The Guinness World Records recognized a baby boy who was conceived via in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using sperm from his father that was taken and preserved 22 years and 329 days ago. The sperm is considered to be the “oldest sperm used in successful IVF treatment.” The baby, Xavier Powell, was born in good health and is now 6 months old.
The proud father, Alex, commented, “Great work Guinness on acknowledging the longest record for IVF baby from stored sperm!” Well, technically it’s his sperm that holds the record, although 9news dubbed Xavier to be the “world’s oldest baby” – 23 years old before he was even born!
When dad Alex was only 15 years old, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. Before undergoing chemotherapy, which would leave him infertile, he was wisely advised by his stepmother to have his sperm frozen.
Now, two decades later, baby Xavier is living proof that freezing sperm is a good idea and a viable option for individuals who are at risk of becoming infertile but may want to have children in the future.
READ: In Vitro Fertilization: What you need to know
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