Sperm freezing and storage for fertility treatments

Sperm freezing and storage

Sperm freezing and storage is a safe and reliable way to preserve sperm to have children later in life. Using the most advanced cryopreservation techniques sperm cells are frozen in liquid nitrogen at minus 196°C, where they can remain viable for years, even decades. Whether you’re preparing for medical treatment like chemotherapy or vasectomy that may affect fertility, sperm banking gives you control and peace of mind.

We offer long-term sperm storage options in our secure, accredited facilities, giving you flexibility and confidence for the future.

Reasons to Consider Sperm Freezing

There are many reasons individuals may choose sperm freezing. It provides a safeguard in situations where fertility may be impacted or when planning for future family building. Common reasons for banking sperm include:

• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can affect sperm production and once treatment begins, it may be too late to successfully preserve sperm.
• Certain types of pelvic or testicular surgery
• Vasectomy
• High-risk occupations or contact sports
• Diabetes, which may affect erectile function
• Travel or unavailability during treatment
• Anxiety on the day of assisted reproductive procedures

If you have a cancer diagnosis and want to understand fertility preservation before starting treatment, we’re here to help. Discover how sperm freezing can safeguard your future family plans. Learn more in our sperm freezing for cancer patients page.

How do I arrange sperm freezing?

To begin the sperm freezing process, please ask your GP or specialist for a referral to see one of the specialists at City Fertility. Ideally, before your first appointment, pathology screening, including blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, should be completed. These screenings help reduce the risk of contamination during sperm storage, as these infections may be transmitted through semen.

Once your results are available, contact our team to schedule an appointment to provide your sample at the clinic. At this stage, you will be asked to complete a consent form for banking sperm, which is valid for up to 10 years.

How many sperm samples do I freeze?

The number of samples required for sperm storage varies depending on your situation. Most people freeze between two and five samples, although some choose to freeze more. Factors such as how soon surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment is scheduled may influence your decision.

We recommend abstaining from ejaculation for at least two days before providing your first sample, and for about two days between each sample. However, avoid waiting more than five days before the first collection to help maintain sperm quality.

How long can I store my sperm?

There is no scientific limit on how long sperm can be kept in sperm storage when frozen correctly. The standard storage period in Australia is 10 years, though this can be extended in certain circumstances. City Fertility will advise you on whether your sperm freezing period can be extended and help with the consent process for banking sperm beyond the standard term.

It’s important to keep your contact details up to date. You can withdraw consent and request the disposal of your stored sperm in writing at any time.

Could there be a problem with the quality of sperm?”

Yes, sperm quality can vary from person to person, and may be affected by factors such as age, lifestyle, medical history or underlying health conditions. In some cases, such as before undergoing cancer treatment, sperm quality may already be reduced, which can impact the number of viable specimens.

If you’re unsure about your fertility or considering sperm freezing, speak to our team to learn more about your options and next steps.

Are there any problems with the children produced by the use of frozen/thawed sperm?

Research shows no difference in the rates of abnormalities or birth defects between children conceived using fresh versus frozen sperm. However, some chemotherapy drugs may have unknown effects on sperm quality or offspring.

That’s why we recommend freezing sperm prior to treatment where possible. Sperm storage before chemotherapy allows for the best chance of preserving fertility using healthy samples.

If you have a cancer diagnosis, learn more about how sperm freezing can safeguard your future family. Read more 

What options are available if I choose not to keep my sperm cryopreserved?

If you decide not to continue sperm storage, you may choose from the following options:

• Removal from cryopreservation (thawed and discarded)
• Donation for scientific training

Written consent is required for all options. Please get in touch with our fertility coordinators to discuss the next steps.

What is the cost of sperm freezing?

The cost of sperm freezing is $660. City Fertility freezing fees include 6 months’ complimentary storage for sperm.

At City Fertility, sperm freezing involves an upfront fee that covers the procedure and an initial complimentary storage period. After this, ongoing storage fees apply, which can be paid monthly or annually. Fees remain the same regardless of the number of samples stored and are non-refundable. Additional charges may apply if samples are transferred to another provider. Visit our pricing page for a detailed breakdown.

Eligible patients may also access the Australian Government’s ART Storage Funding Program, which helps reduce storage costs for those undergoing cancer treatment or affected by genetic conditions. Learn more in our sperm freezing for cancer patients guide.

For a personalised quote or assistance with funding support, please call 1300 354 354 or email contactus@cityfertility.com.au.

To find out more about sperm freezing, please read our fact sheet: Sperm freezing.