Sperm Freezing
Together, they will guide you through the process by recommending the best fertility preservation options for you.
Sperm Freezing - Male Fertility Preservation
Sperm freezing (also called sperm banking or fertility preservation) is a safe and effective way for men to store sperm for use in future fertility treatment. At Monash IVF, we support men who wish to freeze sperm for medical or other reasons, or when male fertility preservation is recommended due to a very low sperm count. You may have found this out via a Monash IVF fertility health check.
Our experienced fertility specialists provide personalised guidance so you can make informed decisions about fertility preservation and sperm storage may support your future family-building plans. We offer sperm freezing and long-term storage for men across Australia, with dedicated Andrology services in Victoria.
For more information or to make an appointment for sperm freezing, please contact your local Monash IVF clinic. If you are based in Victoria, please call our Andrology team on 1800 731 672 to book an appointment.
Please note: if you are a regional patient, please contact your local Monash IVF clinic for recommendations of preferred laboratories in your region.
What is the process for freezing sperm?
Sperm freezing, also called sperm cryopreservation, is the process by which sperm gets stored. It is then thawed for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Monash IVF freezes the sperm in a special liquid nitrogen medium, keeping them at minus 196 degrees Celsius.
Reasons to Consider Sperm Freezing
Sperm freezing is an important option for men who want to preserve their fertility for the future. There are many reasons why you might consider freezing sperm.
You might consider freezing sperm if:
- You’re about to start cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy) that could damage sperm production.
- You are about to have a vasectomy or surgery
- You’re facing other medical procedures (e.g. certain surgeries, hormone treatments) that may affect sperm count or quality.
- You have a low sperm count or sub-optimal sperm quality now and want to preserve what you currently have.
- You wish to delay parenthood for personal, social, professional, cultural, or religious reasons.
- Are keen to undertake IVF or IUI treatment but cannot produce fresh samples of sperm during treatment.
These treatments can have a significant impact on sperm quality and count, sometimes leading to long-term fertility issues. By storing sperm in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures before treatment helps ensure that healthy sperm remain available for future fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, or intrauterine insemination (IUI). No matter your situation, choosing sperm banking provides reassurance that your sperm samples will remain viable for future use. Before making an appointment, your GP or fertility specialist must provide us with a referral letter.
The Sperm Freezing Process
The sperm freezing process at Monash IVF begins with a consultation to review your medical history, discuss individual circumstances, and complete any necessary blood tests. Your doctor will explain how sperm freezing involves collecting, analysing, freezing and storing sperm in secure multiple storage tanks using liquid nitrogen.
Preparing for Sperm Freezing
Getting ready for sperm freezing involves a few important steps to ensure the best possible outcome. The first step is to consult with a fertility specialist to review your medical history, discuss individual circumstances, and complete any necessary blood tests. They will explain how sperm freezing involves collecting, analysing, freezing and storing sperm in secure multiple storage tanks using liquid nitrogen.
Before the freezing process begins, you will be asked to provide a semen sample for analysis. This helps assess your sperm count and quality, which are important factors in successful fertility preservation.
How Does Freezing Your Sperm Work
This process involves several key steps, starting with the collection of sperm samples, assessment, and storage. Before freezing, testing for infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis is required to ensure safe storage.
Sperm Collection
Most men provide a semen sample onsite in a private room. We recommend you refrain from ejaculating or having sex for at least two days and no more than seven days prior. We supply a sterile specimen jar or semen collection container for your sample. However, you can also arrange to do this at home as long as the sample is not exposed to extreme temperatures and is brought in within one hour. If needed, our team can discuss alternatives such as testicular biopsy, performed under local or general anesthesia.
The number of samples required varies depending on sperm production, very low sperm count, and whether fresh samples may be needed later. Your specialist will also advise how many sperm samples are ideal to maximise future success rates.
Freezing and Storage
Once sperm is collected, the sperm samples will be extracted from the semen, counted and assessed for quality, and then it is mixed with a protective solution and placed into vials. Before sperm can be stored, you will be required to complete a consent form, and you have the right to withdraw consent at any time by notifying the clinic in writing. During the freezing process, the temperature is gradually reduced to an extreme temperature before the sperm is frozen in liquid nitrogen at –196°C. This environment protects the sperm so it can be carefully thawed in the future.
Your sperm stored with us is monitored around the clock and held at a stable temperature, never reaching body temperature or room temperature. This ensures there is no significant difference in quality when compared with sperm stored long-term in world-class fertility programs. Each state has a different time limit depending on regulations, but generally, how long sperm can be stored—referred to as long sperm storage—will depend on legal considerations, with options to extend storage duration if needed. By following your specialist’s advice and preparing carefully, you can help ensure that your stored sperm remains viable for future use in fertility treatments.
Freezing Sperm for IVF
Depending on your health and social, cultural, or religious beliefs, sperm retrieval can be carried out in a few different ways, which you’ll discuss with our nurses and fertility specialists. When done correctly, this process for IVF isn’t less effective than using fresh sperm. However, not all sperm will survive the freezing and thawing process. It’s good to remember though that not all the sperm has to be thawed and used at once.
Freezing Sperm for IUI
For IUI (intrauterine insemination), using sperm that's been frozen and thawed out is possible. There's no significant difference in results between using fresh or frozen sperm for IUI. Instead, that's more dependent on the individual and the quality of the sperm, which will be assessed upon the initial collection.
At Monash IVF, your trust and safety is our priority - every step of your treatment process is guided by the highest standards of care. If you would like to learn more about our stringent safety processes, please view our laboratory protocols for more information.
Success Rates of Pregnancy Using Frozen Sperm
The chances of achieving pregnancy using frozen sperm are encouraging, thanks to advances in fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technologies. Success rates depend on several factors, including the quality of the frozen sperm, the age and fertility of the female partner, and the specific fertility treatments used, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Research shows that using frozen sperm in fertility treatments offers success rates that are generally comparable to those achieved with fresh sperm. The key factors influencing outcomes are the initial sperm quality and the effectiveness of the freezing and thawing process. Your fertility specialist will assess your individual situation and discuss the most appropriate treatment options to maximise your chances of success.
With modern sperm freezing techniques, many individuals and couples have been able to achieve their dream of starting a family, even after facing medical treatments or other challenges that could affect fertility. If you are considering fertility preservation or need to use stored sperm for treatment, rest assured that the success rates continue to improve, offering hope and reassurance for your future plans.
Costs to Freeze Sperm
Some men may choose to safeguard their future fertility options to use at a later date for a variety of reasons. Sperm freezing involves the collection, vitrification (freezing), and storage of sperm. Later, when the time is right, the sperm requires thawing to then be used in IVF or IUI.
At the moment, there is no Medicare rebate for sperm freezing. At Monash IVF, there are fees for the initial collection of the sperm and fees per year for storage, which are ongoing storage costs associated with sperm storage. Storage costs can vary depending on the duration of sperm storage and the facility. Sperm banking is a reliable method for long-term preservation of fertility. We also offer a few different payment options, including the use of ZipMoney or TLC Payment Plans.
Chat with one of our team members to learn more on 1800 674 792
Speak With a Fertility Specialist
If you’re considering male fertility preservation or want to know whether sperm can be frozen for your upcoming circumstances, our team is ready to help. We’ll guide you through collection, freezing and freezing and storage options, and what to expect as you prepare for your future family-building journey.
At Monash IVF, your trust and safety is our priority - every step of your treatment process is guided by the highest standards of care. If you would like to learn more about our stringent safety processes, please view our laboratory protocols for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sperm Freezing
Start your fertility journey
Wherever you are on your journey, one of our supportive nurse enquiry team members can help you understand your options and take the next step. These conversations are free and informative.