It's so easy to collect that we've stored approximately 2 trillion sperm
When we launched the first at-home collection kit over 20 years ago, we innovated the space making it easier for folks to collect their sperm from the privacy of their homes. Today, we're still keeping it simple so that anyone can safely store their sperm without office visits, time off work, or awkward encounters.
Important Notes to Remember Before You Collect
-
Abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days before collection.
-
Immediately refrigerate the transport media. Keep in fridge until you are ready to collect. DO NOT FREEZE.
-
Plan to collect and ship on the same day. Samples dropped off on Saturdays or Sundays will not be processed.
Here's How You Analyze and Preserve Your Sperm:
Step 1: Enroll
Order your kit(s) by 5pm PST and it will be delivered to your door tomorrow if it is Monday - Thursday. Special arrangements can be made for Saturday deliveries.
Step 2: Collect & Send to the Lab
It's crucial that you follow the instructions in detail once you receive your kit. We pulled together a detailed page with everything you need to know when you first get your kit, how to prep for your collection, what's important for collection, and how to ensure the highest quality sample.
Step 3: Receive Your Report
Upon receipt of your sample, our clinical team will evaluate your sperm sample to ensure it is viable and ready for processing and storage. Our rigorous sample testing protocol includes volume, count, concentration, total motility, and morphology (enhanced analysis). You will receive a comprehensive fertility health report within 3 business days.
Step 4: Processing
We store all the sperm you produce, dividing the specimen into equalized vials. Equalizing your specimen means that no matter how large your sample is, each individual vial will contain a similar number of sperm cells. Consistency in sperm count from vial to vial is crucial when you wish to retrieve only 1 or 2 vials for insemination. The average ejaculate produces 3 vials.
The next day after processing, an aliquot will be thawed and thoroughly tested. This is called a post-thaw analysis. We take this extra step to ensure that each sample can successfully withstand the entire cryogenic process, be thawed out, and still be viable.
Step 5: Storage
Your sample will be maintained in a stainless-steel cryogenic tank filled with liquid nitrogen. The average temperature in these vessels is -196°C. The temperature is constantly monitored by a computer-controlled probe. As an additional precaution, a manual reading is periodically taken.
The room containing these tanks is secured by an access control system so only authorized personnel can enter. An alarm system alerts staff if the room’s security has been breached or if the temperature in the tank becomes abnormal. This system also electronically notifies a 24-7 manned call center.
Back-up electrical systems keep critical equipment working in case of a power failure. In any event, a full tank can typically hold an adequate temperature without a refill of coolant for approximately five days.
Step 6: Infectious Disease Testing
Infectious disease testing is not required to store your sample; however, it will most likely be required to release or use your sample in the future. Most fertility clinics require infectious disease testing to be completed within +/-60 days of your last collection. Visit your physician or your local lab to get these tests:
- HIV-1 and HIV-2 (HIV I/II NAT)
- HTLV-1 and HTLV-2
- Blood Type Test
- Chlamydia (Trachomatis) & Gonorrhea Test
- Hepatitis B (HBsAg & HBc)
- Hepatitis C (HCV NAT)
- Syphilis (RPR)
- West Nile Virus (NAT-Only tested June – Oct)
Fax your results to (404) 795-9126
Interested in retrieval?
If you ever wish to retrieve your sample(s), simply contact our team. We will send you a Withdrawal Form to begin your process. You will need to complete this and email it back to us. Upon receipt, we will begin the approval process and work in direct coordination with your fertility center.
When the approval process is complete, a shipping and release fee will be assessed, and your sample will be prepared.
Once all shipping and release fees have been paid in full, we will ship your samples to the facility requested. Please allow 30 days notice prior to anticipated release date for all paperwork to be completed, samples to be retrieved, and cryogenic shipping arrangements to be made to your treatment facility.
Questions? We're here to help: (800) 619-7869
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW IT WORKS
How much sperm should I store?
The easiest answer is that the more sperm you store, the more likely you will conceive. Each IVF round usually needs about 3 vials of sperm for a successful insemination. Our most common order is two kits so that you can store at least two collections.
When is the fastest that I can get a collection kit?
We can offer kits next day Monday - Friday and they can be sent in to our lab Monday - Thursdays.
How long can my sperm be stored?
At this time, scientists believe sperm cryogenically stored doesn't have an expiration. Successful inseminations have been made with sperm 30 years old.
Do I have to ship it the same day as collection?
Yes! Please plan your collection to be near early afternoon so you can drop off your collection kit the same day and it is sent overnight to our lab.