Sperm freezing, or sperm banking, is a great option for men who want to preserve their fertility. This service is particularly helpful for those who are undergoing medical treatments that could interfere with fertility, such as chemotherapy and radiation.
In some cases, sperm freezing is covered by insurance or offered as a workplace benefit. This makes the process much more affordable.
Cost of Collection
Sperm freezing allows men who want to start a family later in life, or for whom the biological clock is ticking, to preserve fertility options. The process involves a specialized semen analysis and vitrification (freezing) of sperm for future use. The cost of collection varies from one provider to the next, and depends on how many sperm samples will be frozen.
A sperm sample is assessed for its health by looking at its shape (morphology), mobility and number. These details help doctors decide whether the sample is suitable for IUI (intrauterine insemination). In general, a higher motility count is ideal when trying to conceive using frozen sperm.
The sperm sample is deposited in a cryopreservation tank with liquid nitrogen, which can reach temperatures of negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit. The sperm is preserved in this state until it’s needed for IUI or in vitro fertilization.
A growing number of sperm-freezing services are available to people who don’t have access to fertility clinics. These kits offer the convenience of a home sample collection, and include a sperm analysis. However, McConnell says that the quality of these at-home sperm-freezing kits isn’t as good as that provided by clinics. She suggests asking fertility specialists for advice before deciding to buy one. They can also provide advice about the best type of sperm to freeze, depending on the individual’s fertility plans and medical circumstances.
Cost of Freezing
The actual freezing process for sperm is less invasive than egg-freezing and, therefore, typically costs less. However, the sperm will need to be analyzed and that is generally not included in the collection cost. The analysis can be done in the doctor’s office or at a home-based lab, like Sppare, which has a kit that costs around $300 for the sample.
In addition to the cost of the sperm testing, there are also storage fees that can add up over time. The yearly fee can be $100 or more depending on the facility and the number of samples.
Men aren’t under the same biological clock pressure as women, but aging does impact fertility. Freezing sperm can help prolong the chances of conception.
To freeze sperm, you’ll need to give blood and undergo a routine checkup and a sperm count. Then you’ll have to abstain from sex for 3-4 days. A sperm sample can be collected from your testicles or your vagina.
When it comes to eggs, it’s a different story. The egg-freezing procedure itself may run $5,000-$10,000 per cycle, depending on your clinic and your anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level. Then there are the medication costs and the additional in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments to use the frozen eggs, which can push the total cost up to $8,000-$12,000 or more.
Cost of Storage
There are a few costs associated with keeping your frozen sperm in storage. For starters, you need to have a qualified health professional take an initial sample of your semen before it can be frozen. Then you’ll need to provide a current blood test, which is used to screen for STIs and HIV.
Most fertility clinics will have you sign a consent form before they collect your sample. It’s also important to keep in mind that your sperm won’t be used for fertility treatment unless you consent to it. If you fail to renew your consent or are unable to be contacted, your sperm will be removed from storage and disposed of.
Your frozen sperm can be thawed and introduced into the female body through intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Frozen sperm isn’t guaranteed to result in pregnancy, but it has been proven as an effective way for men to preserve their fertility and still have a biological child.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option than traditional fertility clinics, there are several at-home sperm testing and freezing services. For instance, Legacy offers a kit that includes a full sperm analysis, personalized recommendations, and telehealth services with a fertility specialist. The yearly cost of sperm freezing and storage with Legacy is less than $500, which is significantly lower than the fees charged by most fertility clinics.
Cost of Preparation
Men who want to father children later in life often choose to freeze their sperm. This can help prevent a decline in sperm quality as a man ages, which can increase fertility problems. Frozen sperm samples can also be used in cases where a patient is facing treatment for cancer or other health conditions that can impact fertility.
Before sperm can be frozen, it must be properly prepared for cryopreservation. This process involves removing any contaminants from the semen and washing the sample to ensure that only healthy, viable sperm is included in the final sample. This sample is then placed into specialized vials that are cooled with liquid nitrogen to very low temperatures.
Once the sperm is frozen, it must be stored at very low temperatures to keep it preserved for the long term. The temperature of the sperm sample is monitored regularly to ensure that it doesn’t damage or degrade over time.
The cost of the sperm preparation can vary depending on the clinic and individual procedure. It is important to discuss the specific costs with your fertility specialist before beginning this process. Some fertility clinics may offer payment plans that can lower the cost of sperm preparation. In addition, sperm freezing is usually covered by medical insurance in some cases. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of sperm freezing.
See Also:
