Sperm banking is the process of freezing and storing sperm for future use. Sperm banking may be done for Fertility Preservation for individuals who have not yet had the chance to start or complete their family, and require treatment or medication that can cause impairment or loss of fertility. The process can be also be used as back up for intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.
Sperm Banking
What is sperm banking?
When to consider sperm banking
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and cancer drugs may diminish sperm quality and quantity, or permanently prevent sperm formation or ejaculation. In order to try and preserve fertility, banking sperm before any of these treatments can be a beneficial option.
What are the steps involved?
Initial Consultation and Preliminary Testing
If you are planning on doing and IVF or IUI cycle and will be providing a back-up sperm sample you will need to discuss this with your physician at your initial consultation.
Schedule an Appointment
You may make an appointment by contacting the Sperm Bank secretary at: [email protected] or 416-586-4800 ext. 2316. Appointments take place Monday – Friday.
Sperm Banking Appointment
Allow about an hour for your appointment as it will involve (a) providing a sperm sample and (b) providing payment for service. Please make sure to bring your OHIP card. Please note, in urgent situations, the initial consultation, testing and banking appointments will be made on the same day.
Sperm Wash and Cryopreservation
The andrologists in the lab will process the sperm, dividing each ejaculation into different vials or straws. They will also assess the quality and quantity of the sperm. The sperm then goes through a washing process in the laboratory and is then frozen for future use. On average, about 30 % of the original sperm sample does not survive the freezing and thawing process.
Visit our Fees page to learn more about the costs of sperm banking.
Sperm sample collection instructions
- Sample must be collected after 2-5 days* of sexual abstinence (no ejaculating/having intercourse). Ejaculating more or less often than this can lead to lower sperm count.
- Urinate and wash hands (ensuring that you rinse all soap off) before producing the sample. This helps to keep the sample as sterile as possible.
- Do not use a regular condom for collection.
- Do not use gels, creams, lotions, lubricants or saliva. These agents may harm the ability of the sperm to move properly.
- It is recommended to stop any hormone therapy 3 months prior to scheduling a sperm banking appointment.
Collecting the sperm sample at the clinic
- Samples are collected in a sterile specimen container and must be produced by masturbation only.
- Do not touch the inside of the cover or container with your hands or genital area.
- Collect entire ejaculate. If collection is not complete, please inform staff when handing in the specimen. Do not put any substances or body fluids other than semen into container. Please note that you do not need to fill the entire container.
- Bring sample directly to Andrology Laboratory (by collection rooms) and press buzzer just outside the “Specimen Drop-Off” window location.
Collecting the sperm sample at home
If using the sterile specimen container provided by clinic, please follow the “Collecting the sperm sample at the clinic” instructions above.
If using a collection condom (must be purchased at clinic)
- The collection condom allows for sample collection during sexual intercourse but needs to be placed on head of erect penis before any sexual contact.
- Make sure to leave space at the tip.
- Immediately after ejaculation, hold condom in place, withdraw penis while still erect and avoid spilling semen.
- Do not attempt to remove the sample from the condom; simply place the condom in the Ziploc bag provided, with the tip of the condom facing up to prevent spill during transport.
If difficulty producing the sample
We recommend making two attempts at our clinic, followed by one attempt at home (if unsuccessful at clinic). Please see above for home collection instructions.
How to transport the sample to the clinic
- Make sure your specimen container is labelled with your full name, date and time of collection.
- Bring the sample to the clinic within one hour of collection and keep it at body temperature
(i.e. in your shirt, under your arm or in your pocket). Sperm samples can be harmed if the temperature is too hot or cold. - Once at the clinic, register at the front desk and bring the sample to the Andrology Laboratory. Press the buzzer just outside the “Specimen Drop-Off” window.
- If you do not closely follow the above instructions, the sample will likely not be usable and you will be required to provide another sample and/or schedule another appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do individuals freeze and bank sperm?
There are many reasons why someone would choose to freeze and bank sperm. Some of the main reasons include:
- Individuals undergoing medical treatment which may harm sperm (radiation or chemotherapy).
- Individuals planning gender affirmation therapy.
- Individuals requiring surgical extraction of sperm.
- Individuals that may be unavailable during upcoming fertility treatment cycles.
For more details, please watch our information video about freezing and banking sperm.
How is my sperm frozen?
The lab uses a preservative to help the sample withstand the freezing process. The samples are stored in small straws or vials and may allow for various uses. Samples are labelled, frozen and stored in cryopreservation tanks. Once stored, the samples are expected to be useable for decades. The majority of deterioration occurs during the freezing process and very little deterioration occurs after that.
For more details, please watch our information video about how sperm is frozen.
Who can use my frozen sperm?
Mount Sinai Fertility can provide sperm banking for patients who intend to use the sample for themselves and their partner. Health Canada has requirements for any third-party or gestational carrier cases.
For more details, please watch our information video about who can use frozen sperm.
How do I know if my sample is good?
The lab will assess the sample for:
- Volume
- Concentration (how many sperm there are per mL)
- Percentage Motility (the proportion of the sperm that are swimming)
- Progression (how well the sperm swim)
This will give the sample a Total Motile Count.
In some cases the lab will recommend banking another sample, if possible, to increase the number of treatment cycles which can be performed in the future. This will depend on the quality of samples and potential intended uses.
In 3 – 7 days you will receive a report with a summary of your sperm banking and the possible future uses of your sample.
For more details and examples, please watch our information video.
What can I use my sample for?
Use of frozen sperm samples requires a fertility treatment procedure such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization. Sperm samples are thawed and prepared for usage on the day of the procedure. It is expected that less than 50% of the sperm will survive the freeze/thaw process.
For more details and some examples, please watch our information video.
How many samples should I bank?
It is rare for one sample to allow more than one IUI attempt. However, IVF requires much less available sperm when ICSI is used and, therefore, numerous IVF attempts may be possible. One or 2 samples will usually provide sufficient back-up when IVF is considered. Unfortunately, MSF does not have the capacity to bank numerous samples for most patients.
For more details and examples, please watch our information video.
How do I get my results?
In 3 – 7 days you will have access to a report through your eIVF patient portal. The report will provide details of the analysis and potential future uses in treatment. In most cases, a test-thaw is performed with results provided.
For more details and examples, please watch our information video about receiving results.
How do you ensure it is my sample?
There is an extensive process for verifying patient ID. MSF uses an identification verification process called biometrics including fingerprint or a personal identification number. The system is designed to ensure ongoing verification of patient and sample identity from collection to storage to potential subsequent use. In some circumstances, the individual will not be able to bring their sample to the clinic. In these cases, a separate and specific process is in place.
For more details, please watch our information video on the verification process.
How do I arrange to bank a sperm sample?
You will need to start with a referral from a physician sent to Mount Sinai Fertility. Next, you will make an appointment with the MSF staff. If you are banking prior to cancer treatment please inform the team of the expected treatment dates to ensure your appointment is scheduled accordingly. Samples must be dropped off or collected at our Toronto location (250 Dundas Street West, 7th floor) at the scheduled time (usually Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). The sample should be dropped off within 2 hours of collection. Blood work may need to occur at the same time as the sample drop-off. The first appointment can take up to 1 hour.
For more details, please watch our information video about banking a sperm sample.
What documents do I need to sign?
There is a consent process that will include:
- Freezing and Storage consent forms
- Consent for the use of email communication
- Consent for release of Personal Health Information to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
- Consent to have designated individual deliver samples to the clinic (if applicable)
Please review each of these consents and if you have any questions about these consents, please ask our team.
For more details, please watch our information video about the consent process.
What is the MSF Patient Portal and how do I use it?
When you become a MSF patient you will receive access to our eIVF patient portal. The patient portal is how we communicate with you, receive documents and enable you to review and sign all applicable consent forms.
For more details, please watch our information video about the MSF Patient Portal.
What do I bring to my banking appointment?
- Photo ID – your photo health card is preferred. The MSF staff will confirm which type of ID is required.
- A copy of the photo health card of the legal partner/spouse – if their information is designated in the MSF 110 Consent form regarding future use or ownership.
- If the sample is being brought to the clinic by another individual they will need both items 1 and 2 above, the photo ID of the person dropping off the sample, and the release of semen or surgical samples – drop off – delivery form.
For more details, please watch our information video.
How much does it cost to bank and store my samples?
The approximate cost of banking is $600 and there is an annual storage fee is $480 per year. Some sperm banking is covered by the Ontario fertility program.
For more details, please watch our information video about the cost of sperm banking.
How do I use my sample in the future?
When you are ready to conceive a pregnancy, your fertility options will depend on your current medical condition and treatment, the effects of your previous treatment, your current sperm quality, the quality of your banked sperm samples and the age and health of your partner or egg provider. All of these considerations will help determine whether use of a current fresh sample is possible or that you will need to use your frozen sperm sample.
For more details, please watch our information video on how to use the sample in the future.
What happens to my sample if I die?
At the time of banking, you will be asked to tell us what you would like to happen to your samples in the event of your death. This is known as “disposition” of your banked samples. Options for disposition include discarding the sample, donating it for research or training, or leaving the sample to a spouse or partner for their use to conceive a future pregnancy. Current Canadian law does not allow the option to leave the sample to someone other than a spouse or partner.
For more details, please watch our information video.
When to consider sperm banking
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and cancer drugs may diminish sperm quality and quantity, or permanently prevent sperm formation or ejaculation. In order to try and preserve fertility, banking sperm before any of these treatments can be a beneficial option.
What are the steps involved?
Initial Consultation and Preliminary Testing
If you are planning on doing and IVF or IUI cycle and will be providing a back-up sperm sample you will need to discuss this with your physician at your initial consultation.
Schedule an Appointment
You may make an appointment by contacting the Sperm Bank secretary at: [email protected] or 416-586-4800 ext. 2316. Appointments take place Monday – Friday.
Sperm Banking Appointment
Allow about an hour for your appointment as it will involve (a) providing a sperm sample and (b) providing payment for service. Please make sure to bring your OHIP card. Please note, in urgent situations, the initial consultation, testing and banking appointments will be made on the same day.
Sperm Wash and Cryopreservation
The andrologists in the lab will process the sperm, dividing each ejaculation into different vials or straws. They will also assess the quality and quantity of the sperm. The sperm then goes through a washing process in the laboratory and is then frozen for future use. On average, about 30 % of the original sperm sample does not survive the freezing and thawing process.
Visit our Fees page to learn more about the costs of sperm banking.
Sperm sample collection instructions
- Sample must be collected after 2-5 days* of sexual abstinence (no ejaculating/having intercourse). Ejaculating more or less often than this can lead to lower sperm count.
- Urinate and wash hands (ensuring that you rinse all soap off) before producing the sample. This helps to keep the sample as sterile as possible.
- Do not use a regular condom for collection.
- Do not use gels, creams, lotions, lubricants or saliva. These agents may harm the ability of the sperm to move properly.
Collecting the sperm sample at the clinic
- Samples are collected in a sterile specimen container and must be produced by masturbation only.
- Do not touch the inside of the cover or container with your hands or genital area.
- Collect entire ejaculate. If collection is not complete, please inform staff when handing in the specimen. Do not put any substances or body fluids other than semen into container. Please note that you do not need to fill the entire container.
- Bring sample directly to Andrology Laboratory (by collection rooms) and press buzzer just outside the “Specimen Drop-Off” window location.
Collecting the sperm sample at home
If using the sterile specimen container provided by clinic, please follow the “Collecting the sperm sample at the clinic” instructions above.
If using a collection condom (must be purchased at clinic)
- The collection condom allows for sample collection during sexual intercourse but needs to be placed on head of erect penis before any sexual contact.
- Make sure to leave space at the tip.
- Immediately after ejaculation, hold condom in place, withdraw penis while still erect and avoid spilling semen.
- Do not attempt to remove the sample from the condom; simply place the condom in the Ziploc bag provided, with the tip of the condom facing up to prevent spill during transport.
If difficulty producing the sample
We recommend making two attempts at our clinic, followed by one attempt at home (if unsuccessful at clinic). Please see above for home collection instructions.
How to transport the sample to the clinic
- Make sure your specimen container is labelled with your full name, date and time of collection.
- Bring the sample to the clinic within one hour of collection and keep it at body temperature
(i.e. in your shirt, under your arm or in your pocket). Sperm samples can be harmed if the temperature is too hot or cold. - Once at the clinic, register at the front desk and bring the sample to the Andrology Laboratory. Press the buzzer just outside the “Specimen Drop-Off” window.
- If you do not closely follow the above instructions, the sample will likely not be usable and you will be required to provide another sample and/or schedule another appointment.
How much does sperm banking cost
Visit our Fees page to learn more about the costs of sperm banking.