Sperm Freezing Services, Melbourne - Cost of Storing Sperm
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Sperm freezing services

A man may choose to safeguard his fertility by collecting, freezing and storing his sperm for use at a later date. Also known as sperm cryopreservation, our scientists can preserve your sperm using state-of-the-art sperm-freezing techniques.

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Why do men freeze their sperm?

Men usually undergo fertility preservation via sperm freezing for medical reasons. For instance, certain chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical treatments associated with specific cancers can have long-lasting ramifications on a man’s fertility. Therefore, freezing sperm can be a good idea before starting these treatments. Sometimes, this must be done urgently to prevent a delay in the treatment.

Other reasons why men may choose to freeze their sperm include:

  • They are currently undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures and cannot produce sperm on the required day.
  • They would like to preserve the quality of their sperm (as sperm quality decreases with age).
  • They are planning on having a vasectomy and would like to keep some frozen sperm just in case.

The sperm freezing process

COLLECTION

COLLECTION

Semen samples are usually self-collected at our Box Hill clinic in Melbourne, Victoria. Upon arriving at our treatment centre, you will be discretely escorted to our private amenities where you will be required to ejaculate into a specimen jar. On the day, a Newlife IVF staff member will provide you with detailed instructions on how to produce and store your semen sample (to minimise the chances of contamination occurring). The number of collections required will depend on the quality of your sperm.

Men with no sperm in their semen (azoospermia) will require a testicular biopsy. During this procedure, sperm are retrieved by passing a fine needle directly into the testicle under local or general anaesthetic.

FREEZING AND STORAGE

FREEZING AND STORAGE

Once your sample has been collected, Newlife IVF’s scientists will separate the sperm contained within the semen. After thorough analysis to ensure your sperm concentration and count, motility (movement) and morphology (shape) are healthy, the sperm will be frozen. This method of sperm freezing involves keeping and storing the sperm at extremely cold temperatures with liquid nitrogen.

THAWING

THAWING

When you decide the time is right to use your frozen sperm, the sample will be thawed and used in the normal IVF process. Dependent on the number and quality of sperm, the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be required as part of the IVF cycle.

What are the success rates with sperm freezing?

Freezing your sperm is not a guarantee for a baby in the future. The proportion of sperm that will survive the process of freezing depends on the individual and the original quality of the sperm. Also, once the sperm are thawed, several hurdles must be overcome, including successful fertilisation and embryo growth. Therefore, freezing sperm and storing your sample in liquid nitrogen is not a guarantee for a baby in the future. However, it is the most important thing you can do to preserve your fertility.

What costs are involved in freezing sperm?

The cost of sperm collection and freezing at Newlife IVF is $515.* This includes the first 6 months of storage in our Melbourne facility, after which the ongoing cost of storing frozen sperm is $270 per 6 months.*  There is currently no Medicare rebate for sperm freezing in Melbourne. For more detailed information, please see our fees page.

If you would like to find out more about male fertility preservation, please do not hesitate to contact one of our fertility specialists. Whatever the reason, we’re very happy to walk you through the process of freezing sperm.

*Fees correct as of 1 January 2024.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why do men choose to freeze their sperm?

    Men usually choose sperm freezing to preserve their fertility. Reasons for freezing sperm include undergoing medical treatments that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or due to a need for surgery that involves the testes or a vasectomy.

  • Does freezing sperm affect sperm quality?

    Freezing sperm can affect sperm quality. But the extent of the impact can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the quality of the sperm before freezing, the method of freezing and the duration of storage before thawing.

    Overall, the impact of freezing on sperm quality is typically outweighed by the benefits of being able to preserve sperm for use in future fertility treatments.

  • When is the best time to freeze sperm?

    The optimal time to freeze sperm is typically before undergoing medical treatments or procedures that may affect fertility or compromise sperm production or function. Beyond this, sperm freezing can be performed at any time if a man wishes to preserve his fertility.

  • Is sperm freezing safe?

    Sperm freezing is considered safe, with minimal risks associated with the freezing process.

  • How long can sperm be frozen?

    Sperm can be frozen and stored for an extended period, with some studies suggesting that it can remain viable for 10 years or more. However, the duration of storage varies according to the regulations of the fertility clinic and the local laws governing sperm freezing.

  • Can sperm freezing guarantee a successful pregnancy?

    While sperm freezing can increase the chances of future pregnancy, it does not guarantee a pregnancy. Success depends on various factors, including the quality of the frozen sperm, the woman’s fertility status and the effectiveness of the assisted reproductive technique used.

  • Is sperm freezing suitable for everyone?

    Sperm freezing may not be suitable for everyone, and it’s essential to consider individual circumstances before undergoing this treatment, including fertility status, reproductive goals and the need for fertility preservation. It is recommended to consult a fertility specialist to discuss whether sperm freezing is the right option and to understand the process, risks and potential outcomes.

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Get in touch

For more information or to book an appointment with one of our fertility doctors, please call (03) 8080 8933 or email [email protected]. Fertility appointments can also be booked via our online booking page.

Our three Melbourne clinics are based in Box Hill, Clayton and East Melbourne and are open Monday–Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm. We welcome patients from all over Victoria, as well as those seeking care interstate or internationally. All fertility treatment requiring day surgery or lab access (e.g. egg collection, embryo transfer) will take place at our state-of-the-art treatment centre in Box Hill. Fertility consultations and IVF cycle monitoring can be arranged at all three Melbourne clinics.

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