The HFEA (Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority) recently decided to extend the permitted time for sperm cryopreservation to 55 years.

The time spent in liquid nitrogen does not affect the functional properties of the spermatozoa, since in the ‘suspended animation’ state all functional activity ceases. This practically allows the sperm to be cryopreserved for long periods of time, even for many decades.

According to the current legal framework, in our country the cryopreservation period is set at 5 years with the possibility of extension for 5 additional years, subject to the written consent of the person concerned.