Sperm preservation Lorne
Trusted sperm freezing services, provided with compassion.
Take a Proactive Step in Fertility Preservation
Are you thinking about your long-term fertility? Sperm freezing is a trusted option for fertility preservation that may provide you with more choices for the future, so you can approach family planning at a pace that suits you.
At Surfcoast Fertility, our team provides caring, considerate support to help you navigate your fertility options.
What Does Sperm Freezing Involve?
Sperm freezing involves collecting sperm and freezing it using a carefully controlled method. The sperm may then be stored for many years, with viability and quality maintained throughout.
When the time is right, the stored sperm may be used for IVF (in vitro fertilisation) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic injection). As sperm quality may be greater at a younger age, choosing to freeze sperm earlier may offer more advantages down the track.
Is Sperm Freezing Worth Considering?
Sperm freezing is generally an option for anyone, especially as sperm quality and quantity may change with age. However, it may also be worth considering if you:
- Have a lower than usual sperm count
- Are not considering starting a family in the near future
- Are planning on a vasectomy for contraception|Are considering a vasectomy as a form of contraception|Are thinking about having a vasectomy for contraceptive purposes|Are planning to undergo a vasectomy for contraception}
- Require testicular surgery or chemotherapy|Are facing testicular surgery or chemotherapy|Are due to undergo testicular surgery or chemotherapy|Have been advised to have testicular surgery or chemotherapy}
- Will be starting toxic drug treatment in the future
- Occasionally use anabolic steroidss
Thinking about sperm freezing?
Our team is ready to guide and support you throughout the process.
Understanding the Sperm Freezing Process
1. Sperm Collection
Sperm may be collected in a variety of ways, tailored to your individual needs and preferences. You may provide a sample at our clinic for immediate freezing, or at home if that is more convenient.
Should you be unable to provide a semen sample, a testicular biopsy may be an option worth considering. This procedure involves the careful retrieval of sperm directly from the testicles using a needle.
2. Freezing the Sperm
Once the sperm has been collected, it is carefully prepared and mixed with a protective fluid. The sample is then progressively cooled until it reaches a frozen state in liquid nitrogen at –196°C.
Not every sperm will survive the freezing process. On average, 50-60% of sperm remain viable following freezing.
3. Storage
After freezing, sperm is kept in secure storage until it is required. Ongoing storage may incur an annual fee, which our team will talk through with you.
In Victoria, sperm may be stored for up to 10 years. Approval may be required if you wish to continue storage beyond this timeframe.
Answering Your Sperm Freezing Questions
Is Medicare available for sperm freezing?
Medicare rebates may be available if the procedure is considered medically necessary. This may apply if you are about to undergo treatment, such as chemotherapy, that could affect your fertility.
Ongoing sperm storage fees are generally not covered by Medicare or private health insurance and are usually an out-of-pocket cost to consider.
What are the costs involved in sperm freezing?
The cost of sperm freezing may vary depending on your individual circumstances and storage needs. For further information, please visit our costs page or get in touch with our team.
What does my appointment involve?
At your appointment, a member of our team will meet with you for a consultation to review your medical history, discuss your goals, and arrange any necessary blood tests.
They will also go through all the important information you need before sperm collection takes place, so you may feel confident and supported throughout the process.
How should I prepare before sperm collection?
You may be asked to refrain from ejaculation for a short time before collection takes place. Specific advice may be given ahead of your appointment to support the process.
Does the use of frozen sperm affect the risk of pregnancy complications?
What are my options if I decide to stop storing my sperm?
If you choose to stop storage, you may be asked to complete consent documentation. Our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Why People Choose Surfcoast Fertility
Person-centred Care
Each person is different, and we believe their care should reflect that. That is why we provide personalised support that places you at the centre of everything we do.
Decades of Experience
Providing fertility care since 2002, our team stays up to date with the latest evidence and technology, so you may feel confident with us.
Consistent, Convenient Hours
Available Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm, we aim to make it straightforward for you to manage your appointments alongside your daily commitments.
Access Fertility Support at a Time That Suits You
Should you be considering sperm preservation, our team is ready to help. We use evidence-based approaches to support your fertility planning, so you may make well-informed decisions for the future. You are always welcome to get in touch with our team to talk through your concerns or learn more about sperm freezing.
