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Fertility preservation (Sperm)

Freezing sperm is a very simple procedure for the patient. The sperm is collected by masturbation; it is then analyzed and processed for freezing by the laboratory. If the patient has an ejaculation disorder or a diagnosis of infertility, the sperm can be retrieved surgically. The first option is to retrieve the sperm directly from the epididymis (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, or PESA). The second is to collect it directly from the testicle (testicular sperm extraction, or TESE).

For more information on oncofertility, please visit these websites:
– CKN: Cancer Knowledge Network
– Oncofertility Consortium
– Fertile Future

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    clinique ovo montreal

    All services offered
    8000, boul. Décarie,
    Montreal Qc H4P 2S4

    ovo fertility
    office 100 & 200
    Monday to Friday 7:30am to 6:00pm
    Weekend on appointment
    fertilite@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo elle
    bureau 600
    Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    elle@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo cryo
    Monday to Wed. 8:00am to 5:00pm
    Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm
    Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
    Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm
    Appointments :
    Monday to Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm
    Thursday 9:00am to 4:00pm
    Saturday 9:00am to 2:30pm
    cryo@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo biosurance
    office 600
    Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    biosurance@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo labo
    office 600
    Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    labo@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo prenatal
    office 600
    Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    prenatal@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo r&d
    office 600
    Monday to Friday 7:15am to 5:00pm
    r-d@cliniqueovo.com

    clinique ovo rive-sud

    3141, boul. Taschereau,
    Greenfield Park Qc J4V 2H2

    ovo fertility – some services offered
    office 410
    Call to know our hours
    fertilite@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo prenatal – some services offered
    office 420
    Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    prenatal@cliniqueovo.com
    ovo labo – some services offered
    office 420
    Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    labo@cliniqueovo.com

    clinique ovo quebec

    ovo prenatal – some services offered
    2600 Boul. Laurier, suite 295,
    Quebec Qc G1V 4T3

     

    Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    prenatal@cliniqueovo.com

    clinique ovo rive-nord

    ovo prenatal – Prenatal screening
    1000 Montée des Pionniers,
    Terrebonne QC J6V 1S8

     

    Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm
    prenatal@cliniqueovo.com

    clinique Echo-medic

    Ovo prenatal – some services

    Laval
    1575, boul. de l’Avenir, suite 110,
    Laval Qc H7S 2N5
    t. 1.877.664.3246
    Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm
    Friday 7:30am to 3:00pm
    Boisbriand
    20865, chemin de la Côte Nord, suite 201
    Boisbriand Qc J7E 4H5
    t. 1.877.664.3246
    Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm
    Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm

    Soins de santé du nord

    Ovo prenatal – some services

    Mont-Laurier
    3912, ch. lac Nadeau,
    Mont-Laurier Qc J9L 3G4
    t. 819.440.2024
    On appointment
    Montreal and South-Shore: t. 514.798.2000
    Quebec: t. 418.425.0128
    f. 514.798.2001

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Anatomy of the male reproductive system
Anatomie_physiologie_appareil_reproducteur_masculin
Image © Dr. J. Herrero Garcia, provided by EMD Serono, Canada

 

 

Pathologies of the testicles and the sperm duct
Pathologie_testicules_canal_seminal
Image © Dr. J. Herrero Garcia, provided by EMD Serono, Canada

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MEDICAL REASON

Many diseases require the use of treatments that can be harmful to the reproductive system. Cancer patients are especially vulnerable, as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pelvic surgery can all, to varying degrees, lead to alterations in gametogenesis (the biological formation of eggs and sperm), ovarian and testicular function, or even sexuality.
 
The fertility preservation program at clinique ovo has grown significantly. We are very proud of the fact that increasing numbers of oncologists are referring their patients to us to preserve their eggs and sperm before undergoing chemotherapy, and thus their ability to have a child after they recover from their illness.

 

When to proceed with fertility preservation?
It is recommended to start fertility preservation procedures before beginning chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and/or undergoing surgery, in order to preserve sperm or eggs of the best possible quality.

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STEPS IN PRESERVING SPERM

How does sperm collection work?
A patient who wants to preserve his fertility must make an appointment with the ovo cryo team, who will explain the procedure and offer him the necessary support.
 

Preliminary consultation
During his appointment at the clinic, the patient will be given information about sperm preservation methods and the use of his sperm. He will be asked to sign a consent form outlining the terms of preservation. We will ask him to undergo blood tests (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis) prior to freezing his sperm.

 

Performing the sperm retrieval
The sperm is collected by masturbation in a room provided for this purpose and then sent to the laboratory. Time permitting, the patient should abstain from sexual activity for 2-3 days prior to the retrieval. It is also recommended that the patient deposit several sperm samples in order to build up a sufficient reserve, again, time permitting.
In the event sperm collection is impossible or in certain specific cases (spinal injury, paraplegia, ineffectual masturbation), sperm collection techniques, such as vibrating massage or electrostimulation, can be used.

 

 

img_cryo_preservation

Analyzing the sample
The sample is analyzed for various parameters: volume of the ejaculate, sperm count, and sperm morphology and motility. A serology test is also required before the sperm can be frozen.
 
If, after analysis, the sample quality is deemed unsatisfactory, a second sample may need to be collected in order to optimize the chances of successful freezing.
 

 
Freezing the sample
The sample is prepared and treated with cryoprotective agents before being packed into straws. It is then gradually frozen to a temperature of -196°C (temperature at which all biological activity ceases). Finally, the sample will be stored in liquid nitrogen in a secure location until use. Once frozen, the sperm can be stored indefinitely without a significant loss of fertility.
 
Annually, patients must reaffirm their desire to continue storing their sperm. At any time, patients can request, in writing, that we stop storing their sperm, at which point the specimens will be destroyed or, with the patient’s consent, used for research purposes.

 

Oovcytes (fertility preservation)

How to select a donor