Sperm Life

alobdellalobdell Posts: 8
in Ask California Cryobank
How long can sperm live in the vial after being thawed? Basically, how long after thawing, do yo have to inseminate?

Also, how long does it survie after being inseminated via ICI?

Comments

  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,538
    Hi al -

    In general, frozen sperm can survive after insemination from 12-24 hours. However, that can vary significantly depending on how "thawed" they are, since sperm continues to wake up and become more motile after insemination. Inseminating "too early" is far less of a concern as waiting too long and allowing the sperm to begin dying.

    The sperm can theoretically survive a couple of hours post-thaw outside the body, but there is no way to give an exact number since it would be contingent on what temperature you are considering to be "thawed".

    Basically, sperm like it to be about 98 degrees, which is why they survive so much better in the body than outside. However, you wouldn't want to heat the vial to anything close to that. Sperm do not like hot. That's why they tell men with low sperm counts to avoid hot tubs, lap top computers, jockey shorts, etc.

    Good luck,

    Scott
    CCB
  • LjShackelfordLjShackelford Posts: 2
    Hi Scott,
    How warm should the water bath be? We have been heating it to close to 98 degrees. That is too warm?
    Thanks, Lj
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,538
    Technically, 98 should be fine. However, I would recommend staying down below 90 just to play it safe. Even if they are not fully thawed, the sperm will continue to wake up after the insemination. Better to err on the cool side.

    Good luck,

    Scott
    CCB
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