Sperm Banking In High-Risk Occupations

What Is Sperm Banking?

Sperm banking refers to the process of freezing and storing away one’s sperm for future use. Prior to banking, the semen sample usually undergoes a basic analysis to assess the health and quality of the sperm.¹ With LifeCell’s SpermVault, your sample will undergo a detailed analysis (SpermScore Test) that tests 11 parameters in addition to 14 conditions that have the potential to affect reproductive health.

The procedure of sperm banking is usually considered by men who are about to undergo certain medical procedures that may cause infertility (cancer therapy), by those opting for ART, and also by those who want to preserve their swimmers for future use.² However, there is also a high possibility that an individual’s fertility might take a hit with time given the enormous amount of toxic substances one is exposed to! The increased exposure to high-risk substances could either be an outcome of the increasing environmental pollution, any medical treatment availed, or one’s occupational choices.² Therefore, to be on the safer side, it’s advisable for all men to bank their swimmers early on, before such factors hit their fertility potential.

Sperm Banking For Males In Defense And Other High-Risk Occupations

Men who are planning to enroll for or already working in the military, police, nuclear plants or as firefighters are always exposed to risky scenarios wherein their fertility, and in some cases - their lives - are at stake!

The high-risk nature of such jobs makes it a necessity for its employees to plan for their future well in advance. Therefore, the choice to avail sperm banking is nothing short of a blessing in disguise for men who work in these sectors.³

Constant exposure to toxic substances, increased risk of injury/bodily harm, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and in some instances, potential risk of death are some of the drastic scenarios that individuals in high-risk lines of occupation are subjected to.

Why Should Personnels Working In High-Risk Occupations Opt For Sperm Banking?

Male service members in the military are at increased risk of developing genitourinary (genital and urinary organs) as well as head injuries, some of which can go on to impact a male’s sexual function and drive.⁴ 

In some scenarios, medications used to treat certain major injuries also tend to have an impact on an individual’s sexual function.

Prior to deployment in the army and other high-risk occupations, both the personnel as well as their spouse may not be informed about the potential fertility hazards associated with the job and the option of sperm banking. During the occurrence of a genitourinary trauma, sperm banking is usually an option to consider when the sperm cells are still viable. However, in most cases, the injured aren’t always able to give their consent for retrieval of the sperm on time.

Benefits Of Sperm Banking

When you are in the army or in an occupation that puts your fertility at stake, then banking your sperm becomes an essential. Men can preserve their sperm via cryopreservation and this step in itself ought to give a sense of relief.

Army personnels and other frontline workers usually stay away from home for months to even years. The assurance of their banked sperm gives them and their spouses a feeling of security.

Who Else Should Consider Sperm Banking?

Here are some other scenarios where men may have to consider sperm banking.

1. Sperm Banking Prior To Surgery

Disease of the prostate or testicles may often require surgery that may eventually impact male fertility. Therefore, men diagnosed with such conditions are often recommended to opt for sperm banking prior to undergoing surgery.

2. Sperm Banking Prior To Hormone Replacement Therapy

In men, hormone replacement therapy may reduce the overall sperm count, while having a negative impact on fertility. Those willing to embrace parenthood in the future must thus bank their sperm before undergoing this treatment.⁵

3. Sperm Banking Prior To Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients are also advised to bank their sperm to preserve their fertility. This is because cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation have the potential to impact sperm health. Therefore, men diagnosed with cancer are advised to consider sperm banking prior to availing treatment².

There is a wide range of options to choose from for those planning to bank their sperm, one such being LifeCell’s SpermVault.

Introducing LifeCell’s SpermVault 

SpermVault is the country’s first long-term sperm cryopreservation service. It comprises pocket-friendly and convenient sperm banking plans for men who are willing to bank their swimmers.

To Conclude

The current state of awareness about the risks of infertility remains low among men, especially those working in high-risk occupations. This calls for educating all the young and single men entering risky occupations about the possibility of losing their fertility and the option to preserve the same via sperm banking.