According to the HFEA’s Preliminary Trends and Figures Report 2022, the number of sperm donors increased by 23% between 2019 and 2022.
Here, we’ll explore all you need to know about sperm freezing.
In this article:
- What is sperm freezing?
- How much does freezing your sperm cost?
- Why freeze your sperm?
- Is sperm freezing safe?
- What to do with any remaining sperm?
What is sperm freezing?
Sperm freezing is a way to preserving a man’s fertility so he can try and have children in the future. You’ll have to produce a fresh sample of sperm at the fertility clinic, which is mixed with a special fluid to protect it during freezing. The sperm sample is usually divided between several containers, which means the sperm can be used in multiple treatments and doesn’t need to be thawed at once.
Before attending the clinic and having your sperm frozen, you will need to complete some screening blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B Core Antibodies, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens and Hepatitis C, these can be done by your GP.
When your sperm has been thawed, it’ll be used in fertility treatment in the same way as fresh sperm.
How much does freezing your sperm cost?
Sperm freezing is widely available at UK fertility clinics UK, and costs around £400, excluding any screening tests if you have them done privately. You’ll also pay around £300-£350 per year for storage.
You can store your sperm for use in treatment for up 55 years from the date that the embryos are placed in storage. However, you will need to renew your consent every 10 years.
Why freeze your sperm?
Sperm freezing might be right for you if:
- You are being treated for or may need treatment for a medical condition that affects your fertility
- You want to preserve your eggs until you’re ready to have a child
- You are undergoing gender transition
Is sperm freezing safe?
There are no known risks to patients using frozen sperm, although it is unlikely that all sperm will survive the freezing and thawing process.
What to do with any remaining sperm?
If you have any sperm remaining, that you don’t want to use, there are several options available. You can:
- Donate them to another patient
- Donate them for medical training
- Donate them for research
- Dispose of them