What is sperm banking?

Sperm banking is a process designed to preserve sperm by freezing and storing semen at ultra-low temperatures. Sperm can be thawed and used in a reproductive procedure anytime in the future to hopefully create a pregnancy.

When stored properly the quality of frozen sperm does not deteriorate over time. It has been reported that a specimen frozen and stored for 28 years was used in a reproductive procedure that resulted in a pregnancy and subsequent birth.

The first human birth resulting from the use of cryopreserved semen was recorded in 1953. Careful medical research has continued to develop more sophisticated procedures and techniques. As of 1996 more than 260,000 births resulting from artificial insemination (AI) with cryopreserved human semen have been documented. Current research and clinical results do not show any increased risks of birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities associated with the use of frozen semen.

Who Should Consider Sperm Banking?

Consider sperm banking:

Before Radiation
Before Chemotherapy
Before Medications
Before Surgery
Before Vasectomy

Sometimes cancer therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) can diminish a man’s fertility temporarily or cause permanent sterility. Certain medications can reduce sperm cell production or have a teratogenic effect on the cells. Some types of surgery may cause sterility by altering the reproductive tract by cutting off the path of the ejaculate. Men electing vasectomy may change their mind and reversals do not result in fully-restored fertility. In addition, some men opt for sperm banking due to potential hazards related to their profession.

With sperm banking, you at least have an option - and peace of mind. If your fertility is not affected by your treatment or if you change your plans as to your future, you can dispose of your specimens at any time.

How Does PAF Process and Store My Specimens?

Upon receipt of the semen specimen, PAF performs a semen analysis - sperm count, motility (% moving), forward progression (direction and speed) and morphology (% normally shaped). The specimen is then protected from freeze damage by adding precisely calculated amounts of a cryoprotective solution. Once treated, the specimen is portioned into permanently labeled vials. These vials are slowly cooled until frozen.

After the freezing process, a very small sample of the specimen is examined to see how well the sperm cells survived the process. The analysis results of the post thaw sample will be the same for the stored specimen once thawed, as no deterioration takes place for specimens submerged in liquid nitrogen. (Liquid nitrogen is -320º F.)

No limit has been found on the length of time cryopreserved semen can be stored if maintained in appropriate liquid nitrogen storage. Scientific literature has conclusively documented that sperm motility and morphology are not affected by proper long term cryopreservation. To assure proper storage conditions, PAF's storage tanks are continuously monitored and the liquid nitrogen is replenished regularly. The liquid nitrogen used as a freezing and storage media does not require outside power or electricity, so there is no danger to the specimens in the event of a power outage.

How does PaF Prevent specimen mix-up?

PAF processes only one specimen at a time in order to prevent specimen mix-up. Prior to freezing, each storage vial is labeled with an indelible marker with the following information:

1. The Client’s Account Number
2. The Specimen Number
3. The Client’s Name (Last & First)
4. PAF’s Specimen Control Number
5. The Specimen Date

This data can be easily confirmed by the recipient’s physician when vials are transferred for use for a reproductive procedure.

How many specimens should I store?

The number of specimens you deposit depends on a variety of factors:

1. The quality of your semen specimen
2. The number of days you have to make your deposits
3. Whether you'll be relying on the specimens to create your family
4. The number of children you may want to have
6. Whether you already have children and are storing specimens "just in case"

In general, if the specimen quality is "normal," PAF recommends storage of at least three (3) semen specimens (~ 12 - 18 vials). Three specimens normally yields enough vials to use for an Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) for a period of ~ 6 - 8 months. Ultimately, the number of deposits you leave is your decision. PAF will send the semen analysis report to your physician (as per your written authorization) and he/she may advise you accordingly.

How do I go about depositing specimens at PaF?

It's recommended to have 2-4 days abstinence before banking each specimen, but the abstinence period may be adjusted depending upon circumstances.

All appointments must be scheduled in advance. Call PAF to set up an appointment.

Specimens can be:

1. Collected on-site at PAF in a private, clean, and comfortable environment.
2. Collected off-site (i.e. home/hospital room) and brought to PAF by the client or family member. Please call PAF for details on the procedure for producing a specimen off-site.

Whether specimens are collected at PAF or off-site, you must call for an appointment.

The required forms for each collection method are as follows:

Form #1 - Client Depositor Registration
Form #2 - Client Depositor Medical History
Form #3 - Client Depositor Storage Agreement

When I require my specimens for a
reproductive procedure what are my options?

PAF can release specimens only to a physician at the time of the client's notarized request. At no time will a specimen be delivered to a private individual. The specimen can only be used by your spouse or intimate partner. Cryopreserved specimens can be transported to most destinations. Shipments are made using transport tanks specifically designed for these shipments. Please telephone PAF for complete information on the release and delivery of client depositor specimens.

Does PAF guarantee a pregnancy will result
from the use of my frozen semen?

Whether or not a pregnancy will result from the use of a frozen specimen will depend on the quality of the specimen, the fertility of the recipient, and the specific procedures utilized by the recipient's physician. As such, PAF is unable to guarantee that a pregnancy will result from the use of frozen specimens.

What are the fees for sperm banking and storage?

All fees are payable in full on the date of service. PAF does not accept insurance as payment for services rendered, but will furnish you with an itemized receipt.

Total - First specimen - $775
Semen Analysis	$175.00
Cryopreservation	$75.00
Initial Storage Fee (1 Year)*	$525.00

Total - Each Additional - $250
Semen Analysis	$175.00
Cryopreservation	$75.00

Additional Services
Semen Analysis with Sperm Wash	$250.00
Biopsy Tissue Processing	$350.00
Cryopreservation	$75.00
Initial Storage Fee (1 Year)*	$525.00

* Storage fee covers storage for ALL specimens deposited. Clients are subject to one month's storage for specimens which are stored any length of time within a particular month.

Continued Storage Payments*
Storage Term	Storage Fee	Storage Fee Discount**
1 Year	$555.00	Deduct $ 30.00 - Pay $ 525.00
6 Months	$315.00	Deduct $ 25.00 - Pay $ 290.00
3 Months	$195.00	Deduct $ 20.00 - Pay $ 175.00
1 Month	$100.00	Deduct $ 15.00 - Pay $ 85.00

* All clients are invoiced for the continued storage of their specimens after the initial one year storage term expires.
** Storage fee is discounted for clients who remit their storage payment to PAF by 'Due Date' recorded on invoice.

Extended Storage Payment Options*
Storage Term	Extended Storage Fee	Regular Fee**	Discount
2 Years	$984.00	$1,110.00	$126.00
3 Years	$1,440.00	$1,665.00	$225.00
4 Years	$1,875.00	$2,220.00	$348.00
5 Years	$2,280.00	$2,775.00	$495.00

* Clients can pay for extended periods of storage (i.e. greater than 1 year at discounted rates.
** Regular Fee based on storage period multiplied by yearly storage fee ( $555.00/year)