Semen Storage

Short Term Semen Storage (ART)

Patients receiving Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment may elect to have semen stored as a "backup" prior to a treatment cycle commencing. This may be because the partner is unavailable or unable to collect specimen on the day of egg collection. If storage is required the laboratory will assess the semen for its ability to survive cryopreservation. If a patient's semen is suitable for freezing 1-2 specimens will be required and the laboratory staff will determine the appropriate treatment (IVF/ICSI) based on post thaw sperm survival.

Long Term Semen Storage (ART)

Patients receiving Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment may elect to have semen stored as a long term "backup" due to poor sperm quality, which may deteriorate in the future. If storage is recommended, the laboratory will assess the semen for its ability to survive cryopreservation. If a patient's semen is suitable for freezing the laboratory staff will advise on the number of samples required.

Long Term Semen Storage (Oncology Patients)

Semen storage may be required in the case of a medical condition or future treatment of a medical condition (such as cancer), in order to preserve ongoing fertility. When storage is requested the laboratory will assess the semen for its ability to survive cryopreservation. Ideally several semen samples are required for storage to allow Assisted Reproductive Treatment to be performed, in approximately 6 treatment cycles if required in the future. The laboratory staff will advise you on your specific requirements.

Long Term Semen Storage (Pre-Vasectomy)

Semen storage may be required in the case of a man wishing to undergo a vasectomy, in order to preserve fertility in case of unforseen future needs. When storage is requested the laboratory will assess the semen for its ability to survive cryopreservation. Ideally several semen collections are required to provide a sufficient sample which can be stored to allow Assisted Reproductive Treatment to be performed in the future. The laboratory staff will advise you on specific requirements for semen samples.

Semen Storage (Prior to Surgery)

Semen storage may be required in the case of a medical condition or future treatment of a medical condition, in order to preserve ongoing fertility. When storage is requested the laboratory will assess the semen for its ability to survive cryopreservation. If suitable, semen is prepared using special cryoprotectant medium and frozen in liquid nitrogen.

Semen samples must be obtained by masturbation and ejaculated into containers supplied; either collected at the hospital in a special room provided for the purpose, or delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour. Alternatively the epididymal sperm may be obtained via an offsite medical procedure (TESA), performed by a non-FRM Specialist. In this case, the cost of the procedure to obtain the sperm would be in addition to the costs incurred for the FRM collection, preparation and storage.

Storage Pre-Requisites

Long Term ART & Short Term ART

Prior to assessment and storage an appointment is made with the clinic to:

• Discuss the information sheet
• Discuss the reason for requesting storage and treatment options
• Sign Consent Form – Storage of Reproductive Material
• Check blood screening tests are up to date. If any communicable diseases (eg. Hepititis B & C, HIV, Syphilis) are detected, further discussion regarding storage may be necessary.
• Arrange, in collaboration with the laboratory staff, semen collection and storage

Long Term Storage (Oncology, Prior to Surgery & Pre-Vasectomy)

After assessment and temporary storage an appointment is made with the clinic to:

• Discuss the information sheet, storage conditions and the outcome of storage
• Discuss the reason for requesting storage and future treatment options
• Sign Consent Form – Storage of Reproductive Material
• Check blood screening tests results. If any communicable diseases (eg. Hepititis B & C, HIV, Syphilis) are detected, further discussion regarding storage may be necessary.
• Obtain full patient details and full details of a contact person
• Arrange the long term storage of the semen

In all cases of semen storage a summary of the storage is documented in your medical record/fertility worksheet as well as a copy of your signed consent and if necessary, a confirmation letter is sent to you.