthood.
- Secure long-term storage: Samples are maintained under biobank-level monitoring systems with temperature alarms and dual power and nitrogen redundancy.
- High post-thaw survival rate: Advanced freezing and thawing techniques maintain sperm viability and motility, leading to excellent fertilization success.
- Privacy and traceability: Each sample is digitally labeled and tracked through a closed, verified chain of custody to eliminate risk of misidentification.
The CHA Sperm Cryobank is trusted by both domestic and international patients due to its proven safety protocols, exceptional success rates, and integration with CHA’s world-class fertility clinics.
Ideal Candidates
CHA’s sperm cryobank services are suitable for:
- Men scheduled for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery that may impair sperm production.
- Patients with chronic medical conditions or genetic concerns.
- Individuals working in hazardous environments (e.g., military, chemical, or radiation exposure).
- Couples undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment who need sperm storage for multiple cycles.
- Sperm donors participating in regulated fertility programs.
- Men wishing to preserve fertility before age-related decline.
- Patients with low sperm count who want to bank multiple high-quality samples for future use.
CHA provides comprehensive consultation to determine the best preservation plan for each individual’s medical and personal circumstances.
Laboratory Process & Cryogenic Protocol
The CHA Sperm Cryobank operates within certified fertility laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art cryogenic and andrology facilities. Each sample undergoes a strict sequence of preparation, freezing, and storage steps to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality:
- Consultation and Medical Screening
The process begins with semen analysis and infectious disease screening to evaluate sperm quality and determine suitability for storage. - Sperm Collection
Sperm is collected in a controlled, sterile environment to maintain sample integrity. In cases where ejaculation is not possible, surgical methods such as TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) or MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) are performed. - Sperm Processing
The semen sample is processed using density gradient or swim-up techniques to separate motile, healthy sperm from seminal plasma and nonviable cells. - Cryoprotectant Addition
Special cryoprotectant media are introduced to protect sperm cells during freezing, preventing ice crystal formation and maintaining cellular structure. - Controlled Freezing and Vitrification
CHA’s lab specialists employ computer-controlled freezing systems that gradually reduce temperature before vitrification. This minimizes mechanical stress on sperm membranes and improves post-thaw motility. - Secure Cryostorage
The processed samples are placed in labeled cryovials, then transferred into high-capacity cryogenic tanks. Each tank is equipped with continuous temperature monitoring, backup nitrogen systems, and alarm controls. - Digital Record Management
All data, from collection to storage, are logged digitally under secure encryption. Patients receive identification details for their sample records and storage plans. - Post-Thaw Assessment
When sperm is retrieved for use, it undergoes careful thawing and analysis to confirm motility, viability, and DNA integrity before being used in fertilization procedures.
These comprehensive steps ensure high-quality preservation and consistent outcomes.
Expected Outcomes
CHA’s sperm cryobank achieves post-thaw sperm viability rates of 90–95% in optimal samples. Fertilization and pregnancy rates using frozen sperm are nearly identical to those achieved with fresh sperm when used in IVF or ICSI. Stored sperm remains viable for 15 to 20 years or more when maintained under proper cryogenic conditions.
Patients receive long-term support, including annual storage renewals, fertility counseling, and coordination with CHA’s IVF and andrology teams for future treatment.
Risks & Considerations
While sperm cryopreservation is safe and effective, some limitations include:
- Slight reduction in motility after thawing due to unavoidable cellular stress.
- Need for ongoing annual storage management and renewal.
- Possible quality variation in samples with low sperm count or poor morphology.
- Cost differences between standard and long-term premium storage packages.
CHA’s clinics mitigate these risks with expert handling, advanced cryoprotectant formulations, and redundant monitoring systems that prevent temperature fluctuations or contamination.
Leading Clinics in Korea for Sperm Freezing
The CHA Fertility Center is recognized as one of the best facilities in Korea for sperm cryopreservation, but several other leading reproductive medicine centers also provide exceptional sperm freezing and fertility preservation services.
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang, Gangnam) – A global leader in reproductive science, offering comprehensive sperm, egg, and embryo cryobanking.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic (Seoul) – Specialized in infertility and genetics, with strong expertise in male and female fertility preservation.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital (Seoul) – Offers a full range of fertility treatments, including sperm and embryo freezing, genetic testing, and IVF programs.
- Seoul National University Hospital (Reproductive Medicine Department) – A research-driven fertility clinic providing advanced cryopreservation techniques.
- Gachon University Gil Medical Center (Incheon) – Noted for its modern andrology laboratories and fertility preservation programs.
