Why Sperm Bank?
When does it make sense to bank sperm?
Prior to Cancer or Medical Treatments – Cancer treatments and medical procedures, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can frequently render men infertile. Storing semen prior to treatment opens the door to reproductive capacity in the future.
Before a Vasectomy – While sterility is the goal of a vasectomy, banking sperm may preserve future options for reproduction, and eliminate a need for later surgery or donor semen.
In Assisted Reproductive Procedures – Storing semen prior to an IVF, GIFT, ICSI, or ZIFT procedure assures that the semen will be available when it’s needed.
For Oligozoospermia Patients – When a patient is diagnosed with Oligospermia (low sperm count), banked specimens can be pooled together for use in one insemination. This can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Before Testicular or Prostate Surgery – Sterility can result from testicular or prostate surgery. Storing semen prior to this type of surgery increases the chances of a successful pregnancy in the future.
In the Absence of a Spouse – When couples schedules don’t mesh, or one spouse travels often for extended periods of time, storing semen can allow a woman to obtain specimens when she is ovulating, and ready for insemination.
When occupational risk for sterility is high – Some jobs have a greater chance of causing sterility or interfering with the reproductive process. Storing sperm provides insurance and peace of mind that fertility will be possible in the event of damage to the male reproductive system. Those prone to occupational sterility include:
- Workers exposed to environmentally hazardous materials
- Workers exposed to radiation
- Professional athletes
- Law enforcement officers and fire fighters
- Members of the armed forces