**3.5 Sperm freezing for patients with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) or cryptozoospermia**

Cryptozoospermia or virtual azoospermia and severe OAT may be the consequence to states of distinct origin. Extremly low sperm count in the ejaculate can

#### *Rare Sperm Freezing DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98388*

occur for hormonal reasons, injuries, infections, varicocele, genetic abnormalities and improper descent of the testicle into the scrotum in newborn and infants. Lifestyle, occupational and environment factors have been proven to show adverse influence over male fertility. Obesity, alcohol consumption in regular and high potions, sedentary lifestyle are among the factors with high impact over semen parameters. As a prominent part of today's mode of life, stress should not be underestimated as it negatively affects male fertility. Occupational exposure to pesticides, chemicals, hormones, regular intake of enhancing drugs or therapeutic drug treatment may have an influence on the highly sensitive process of spermatogenesis. Environment radiation, tocsins, air and water pollution, phthalates, etc. are also linked to decrease in sperm count and motility as they may alter spermatogenesis [26–29].

In all groups under risk of infertility due to any of the preceding factors, freezing several sperm samples should be considered as a safety pool [30].
