Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
09:35
Modified MicroSecure Vitrification: A Safe, Simple and Highly Effective Cryopreservation Procedure for Human Blastocysts
Published on: March 2, 2017
12.4K
[Semen cryopreservation in a sedated patient]
Vanity S J A Parden1,2, Gert van Dijk3, Cynthia F B Verhagen-van Weerden4
1Erasmus MC, Rotterdam. Afd. Urologie.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Semen cryopreservation preserves fertility before gonadotoxic treatments. A case study highlights ethical considerations for fertility preservation in sedated patients unable to consent.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Medical Ethics
- Oncology
Background:
- Semen cryopreservation is crucial for fertility preservation before treatments like chemotherapy.
- Standard procedures require informed consent, which is challenging in sedated patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of fertility preservation in a sedated patient.
- To explore the ethical and legal considerations of obtaining consent for semen cryopreservation in incapacitated patients.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a young patient with therapy-resistant status epilepticus.
- Multidisciplinary team discussion on legal and ethical aspects of fertility preservation.
- Semen collection and cryopreservation performed under specific ethical guidelines.
Main Results:
- Semen was successfully collected and cryopreserved.
- A legal and ethical framework was debated to balance patient autonomy and presumed wishes.
Conclusions:
- Fertility preservation via semen cryopreservation is possible even when direct patient consent cannot be obtained.
- Future use of cryopreserved sperm requires patient consent post-recovery, respecting bodily integrity and autonomy.
