Optional – The Role of Sperm Banking
Before A Vasectomy
Cryopreservation of Semen
Why do men choose to store
sperm before their
vasectomy?
If you value vasectomy as a permanent form of sterilization, but are uncertain whether a dramatic event (such as the loss of a child or remarriage) might lead you to desire another child, cryopreservation of sperm is an excellent option before your vasectomy. In such cases, the cryopreservation of sperm before vasectomy can lead in many cases to a successful conception using IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination).
What is Cryopreservation of Sperm Cells?
Semen cryopreservation (commonly called sperm banking or sperm freezing) is a procedure to preserve sperm cells. A semen sample is collected from a patient and then securely stored in a tank of liquid nitrogen, keeping the sample frozen. While samples can be stored indefinitely, patients can request their sample be sent to a clinic for fertility procedures such as a IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilization).
What is the Cost for Cryopreservation?
The cost for a full semen analysis and 5 years of storage can range from under $1,000 with firms like Fellow and Legacy using mail-in kits to costs of approximately $1500 – $2,000 with in-office sperm processing.
You can find a Cryopreservation laboratory by researching the Internet
Options include a local laboratory or a mail-in laboratory kit. You can purchase a cryopreservation mail-in kit online at various websites including www.MeetFellow.com/shop. Your kit includes everything needed to provide your sample and mail it back. This includes full instructions, a prepaid overnight shipping label and a preservation solution to keep your sample in optimal condition until it reaches the laboratory where is will be processed, frozen & stored.
If you choose to order the Fellow Kit,
try to complete the order at least a couple of weeks before your vasectomy to allow time for the ordering and processing of your semen specimen. Be sure to follow the instructions in your kit carefully. In rare cases, there may be insufficient sperm in your specimen, and you will need to send another specimen.
Receive accurate fertility results in 1-2 days
Your sample at Fellow will be analyzed and stored in 3 vials in Fellow’s CLIA certified lab. Each vial can be used for a fertility procedure such as IVF or IUI. Your results will explain all this in more depth.
Use your sample when you need it
Your Fellow samples can be stored indefinitely. When you’re ready to use your sample, email Fellow and they’ll ship your sample to your fertility clinic (fees apply).
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe in total transparency. Here are quick answers to the most common questions our patient coordinators receive every day.
Is storing my sperm something I should do?
This is a great question. Freezing sperm is somewhat like insurance that ensures that you have healthy sperm available, if you need to use it in the future.
When should I store my sperm?
Preferably 2 or more weeks before your vasectomy to allow time for the necessary semen analysis and any repeat semen collection if your original specimen is inadequate.
Can every sample be stored?
A sample that has motile (or swimming) sperm cells inside is frozen and stored. While samples that contain more cells increase a likelihood of pregnancy, samples with just a few sperm cells can still be used to attempt a pregnancy. In your report, you’ll be told how many cells are being stored and you’ll be given recommendations.
How much sperm should I store?
Fellow will divide your sample into 3 vials, giving you 3 attempts for a pregnancy. Some people choose to store more vials to increase the likelihood of initiating a successful pregnancy. While samples that contain more sperm cells increase a likelihood of pregnancy down the road, samples with just a few sperm cells can be stored to attempt a procedure known as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). Fellow and the Vasectomy Institute make no representations on the chances of a successful insemination.
Do sperm cells die in the shipping process?
Your Fellow kit includes a vial of preservation solution that is used to stabilize your sample and a gel pack that keeps your sample at the right temperature. Kits are also sent with overnight shipping.
Does using cryopreserved sperm increase the chance of genetic abnormalities?
Using Cryopreserved sperm has not been linked to an increased risk of birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
How does Fellow protect my privacy?
The box is discreet, so you can feel comfortable dropping it off at UPS. Your sample is stored independently of your personally identifying information. The lab has 24/7 security and monitoring.
Can I extend the time that the sperm are preserved?
Yes, Fellow will be storing your sperm, so you will want to contact them to extend the time period for any additional time. Fellow has stated that they will contact you before the expiration to see if you would like to extend your storage period at an extra cost, but to be extra safe, you would want to leave yourself an extra reminder to contact Fellow before the end of your storage period.
What is the cost to retrieve my sample?
When you wish to use your sample, Fellow will coordinate with your licensed fertility clinic. There is currently a one-time extraction fee of $55 to remove your sample from Fellow’s facility and an additional shipping fee to cover the cost of shipping your sample to your clinic.
Does insurance cover this?
Your insurance may cover sperm storage. Speak with your insurance provider.
