HMFP-7: A Seven-Step Clinical Decision Framework for Male Fertility Preservation and Sperm Cryopreservation

Sperm cryopreservation is the established option for preserving male fertility before gonadotoxic therapy and when spermatogenesis is at risk, but in practice it is often handled as a single laboratory event rather than as a decision process. Missed time windows, incomplete collection plans and weak traceability are avoidable failure points.

Objective. To provide a structured, auditable sequence of decisions from first referral to hand-over of
banked material to an assisted reproductive technology (ART) programme.

Framework. HMFP-7 comprises seven steps: Risk, Time, Source, Quality, Quantity, Laboratory and
Future Use. Each step specifies inputs, actions, escalation criteria and documentation. The protocol
adds scenario pathways (including azoospermia and urgent oncological referral), minimum counselling
content, audit indicators and a validation plan. Recommendations derived from international guidelines
are distinguished from the author's organisational proposals (Section 2).