Fertility preservation for him

Testicular tissue and sperm (germ cells) can be frozen (cryopreserved) to preserve fertility. The tissue and germ cells can be used at a later date to achieve a pregnancy.

If chemotherapy or radiation is carried out during tumor treatment, this can significantly damage the germ cells or lead to irreversible infertility. In addition to preserving fertility in the face of these damaging influences, ejaculate can be frozen before the spermatic ducts are blocked (sterilization).

Cryopreservation of ejaculate and testicular tissue

Storage

Germ cells may only be preserved with the written consent of the person from whom they originate and for a maximum of five years. At the request of this person, the conservation period will be extended by a maximum of five years.

A longer conservation period can be agreed if medical treatment can lead to infertility or damage to the genetic material. Storage at the Clinic for Reproductive Endocrinology ends at the age of 65.

Assumption of costs

Since 2019, health insurance companies have covered the costs of fertility-preserving measures prior to treatments that damage germ cells and the storage of sperm and testicular tissue for a period of five years up to the age of 40. If permanent damage to the germ cells is confirmed after these five years, the health insurance company will cover the storage costs for a further five years.

Report template Continuation of cryopreservation Termination of cryostorage

For patients

You can either register yourself or be referred by your primary care physician or specialist.

Self-registration

For referrering physicians

University Hospital Zurich
Department of Reproductive Endocrinology
Head of IVF laboratory
Frauenklinikstrasse 10
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 53 79

Telephone hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00 – 12.00 h and 13.00 – 16.30 h

Patient registration form