The process of collecting, freezing, and storing sperm is referred to as sperm banking. There are many reasons why people who are not donating their sperm go through this process. As sperm quality declines with age, many people opt for sperm banking as they approach older adulthood. In addition, people diagnosed with cancer often explore this option, as treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can impact sperm quality or cause infertility.

Another common reason why people freeze their sperm is during the process of in vitro fertilization or other fertility treatments. Some people freeze their sperm before undergoing certain medical treatments, such as vasectomy or testosterone replacement therapy. Overall, sperm freezing is a valuable tool in reproductive medicine, as it offers hope for those seeking to build a family in the future despite obstacles that may arise along their journey to parenthood.

The sperm-freezing stage of sperm banking is known as cryopreservation. The first stage of this process involves health checks for conditions like Zika, malaria, HIV, and hepatitis. In some cases, there may be further testing, such as a semen analysis and antibody test. These tests aren’t always necessary but can be performed to check the sperm count and determine fertility.

After this stage, the doctor will provide thorough instructions on how to obtain the semen sample. Typically, this process occurs in a private room in the clinic. It can also be performed at home; however, you must return to the clinic within an hour of obtaining the sample.

In the lab, the sample will be divided into multiple vials and frozen at -196 degrees Celsius for three hours. The next day, one of the vials is unfrozen to check if the sperm can withstand the freezing, storing, and thawing processes.

Now, the frozen sperm will be stored until it’s needed for fertilization. Sometimes, it’s recommended to freeze multiple samples of semen, leaving at least 48 hours between each collection. In this case, you may need to repeat the process, without the health check stage, several times.

There is no standard recommendation for what age to consider sperm banking. Experts agree that it’s recommended to freeze sperm before the age of 45. Exploring sperm banking between the ages of 18 and 35 is ideal, as sperm quality is at its peak during this time. So, if you are planning to have children past the age of 40, it’s best to start looking into sperm freezing earlier.

If you’re considering sperm freezing, you should schedule an appointment with a reputable reproductive specialist to understand what is recommended for your circumstances. The experts at Conceptions Fertility Center in Provo and North Logan are here to explain the process of sperm freezing and address any concerns or questions you have. We know that fertility decisions are deeply personal and involve complex considerations, so our team is committed to providing compassionate care and extensive support at every step.

The cost of sperm freezing depends on how many vials you have frozen and stored. There is a fee to process the samples for storage, as well as annual storage fees for the vials. In addition, there is also a fee to prepare the samples once they are needed for insemination or in vitro fertilization.

Overall, there are several costs associated with sperm banking that are important to understand. In some cases, this process is covered by health insurance, often when a medical condition is the reason for freezing your sperm. However, this isn’t always the case, so it’s best to check with your provider directly to be sure.

We believe that fertility treatment should be accessible to all who are seeking it, so we are committed to providing cost-effective care and transparent pricing. If you have any questions about treatment costs or the billing process, our friendly staff is here to help. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Provo UT, Orem UT, Mapleton UT, Vineyard UT, Highland UT, North Logan UT Hyde Park UT, Smithfield UT, Benson UT, Logan UT, and surrounding areas.