Sperm banking

Sperm can be frozen (banked) using specialised storage containers (straws) and stored in liquid nitrogen for future use in assisted reproductive technologies.

Some reasons for considering banking a sample at Sydney Andrology include:

• if you are about to undergo major surgery or medical treatments
• if you are exposed to a toxic environment
• if you are to receive cancer therapy
• if you are having a vasectomy (and there is a possibility that you may want to have children in the future)
• if you have a dangerous profession or pastime where there is risk of injury

If you are not sure whether a medical treatment could damage your fertility, please discuss the issue with your doctor.

You may also want to freeze sperm prior to undergoing assisted reproductive treatment as a backup in case you are unable to attend due to travel or other commitments or if you have experienced difficulty collecting a sample.

When you arrive for your appointment to freeze semen you will be asked to complete a consent agreement and a pre-admission form. The consent agreement outlines the responsibilities of the laboratory and of you in the process of maintaining the frozen specimen(s).

We also recommend at this time that you amend your legal will to include clear instructions as to what should happen to your sample in the event of your death.