Proudly part of the City Fertility Network
Proudly part of the City Fertility Network
Sperm freezing and storage is a safe and reliable way to preserve sperm to have children later in life. Using the most advanced cryopreservation techniques sperm cells are frozen in liquid nitrogen at minus 196°C, where they can remain viable for years, even decades. Whether you’re preparing for medical treatment like chemotherapy or vasectomy that may affect fertility, sperm banking gives you control and peace of mind.
We offer long-term sperm storage options in our secure, accredited facilities, giving you flexibility and confidence for the future.
There are many reasons individuals may choose sperm freezing. It provides a safeguard in situations where fertility may be impacted or when planning for future family building. Common reasons for banking sperm include:
If you have a cancer diagnosis and want to understand fertility preservation before starting treatment, we’re here to help. Discover how sperm freezing can safeguard your future family plans. Learn more in our sperm freezing for cancer patients page.
To begin the sperm freezing process, please ask your GP or specialist for a referral to see one of the specialists at City Fertility. Ideally, before your first appointment, pathology screening, including blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, should be completed. These screenings help reduce the risk of contamination during sperm storage, as these infections may be transmitted through semen.
Once your results are available, contact our team to schedule an appointment to provide your sample at the clinic. At this stage, you will be asked to complete a consent form for banking sperm, which is valid for up to 10 years.
The number of samples required for sperm storage varies depending on your situation. Most people freeze between two and five samples, although some choose to freeze more. Factors such as how soon surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment is scheduled may influence your decision.
We recommend abstaining from ejaculation for at least two days before providing your first sample, and for about two days between each sample. However, avoid waiting more than five days before the first collection to help maintain sperm quality.
There is no scientific limit on how long sperm can be kept in sperm storage when frozen correctly. The standard storage period in Australia is 10 years, though this can be extended in certain circumstances. City Fertility will advise you on whether your sperm freezing period can be extended and help with the consent process for banking sperm beyond the standard term.
It’s important to keep your contact details up to date. You can withdraw consent and request the disposal of your stored sperm in writing at any time.
Yes, sperm quality can vary from person to person, and may be affected by factors such as age, lifestyle, medical history or underlying health conditions. In some cases, such as before undergoing cancer treatment, sperm quality may already be reduced, which can impact the number of viable specimens.
If you’re unsure about your fertility or considering sperm freezing, speak to our team to learn more about your options and next steps.
Research shows no difference in the rates of abnormalities or birth defects between children conceived using fresh versus frozen sperm. However, some chemotherapy drugs may have unknown effects on sperm quality or offspring.
That’s why we recommend freezing sperm prior to treatment where possible. Sperm storage before chemotherapy allows for the best chance of preserving fertility using healthy samples.
If you have a cancer diagnosis, learn more about how sperm freezing can safeguard your future family. Read more
If you decide not to continue sperm storage, you may choose from the following options:
Written consent is required for all options. Please get in touch with our fertility coordinators to discuss the next steps.
The cost of sperm freezing is $660. City Fertility freezing fees include 6 months’ complimentary storage for sperm.
At City Fertility, sperm freezing involves an upfront fee that covers the procedure and an initial complimentary storage period. After this, ongoing storage fees apply, which can be paid monthly or annually. Fees remain the same regardless of the number of samples stored and are non-refundable. Additional charges may apply if samples are transferred to another provider. Visit our pricing page for a detailed breakdown.
Eligible patients may also access the Australian Government’s ART Storage Funding Program, which helps reduce storage costs for those undergoing cancer treatment or affected by genetic conditions. Learn more in our sperm freezing for cancer patients guide.
For a personalised quote or assistance with funding support, please call 1300 354 354 or email contactus@cityfertility.com.au.
When stored correctly in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, frozen sperm can remain viable for decades. There is no scientific time limit on how long sperm can be preserved. In fact, pregnancies have been successfully achieved using sperm stored for over 20 years. The quality of the sample at the time of freezing is more important than the length of storage.
Yes, frozen sperm can be used in IVF and ICSI treatments. While there may be a slight reduction in motility compared to fresh samples, fertilisation and pregnancy rates remain comparable when handled by experienced fertility clinics.
There is no significant difference in success rates between fresh and frozen sperm in most cases. For example, ICSI using frozen sperm has a fertilisation rate of around 70–80%.
Clinically screened, high-quality sperm with strong motility and morphology are considered best for pregnancy outcomes, whether fresh or frozen. Your fertility specialist will assess sample suitability before use.
Sperm freezing at City Fertility includes an upfront fee covering the procedure and an initial complimentary storage period. Ongoing non-refundable storage fees apply (monthly or annual), regardless of the number of samples. Additional charges may apply for transfers.
For details, visit our pricing page or contact us on 1300 354 354 / contactus@cityfertility.com.au.”
No, sperm must be frozen and stored under strict clinical conditions to remain viable. At-home storage is not safe or effective. If you’re considering sperm freezing, please contact us to learn more about proper storage options.
There are several treatment options available to help you and your partner achieve pregnancy. The recommended approach will depend on the number of samples stored and the quality of the sperm before and after freezing. Your partner may also need to complete some routine fertility investigations as part of the process.
Please inform your City Fertility specialist if you wish to use your frozen sperm sample. Your embryologist will assess the sample and share the post-thaw results with your specialist to determine the most appropriate next steps. If the sperm quality is suitable after thawing, it may be used in Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI). If the sample is affected by illness, treatment, or lower motility, your specialist may recommend In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). ICSI is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
To find out more about sperm freezing, please read our fact sheet: Sperm freezing.
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