Understanding the Sperm Storage Process: Frozen Sperm Storage 101

 What is Sperm Storage & How Does It Work?

Sperm storage is a topic that comes up when families discuss their long-term fertility planning options. When a couple or a single parent by choice wants the opportunity to have multiple children from the same donor, then sperm preservation plays a vital role in their family building strategy.

So, what is sperm storage? How does it work? And, most importantly, what are YOUR options?

In this blog, our team of cryobank experts at Xytex are here to guide you through the frozen sperm storage process from start to finish.

Ready to learn how frozen sperm will help you build your future family? Let’s get started!

What is Sperm Storage?

For starters, sperm storage is the process of collecting, freezing, and routinely monitoring sperm for future use. Since sperm can be frozen and thawed without negatively impacting embryonic, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes, freezing sperm has become a widely accepted method for long-term cryopreservation.

Sperm storage is helpful in a variety of scenarios. It’s a great option for parents who plan to have more than one child, but want to use the same donor genetics. It gives them the opportunity to plan ahead and inseminate at the right time.

Sperm Storage Process from Start to Finish

Listed below are the 4 steps a licensed sperm bank will take to acquire, freeze, and store sperm:

  1. When a potential sperm donor applies to a sperm bank, the donor will undergo rigorous screening, background checks, and genetic testing to make sure his sperm is genetically safe and viable.
  2. Once all donor screening is complete, the candidate will be accepted into the donor program. Then, sperm samples will be placed into quarantine at the sperm bank.
  3. After the quarantine period is complete, the donor will be made available for client selection. 
  4. Throughout the process, all frozen vials of sperm are stored safely in liquid nitrogen tanks. Optimal storage conditions are continuously monitored to maintain sperm viability.

At Xytex, we uphold the strictest regulations and industry guidelines. We greatly value the safety of our donors and clients.

How Does Freezing Sperm Work?

At top-rated sperm banks like Xytex, sperm is collected from genetically-tested and screened sperm donors. It is then frozen at -196° with liquid nitrogen to ensure long-term viability. The samples are professionally monitored at the highest safety standards to make sure the sperm stays viable. 

So, what is the best way to store frozen sperm?

How to Properly Store Frozen Sperm

Most people choose to store sperm with the help of a reliable, professional sperm bank.

Licensed sperm banks like Xytex have years of experience freezing sperm and preserving it for long periods of time. They are also equipped with the latest technology that helps cryo experts monitor the samples and maintain a consistent -196° temperature. This ensures families the viability and efficacy of their vials, even years after purchase. 

At Xytex, we offer a trusted quality commitment to bring our customers peace of mind that their vials are handled with the highest level of care.

MYTH: You Can Store Frozen Sperm at Home 

Although it is theoretically doable, storing frozen sperm at home for long-term viability is NOT recommended. 

Unfortunately, standard home freezers cannot maintain the required temperature of -196°. If fluctuations in temperature occur, there is a high risk of damaging the sperm. Furthermore, if individuals are not trained on how to store vials, they risk contaminating the sperm.

It is important to note that it is extremely difficult to safely store sperm in personal freezers without the use of specialized storage tanks and liquid nitrogen. Temperature constraints and safety regulations can create problems for the stored sperm. This is why cryo storage of sperm at licensed facilities is highly recommended. 

Common Questions About Sperm Storage with Xytex

How much does it cost to purchase and store frozen sperm vials?

 

To start, there are a few costs to consider when purchasing frozen sperm vials. First, it costs between $1380 – $1780 to buy a vial of frozen sperm from Xytex. 

Next, people who decide to store sperm at our cryobank can choose our monthly storage plan of $60/mo, subscribe to our annual plan of $525/yr (which comes out to $43.75/mo), or select one of our longer-term payment options. 

Finally, a retrieval fee of $60 is applied to each time you need a cryo expert to pull your vial out of storage.

Financing options are available to provide patient loans for fertility treatments and long-term storage.

How much does it cost to store frozen sperm long-term?

If you know you want to store sperm for over 1 year, then a long-term storage plan is a cost effective way to preserve your vials.

So, how does it work?

Simply put, you decide the length of time you want to store your vials. Then, we will bill you in advance for the number of years you want to keep your sperm stored with us. At any time, a storage plan can be cancelled if a client chooses to use the vials earlier.

For instance, a 5 year storage plan at Xytex costs $1500 upfront. This will save you a total of $225/year as opposed to choosing the 1 year plan!

Is sperm banking safe?

Yes. Sperm banking is safe when you choose a fully licensed cryobank like Xytex. Top-rated sperm banks follow strict safety protocols and offer quality assurance to their customers, such as:

  • Rigorous donor screening 
  • Genetic testing
  • Secure storage
  • Supportive customer support

Furthermore, redundancy measures are routinely used to maintain high standards and ensure sample viability.

What are the benefits of storing multiple vials?

When you choose to store multiple vials of donor sperm, it will:

  • Allow for easier future family planning
  • Ensure consistency for biological siblings
  • Avoid issues with donor availability down the line

Many times, donors sell out or decide to retire. If a family does not purchase multiple vials in advance, they may not be able to acquire samples from the same donor in the future. This is a very important step to consider if you wish to have biological siblings. 

Does Xytex offer bundle deals for multiple vials?

Yes, we provide special bundle deals for customers who wish to purchase multiple vials. 

  • 4-7 Vials: 1 year of free storage and 1 year buyback at 50% of the original purchase cost
  • 8+ Vials: 3 years of free storage and 3 years of a 50% buyback option of the original purchase cost

Please note: Free storage and 50% buyback are only valid if the purchased vials are stored at a Xytex facility. Bundle options do not apply to Featured Donors. All vials must be purchased in a single transaction for the bundle deal to activate.

For additional pricing information, click here

Store Sperm with Xytex’s Innovative Cryoservices

Sperm storage helps families feel empowered and hopeful about their future. At Xytex, we offer professional sperm storage to assist parents-to-be in planning and building their families. Our top-rated sperm storage facility allows you to successfully secure multiple vials of sperm for future use. 

When you choose to plan your future family with Xytex, we pledge to support you at every turn. For any questions about our sperm storage or personalized support on the sperm donor process, please don’t hesitate to call our team at 706.733.0130. Together, we will bring you one step closer to parenthood!