You’re In The Army Now!

Sppare.me’s vision is to raise awareness about fertility preservation and educate service members and their families about their choices for securing fatherhood. Our mission is to provide a comfortable and yet reliable platform to assure this vision.

Military and infertility
According to The Department of Defense Trauma Registry, “from 2001 to 2013, 1,378 male service members obtained genitourinary (GU) injuries (injuries to the kidneys, bladder, genitals or urethra), and 75 percent of these injuries occurred as a result of an explosion”. Furthermore, the Military Times reported that; between 2000 and 2013, “more than 307,000 troops experienced some type of head injury, which can impact sexual function and drive”. Among the service members injured, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are common ailments. TBI and PTSD affect one’s ability to feel safe and trusting of others, which has a large impact on sexual function and ability. Also, injuries to the spine, limbs and other major organs may be treated with drugs that have an impact on sexual function. Therefore, military members are affected physically, mentally and emotionally regarding sexual intimacy and fertility.

The importance of getting a head start
Before service members are deployed, they and their partners aren’t informed about the risks of genitourinary trauma (GU), the possible damage to fertility, or the option to utilize sperm storage. Sperm retrieval may be an option if GU occurs; yet it must be done as soon as possible when the sperm are still viable. Legally, troops must give their consent before sperm can be retrieved, and while injured they aren’t always able to do so. Military personnel and their partners have also reported that fertility wasn’t usually a doctors main concern, and by the time it was brought up it was often too late. Awareness is powerful, and this goes for single troops as well. Younger or single men entering the army don’t always have fatherhood on their minds, yet it’s still vital that they’re educated about preserving their future.

Benefits of sperm freezing
We never know what life has in store for us, and when you’re in the military, this sentiment is especially meaningful. Cryopreservation offers a sense of relief and peace of mind. There are plenty of worries a person is faced with when they’re going to the army, and with freezing sperm as an option; fertility can be one less concern. Bank with Sppare.me or use a sperm bank somewhere else, but do not compromise your ability to father children. This can benefit those who aren’t injured as well. Army deployments can range from weeks to months to years. Many of the men deployed are of childbearing age, and therefore away from home during the time they may have chosen to conceive. Freezing sperm takes away the pressure of having to conceive throughout bouts between army services, and offers another possibility for becoming pregnant.

Government funding
In 2016, the Department of Defense announced they would spend $150 million over the next five years to fund sperm and egg freezing for troops who want to preserve their fertility. According to Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter, this benefit will be accessible to anyone in the military who requests it, and service members foreseeing deployment. This response initiative is part of an effort by the DoD in making the military more “family friendly” and to encourage service members to stay in the army.

Banking your sperm today can insure you. Sperm banking is the most safe, secure and affordable method to avoid any future regrets. Choose Sppare.me to be your fertility insurance.

Resources
Bob Woodruff foundation: Intimacy after injury report, report
Military Times [dot] com: Military’s new fertility benefit, article
Aljazeera America [dot] com: Military to cover costs of egg and sperm freezing, article
Task and purpose [dot] com: The Injury Afflicting Veterans That No One Wants to Talk About, article
UCSF Medical Center: Genitourinary tract injuries, article

Disclaimer: Sppare.me provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words, views, and other content provided here, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader, or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately.