Thinking about freezing your sperm? It’s a smart choice for preserving fertility, but let’s be real—cost is a big factor. We want to make sure you have all the info you need before diving in.
What is Sperm Freezing?
So, what exactly is sperm freezing? It’s the most effective way for guys to safeguard their fertility, giving you the flexibility to focus on what’s important now while keeping the door open for starting a family later. The process is pretty straightforward: we collect your sperm, cool it down, and store it safely. Those frozen samples can be used in treatments like IUI or IVF, allowing you to try for a baby when you’re ready.
Why Should You Consider It?
Just like women, men’s fertility can decline with age, making it tougher to conceive down the line. If you’re planning to undergo gender-affirming surgery, starting treatment for a health issue, or even if you’re about to get a vasectomy, freezing your sperm can provide some peace of mind for future family planning.
The Sperm Freezing Process
Let’s break down the sperm freezing process:
- Fertility and Screening Tests: First, we’ll conduct a semen analysis to check if there’s viable sperm to freeze. We’ll also screen for infections like HIV or hepatitis C. Don’t worry—testing positive won’t stop you from freezing your sperm, but it helps us keep everything safe and separate.
- Semen Sample: Next, you’ll produce a fresh sperm sample, usually at one of our clinics. If that feels awkward, you can even do it at home as long as you bring it in within an hour. Can’t produce a sample? No problem—there’s a procedure called surgical sperm retrieval.
- Sperm Freezing: Once we have your sample, we mix it with a cryoprotectant to shield the sperm during the freezing process. The sample is divided into containers, so you have options when you’re ready for treatment. Finally, we rapidly cool the samples using vitrification and store them in liquid nitrogen tanks.
Cost Breakdown
Now, let’s talk costs. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Fertility assessment: £205
- Sperm freezing cycle: £695 (includes screening and freezing)
- Storage fee: £370 (annually)
For more detailed pricing, check out your local TFP Fertility clinic page.
Payment Options
What about payment options? We offer several funding routes, including repayment plans with Access Fertility and NHS funding, which is usually available for medical reasons.
Additional Resources
If you’re intrigued about sperm freezing, you might also enjoy some success stories, like Sarah and Mia’s journey to conception after many attempts, which you can find in one of our blog posts. Additionally, if you’re looking for authority on home insemination, check out the impregnator kit from Make A Mom, and for more information on treating infertility, visit this excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, sperm freezing is a safe and effective way to protect your fertility, with costs and options available to suit your needs.