Freezing Sperm: The Growing Option as People Delay Having Children

The decision to delay starting a family is leading an increasing number of Argentinian couples to explore fertility preservation, with both partners opting to freeze eggs and sperm.

Sofía, 32, and Beltrán, 34, recently visited a fertility center with plans to freeze Sofía's eggs as she prepared for a doctoral program in London. Their initial plan to have children the following year was postponed, prompting Sofía to suggest preserving her fertility. Beltrán readily agreed, also prioritizing his professional career and preferring to start a family closer to age 40.

During their consultation, the couple was surprised when the specialist also recommended Beltrán consider freezing sperm. The doctor explained that emerging research increasingly focuses on paternal age, noting that men over 40 face higher risks of miscarriage and potential psychiatric disorders in their children due to DNA aging. This information, previously unheard of by the couple, prompted them to reconsider their approach.

Ultimately, Sofía and Beltrán decided to proceed with freezing both eggs and sperm separately. They explained that while they intend to be parents together, they prefer to keep future options open. This trend is becoming more common in reproductive medicine centers, with specialists confirming it aligns with international recommendations, though it often surprises patients.

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I felt we were being very cautious, but their suggestion threw us off. She listened and asked if we had also considered freezing sperm. She spoke to me and said there are many studies now focusing on paternal age, not just maternal. That although it was believed men could have children until 90, it has been proven that when they are over 40, the chances of miscarriage increase and there is a higher risk of the baby having some psychiatric disorder, due to the aging of the father's DNA. I had never heard that. We were speechless, we said we had to think about it.