ADVANCED FERTILITY PRESERVATION INSTITUTE
Egg Freezing, Sperm Banking and Embryo Storage
The Advanced Fertility Preservation Institute (AFPI) was developed with you and your future family in mind. Our cutting-edge clinic provides both women and men the most advanced cryopreservation (preservation or freezing) treatment* options to enable conception when you are ready.
FOR WOMEN
COMMON REASONS WOMEN CHOOSE TO FREEZE THEIR EGGS
For a list of common reasons men choose to freeze their sperm, click here.
Though as little girls many women can imagine themselves as mothers to their beautiful children, life’s unpredictable path may cause reason to delay this dream. In fact, there are several reasons women may decide to explore fertility preservation.
Voluntary reasons
Age: Today, the average human lifespan is longer than it has been in the past, so it is no surprise that women are choosing to have children later in life. Unfortunately, with age, fertility is affected. Studies have shown women’s fertility rates decrease with the increasing age of women. As can be seen in the accompanying graph, the rate of decline increases between the ages of 35-3712,13. In a study involving women who received up to 12 cycles of insemination with donor sperm, 74% of women younger than 31 years of age conceived, as compared with 54% of women older than 35 years of age14
This is largely due to a decrease in ovarian reserve — the number and quality of eggs produced per cycle. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which steadily decline throughout their lifetime12,13. Moreover, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists Committee on Gynecologic Practice and the Practice Committee of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, this age-related decline in fertility is accompanied by the increase in the rate of abnormal eggs and increase in miscarriage13. By preserving your eggs at a young age, your chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future is increased.
Social: More and more women are choosing to delay motherhood, and while this choice is becoming less of a stigma in mainstream American culture, women still fear that ticking clock. Whether you are advancing your education, pursuing a career, searching for that special someone, currently busy taking care of young children or you are just not ready yet, you no longer need to feel the added pressures to conceive.
Medical issues
Cancer: When it comes to treating cancer, doctors want to make sure they are as aggressive as needed to cure the patient. While medicine has helped save the lives of thousands of women, due to the aggressive nature of cancer treatments, a woman’s fertility may be compromised. Sadly, studies have shown that only 3-13% of women developing breast cancer are able to have children post-diagnosis15,16. The impact of cancer on fertility may be due to various reasons. First, the glands or organs that are key for reproduction and hormone production for fertility can be impaired. Second, depending on the type of cancer being treated, surgical removal of the uterus or ovaries may be necessary17,18. Additionally, once treated, cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, can decrease hormone production, further deplete egg numbers, increase the number of abnormalities in those eggs and even induce ovarian failure, which can lead to early menopause19-24.
The risk of developing premature menopause after certain cancer treatments increases with age, and older women are more susceptible to permanent ovarian damage5. Of course, the drug and dose used in chemotherapy and the size and location of the radiation field will determine the overall impact. For patients battling breast cancer, research has shown that pregnancy after breast cancer does not affect survival rate15,16,25. By adding egg preservation to your treatment plan, women going through cancer therapies can focus on their health now while increasing the chances for a biological baby later on.
Carriers of mutations such BRCA1 and BRACA2 who have been advised to undergo prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer can consider egg preservation and ultimately test embryos for BRCA status when ready to proceed with pregnancy.
To find out more about how we help newly diagnosed cancer patients preserve their fertility, click here.
Endometriosis and ovarian cysts: Endometriosis is a painful condition due to the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) growing outside the organ and implanting on various sites in the abdomen and pelvis. Especially when endometriosis is responsible for cysts growing inside the ovaries, fertility may be compromised.
Not all cysts are due to endometriosis, and these other types of ovarian cysts can equally affect this important fertility organ. Oftentimes, if the cysts become large, surgery may be recommended, which can also damage the ovary26,27.
Before ovarian health is permanently impacted, eggs can be preserved for later use. Egg preservation is highly recommended for future fertility.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an issue in which hormones are out of balance. With these hormonal changes may come the absence of ovulation, which ultimately leads to infertility28. Many women with PCOS may need assistance in achieving pregnancy, and egg preservation at an earlier age can increase their chances.
Premature menopause: Long before a woman goes into menopause, her ovarian reserve begins to decrease. For most women, this begins in their mid-thirties, but for women with a family history of premature menopause, they may experience this decline even sooner29.
Furthermore, women who have genetic mutations (abnormalities such as Fragile X Syndrome or Turner Syndrome 45 XO) often undergo early menopause29. Through the preservation technique, eggs can be secured long before these changes take place.
Additional medical conditions: There are other conditions that may impact egg development and overall quality, as well. These include diabetes, autoimmune conditions, thyroid problems, kidney disease and eating disorders30-32.
The medical entities or the treatment of the conditions described above can impact ovarian health. Egg preservation can help put your mind at ease, knowing that by undergoing the preservation process, you can improve your opportunity to have biological children in the future.
What to Expect: Egg Preservation
Following is a brief overview of the egg preservation process. After reviewing your history, your current hormonal status evaluation and your goals, Dr. Miller will create a unique treatment regimen specifically for you. This process must be altered for your individual needs.*
1) Consultation
During the complimentary consultation, you and a Fertility Preservation Coordinator (FPC) will have an in-depth discussion about your medical history, your fertility concerns and the egg freezing process. The FPC will ultimately review this with Dr. Miller, who will choose, if necessary, to meet with you to discuss your history in further detail. Your conversation will include risks and benefits, cost options, an overview of your personal timeline and next steps. If you have a partner and wish to freeze embryos (the end product of the sperm fertilizing the egg), you will be provided with a detailed plan of action to follow.
2) Testing
Prior to treatment, Dr. Miller will have you complete testing. This is essential as it will not only establish your opportunity for success, but it will also determine your treatment plan. Again, based on these results, Dr. Miller may wish to have a separate consultation with you to discuss findings and potential options. Infectious disease testing will also be performed, which is necessary to store eggs in a public facility. Based on your medical history, other testing may be recommended.
3) Medications and monitoring
Once you have been approved as a candidate and you are ready to move forward, your treatment will be scheduled based on the onset of your menstrual cycle, whether natural or induced. On day three (3) of the treatment cycle, you will begin in-office monitoring, which will consist of testing the blood level of the female hormone estrogen and a pelvic ultrasound to determine your baseline follicle numbers (the cystic structures in the ovaries that contain the eggs). On the evening of day three (3), you will begin medications prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple mature eggs. These medications are delivered via subcutaneous injections, much the way a diabetic would inject insulin directly below the skin. Once the medications begin, you can expect to visit the office every 2-3 days. At each appointment, your blood levels will be measured and an ultrasound of your ovaries will take place to determine the growth of the follicles (eggs), which correlates to egg maturation. After every appointment, after conferring with Dr. Miller, his staff will leave you a voicemail message (on a secured voicemail system) to explain any changes in medications. The egg maturation process can take anytime between 10-12 days based on the response to the medication and the follicular growth. Throughout the process, should you need help with medications/directions, the office can assist you. Once the ultrasound indicates that the follicles have reached maturity, you will be prescribed another medication to finalize the maturation process. Egg retrieval will be scheduled 35 hours later.
4) Egg retrieval, evaluation and storage
During the egg retrieval process, a small needle is placed through the vaginal wall into the ovarian follicles, under ultrasound guidance. You must be accompanied by someone for the egg retrieval, as you will receive light anesthesia.
The contents of each follicle will be evaluated under a microscope by an embryologist who will examine the maturation and quality of each egg. The embryologist will share information on the number of eggs retrieved as well as the number of those eggs that are mature and good quality. Adequate eggs will then be cryopreserved in subzero temperatures.
Immediately after they are frozen, your eggs will be placed into one of our liquid nitrogen storage containers for safe-keeping. At the Advanced Fertility Preservation Institute, we provide storage for our patients to give them peace of mind during this process. Our state-of-the-art facility is licensed for preservation by the State of Illinois and has all of the proper technology in place to assure the safe, long-term preservation of your eggs.
If you and your partner plan on freezing embryos, your partner will be asked to provide a sperm sample (see What to Expect: Sperm Preservation) during your procedure. The sperm will then be used to fertilize the extracted, matured follicles. Embryos will also undergo the same analysis and will be stored in the facility. In our facility, we have had success using embryos preserved for nearly 15 years.
5) Pregnancy
Once you are ready to move forward with pregnancy, please call Dr. Miller’s office at (630) 428-2229 and the staff can walk you through this next part of the journey.
* If there are concerns regarding history, questions that arise during the lab evaluation, or if a patient wishes, she can consult directly with Dr. Miller. Please note, additional fees will apply.
Egg Preservation Cost
Although egg preservation may be a good option for you, it is important to understand the costs associated with treatment and storage. For virtually all patients, except when the diagnosis is cancer, only a small portion of the cost may be covered by health insurance. Please check with your insurance provider for specific policy coverage.
As part of your initial evaluation, it is important that you review everything carefully and discuss any questions you may have with our financial counselor. Although we believe it is vital to provide you with current pricing, it is impossible to provide you with an exact cost, as each patient has a treatment cycle that is tailored to meet her needs.
COST FOR ONE CYCLE OF EGG PRESERVATION*
Total ESTIMATED cost of basic cycle including anesthesia, medications and preservation & storage for 1 (one) year | |
Total estimate cost - Healy Pharmacy | $9,100.37 |
Total estimate cost - Freedom Pharmacy | $10,144.56 |
Ovarian Stimulation | |
Initial consultation with a Fertility Preservation Coordinator | Complimentary |
Initial consultation with Dr. Miller** | $250.00 |
Additional follow-up with Dr. Miller** | $160.00 |
Serum Estradiol blood levels | $250.00 |
Serum Progesterone blood levels | $142.00 |
Venipuncture | $82.00 |
Baseline ultrasound | $380.00 |
Daily follicular ultrasounds | $1,200.00 |
Egg Retrieval | |
Follicular puncture professional fee/MD | $1,200.00 |
Ultrasound guidance for needle aspiration | $425.00 |
IVF Lab Fees | |
Oocyte identification from follicular fluid | $885.00 |
Procedure Tray | $300.00 |
Medication fee options | |
Total Medication Estimate Cost - Healy Pharmacy | $3,811.37 |
Total Medication Estimate Cost - Freedom Pharmacy*** | $4,855.56 |
Lake Anesthesia | |
Anesthesia pricing | $425.00 |
Additional fees | |
First year of cryopreservation | Included |
Each additional year of storage | $500.00 |
Financing Options
Prosper Healthcare Lending
Prosper Healthcare Lending is the premier financing company in the healthcare industry. Prosper offers our patients affordable payment plans through their simple online approval system and is 100% confidential.
Click below to view your financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Women Undergoing Egg Preservation
This page is meant to be educational only, and is not meant to give any advice. For personalized advice, please make an appointment with our Fertility Preservation Coordinator (FPC). For a list of frequently asked questions regarding men interested in sperm preservation, click here.
Egg preservation (freezing) is an advanced technology that allows you to freeze and store your eggs in subzero temperatures. Later, when you are ready to become pregnant, the eggs can be thawed, fertilized with sperm and transferred to the uterus as embryos.
Regardless of the reason you would like to freeze your eggs, during your free consultation, our FPC will go over your medical history and eligibility with you to determine if egg preservation is right for you.
Once determined you are a candidate, your ovaries are initially stimulated with fertility treatment medications to enhance the number and quality of eggs produced. Your eggs are then extracted, analyzed, preserved and stored in subzero temperatures until you are ready to proceed with pregnancy.* At that point, the eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm and transferred to the uterus as an embryo (once the egg is fertilized by the sperm the product is referred to as an embryo).
* Should you wish to freeze embryos, please alert the FPC during your consultation.
Yes, egg preservation is safe for women. Because the medications must be delivered via injections, one may experience pain at the site of the injection. However, the pain can subside immediately or as treatment is completed. Of course, due to the nature of the medications administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, there is risk that the ovaries may hyperstimulate. While hyperstimulation is a rare occurrence, you may note temporary discomfort and fluid collection in your abdomen. Other very rare risks include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding or infection. The FPC monitors the patient closely to reduce the chance of this taking place.
During egg retrieval, you must undergo sedation performed by board certified registered nurse anesthetists. Together, you will review your medical history to ensure your safety. You are monitored by the anesthesiologist during and before the procedure. Once the procedure has concluded, please remember that you must have someone to accompany you home. You may experience discomfort/cramping after the procedure, and the FPC will discuss this and pain relief with you before you leave.
Egg preservation is a technology that has helped many different women for a number of reasons and is particularly beneficial for the following:
- Women who are advancing in age and want the option to have a child later on
- Women who want to want to delay childbearing due to personal, educational, or career goals
- Women diagnosed with cancer
- Women suffering from medical conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and/or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Women with diabetes, autoimmune conditions, kidney and/or liver disease and eating disorders
- Women with a family history of early menopause
Read more about common reasons women choose to freeze their eggs.
No. Given the large number of eggs a women has in her lifetime, the process of egg preservation will not diminish your ability to produce eggs naturally or conceive naturally.
For optimal chances for pregnancy, you may decide to undergo more than one stimulation cycle. Of course, this differs from patient to patient so Dr. Miller will assess the situation on a case by case basis.
For women undergoing medical treatments, more than one stimulation cycle may not be an option due to time sensitive therapies. Dr. Miller will collaborate with you and additional medical teams to discuss timing and available options.
From the time a woman is born, her number of eggs begin to diminish. Between the ages of 35-37, the quality of those eggs declines as well, making it harder for her to conceive12-13
While eggs can be frozen at any age, it is ideal for patients to preserve eggs in their late 20’s or early 30’s; that is, before the decline in quality.
Additionally, medical concerns that may impact fertility can affect women at any age. We are here to help and will assess the need and advantage of egg preservation for each case.
Immediately after they are frozen, the eggs will be placed into one of our liquid nitrogen storage containers for safe-keeping. At the Advanced Fertility Preservation Institute, we provide storage for our patients to give them peace of mind during this process.
Our state-of-the-art facility is licensed for preservation by the State of Illinois and has all of the proper technology in place to assure the safe long-term preservation of your eggs.
Unused eggs can be discarded or used for research. These options can be discussed with the FPC.
Prior to a stimulation cycle, you will be invited to participate in a free consultation. Once that takes place, we will set up an appointment for additional testing and evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for egg preservation. If so, the FPC will set up a plan for the stimulation cycle for egg preservation. The preservation process can take anytime between 10-12 days based on the start of your period, while the overall process may be 8-10 weeks from start to finish.
The amount of appointments will range from person to person depending on progress and known medical conditions, but once stimulation begins, you can expect to visit the office every 2-3 days.
The medications used for ovarian stimulation can be prescribed through Freedom Fertility Pharmacy (800-660-4283), a national pharmacy or Healy Pharmacy (630-357-2900) in Naperville, IL.
We understand your reservations about the needles and injections that must be used to stimulate egg numbers, quality and maturation. Whether you are freezing your eggs or embryos with or without a partner, the FPC will provide a thorough tutorial on how and where to inject the needles. Additionally, if the dose changes during the course of treatment, per Dr. Miller’s recommendation, our team will provide you with very clear and detailed instructions. Our team will be available should you have any questions, concerns or it is determined you need assistance with the injections.
You can expect pain at the site of the injections, however the pain can subside immediately or as treatment is completed. Of course, due to the nature of the medications administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, there is risk that the ovaries may hyperstimulate. While hyperstimulation is a rare occurrence, you may note temporary discomfort and fluid collection in your abdomen. Other very rare risks include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding or infection. The FPC monitors the patient closely to reduce the chances of this taking place.
During egg retrieval, you must undergo sedation performed by board certified anesthesiologists. Together, you will review your medical history to ensure your safety. You are monitored by the nurse anesthetist throughout the procedure. Once the procedure has concluded, please remember that you must have someone to accompany you home. You may experience discomfort/cramping after the procedure, and the FPC will discuss this and pain relief with you before you leave.
When you are ready to have children, please contact Dr. Miller’s office and our team will discuss next steps with you.
There are two medication options to choose from. Should you move forward with Healy Pharmacy, the overall cost estimate is $9,100.37. If you decide to use Freedom Pharmacy as your provider, the overall cost estimate is $10,144.56.*
There is a one-time storage set-up fee of $1,500 and each subsequent year is $500 for storage. If for any reason a patient wishes to discontinue their storage at our facilities within the first six months of their annual contract, the second six months will be refunded.
We also offer a six months free storage referral bonus. For anyone who refers a patient, they will receive six months of free storage. In addition, the patient who is referred to us will receive six months of free storage.
*All costs are estimated and not guaranteed; type and number of tests/procedures may vary due to individual outcomes. Fees quoted are for the egg preservation cycle only and not for any preceding diagnostic tests.
For virtually all patients, except when the diagnosis is cancer, only a small portion of the cost may be covered by health insurance. Please check with your insurance provider for specific policy coverage. Nevertheless, our insurance representative will evaluate your coverage on an individual basis.
In an effort to provide you with the best financing available, we have partnered with Prosper Healthcare Lending. Prosper is the premier financing company in the healthcare industry and provides low interest rate plans with longer terms to make it affordable for our patients. Financing through Prosper is 100% confidential and is quick and easy.
FOR MEN
COMMON REASONS MEN CHOOSE TO FREEZE THEIR SPERM
For a list of common reasons women choose to freeze their eggs, click here.
When it comes to men and fertility, a common myth is that men are able to reproduce well into their lifetime without many issues (unlike their female counterparts). It may be surprising to learn that, in fact, male fertility also declines. A significant decline in sperm number occurs after the age of 34 and the time it takes to achieve pregnancy is significantly longer after the age of 45. This decline in fertility is not as time sensitive as it is in women; however, the association clearly exists33,34.
Following are a few reasons why men choose to freeze their sperm.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment
For men, the most important reason to preserve their semen is because of medical issues, particularly cancer.
Cancers of the endocrine glands or endocrine-related organs may impair the hormones that stimulate puberty and fertility.
Surgery that requires removal of the affected area, including the prostate (which makes semen), bladder, one or both testicles or the pelvic lymph nodes, may compromise fertility. Damage to the pelvic nerves and vasculature (blood vessels) during surgery may also effect fertility as well.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation may damage sperm, inhibit the ability to make new sperm or stop the production of semen35.
To find out more about how we help newly diagnosed cancer patients preserve their fertility, click here.
Vasectomy
Men who are about to undergo a vasectomy may wish to store sperm as an added insurance to prevent future fertility treatments either to reverse the vasectomy or extract sperm if pregnancy is desired in the future.
Further reason
Additional medical conditions or treatment thereof, and environmental issues in the workplace may lead to a deterioration of sperm quality over time – numbers, movement or structure may cause erectile dysfunction and/or ejaculatory distrubance36.
By preserving your fertility before degradation of sperm is noted, you will have the best opportunity to have the family that you and your partner desire.
Luckily for men, the process for freezing sperm is less invasive on the body and is not as demanding in dollars and time as it is for women.
What to Expect: Sperm Preservation
1) Consultation
You will first meet with our Fertility Preservation Coordinator (FPC) to evaluate your medical history, perform a semen analysis and ultimately determine eligibility in our sperm cryopreservation program.
2) Testing
During a semen analysis, sperm will be evaluated based on volume and viscosity of semen and sperm count, motility, swimming speed and shape.
3) Sperm collection, evaluation and storage
Once you are ready to preserve your sperm, the procedure itself is quite simple. An appointment will be arranged to preserve the sperm. If your residence is within 30 minutes of the office, sperm collection can be performed in the privacy of your home. However, most of our male patients choose to come to our office, where a private semen collection room is at your disposal.
Semen must be collected through masturbation after abstinence of 3-5 days. Sperm will then be evaluated and results will be communicated to you.
Adequate sperm will be separated and cryopreserved in subzero temperatures. Immediately after they are frozen, your sperm will be placed into one of our liquid nitrogen storage containers for safe-keeping.
At the Advanced Fertility Preservation Institute, we provide storage for our patients to give them peace of mind during this process. Our state-of-the-art facility is licensed for preservation by the State of Illinois and has all of the proper technology in place to assure the safe, long-term preservation of your sperm.
If you plan on freezing embryos, you will provide a sample at the time of your partner’s egg retrieval (see What to Expect: Egg Preservation). The sperm will be used to fertilize the extracted, matured eggs. Embryos will also undergo the same analysis and will be stored in the facility. In our facility, we have had success using embryos preserved for nearly 15 years.
4) Pregnancy
Once you are ready to move forward with pregnancy, please call Dr. Miller’s office at (630) 428-2229 and the staff can walk you through this next part of the journey.
Sperm Preservation Cost
Although sperm preservation may be a good option for you, it is important to understand the costs associated with collection and storage. Across the board, insurance carriers do not typically cover sperm cryopreservation. Please check with your insurance provider for specific policy coverage.
As part of your initial evaluation, it is important that you review everything carefully and discuss any questions you may have with our financial counselor. Although we believe it is vital to provide you with current pricing, it is impossible to provide you with an exact cost, as each patient has a treatment cycle that is tailored to meet his needs.
WHAT ARE THE OVERALL COST ESTIMATES OF SPERM PRESERVATION?
Sperm Cryopreservation | $250.00 |
Sperm/Semen storage 1 year | 200.00 |
Specimen handling fee | 50.00 |
TOTAL | $500.00 |
All costs are estimated and not guaranteed; type and number of tests/procedures may vary due to individual outcomes. Fees quoted are for sperm preservation cycle only and not for any preceding diagnostic tests.
Financing Options
Prosper Healthcare Lending
Prosper Healthcare Lending is the premier financing company in the healthcare industry. Prosper offers our patients affordable payment plans through their simple online approval system and is 100% confidential.
Click below to view your financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Men Undergoing Sperm Preservation
This page is meant to be educational only, and is not meant to give any advice. For personalized advice, please make an appointment with our Fertility Preservation Coordinator (FPC).
For a list FAQs for women undergoing egg preservation, click here.
Sperm preservation is an option for men who are concerned about decreased fertility. It uses advanced technology that allows you to freeze and store your sperm in subzero temperatures. Later, when you are ready for children, the sperm can be thawed and used to fertilize an egg that will be transferred to the uterus for development and subsequent pregnancy.
Sperm preservation is a technology that has helped many different men for a number of reasons and is particularly beneficial for the following reasons:
- Like their female counterparts, male fertility also declines. However, according to a study conducted in Fertility and Sterility the rate at which male fertility declines is not as time sensitive as that in women33
- Cancer treatment or other medical treatments that may affect fertility
- A voluntary decision to undergo a vasectomy, with the option to have kids later on
- Medical conditions or treatment thereof, and environmental issues in the workplace may lead to a deterioration of sperm quality over time — numbers, movement or structure — or may cause erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory disturbance
Regardless of the reason you would like to preserve your sperm, it is worthwhile to find out more about our program and explore your options by scheduling a free consultation with our FPC. The next step would be to consult with our FPC to evaluate your medical history, perform a semen analysis and ultimately determine eligibility in our sperm preservation program.
Semen must be collected through masturbation after abstinence of 3-5 days. Once you are ready to preserve your sperm, the procedure itself is quite simple. An appointment will be arranged to preserve the sperm. Once collected, the sperm will be evaluated, preserved and stored in subzero temperatures until you are ready to proceed with pregnancy.* At that point, the sperm is thawed and used to fertilize an egg, which is then transferred to the uterus as an embryo (once the egg is fertilized by the sperm the product is referred to as an embryo).
*Should you have a partner and wish to freeze embryos you may do so. Please alert the FPC during your consultation.
If your residence is within 30 minutes of the office, sperm collection can be performed in the privacy of your home. However, most of our male patients choose to come to our office, where a private semen collection room is at your disposal.
Yes, sperm preservation is safe for the baby. There appears to be no increased risk of birth defects with cryopreserved sperm.
Immediately after they are frozen, your sperm will be placed into one of our liquid nitrogen storage containers for safe-keeping. At the Advanced Fertility Preservation Institute, we provide long-term storage for our patients to give them peace of mind during this process. Our state-of-the-art facility is licensed for cryopreservation by the State of Illinois and has all of the proper technology in place to assure the safe cryopreservation of your sperm.
Once sperm has been frozen, no time limit has been established.
Frozen sperm can be stored indefinitely and remain viable. However, every instance is unique and the amount of viable sperm may vary from person to person.
Research demonstrates sperm preservation yields high rates of pregnancy In fact, specifically for cancer patients, preserved sperm resulted in live births for 49% of patients5
We recommend storing at least three samples separated by 48 hours of abstinence. If you are freezing due to an upcoming medical treatment we would need to have the sample taken prior to chemotherapy treatment or surgery. If you have time for one specimen, you are encouraged to bank your sperm because each specimen is divided into vials and may be used for multiple fertility procedures. The FPC will collaborate with the patient and additional medical teams to discuss timing and available options.
Post ejaculation, sperm counts return to normal within 48 hours. Therefore, sperm preservation will have no long term effect on sperm production.
If problems are noted with the semen analysis, (i.e. volume, count, sperm movement, or the structure of the sperm), further testing and perhaps evaluation with a male reproductive specialist (andrologist) may be required.
Unused sperm can be discarded or used for research. These options can be discussed with the FPC.
When you are ready to have children, please contact Dr. Miller’s office and our team will discuss next steps with you.
Although sperm preservation may be a good option for you, it is important to understand the costs associated with collection and storage. Across the board, insurance carriers do not typically cover sperm cryopreservation. Please check with your insurance provider for specific policy coverage.
Our goal at the Advanced IVF Institute and the Advanced Gynecologic Surgery institute is to provide the best care possible. Please fill out the form below to request a consultation with us.