Sperm banking is, in most cases, a simple and straightforward
process. It is not time consuming nor "appointment intensive."
Although the process differs slightly between cryobanks, the basic
procedure remains similar:
* An appointment is set with the laboratory to meet with a lab
representative, review your case history and medical background,
and to fill out necessary paperwork.
* Many labs require an initial test freeze of the sperm before
actually conducting the banking and they may require that you
return for a second appointment. Some labs conduct the tests and
banking during your first visit.
* You may be given a choice of producing a specimen at home or at
the lab site. If you choose to collect at a laboratory you will be
given a private room. Visual material may also be made available to
you. If you choose to collect at home you will be given clear and
exact instructions.
* You may choose to bank sperm from one ejaculation (one collection
yields 1-6 vials of sperm). However, in most cases it is desirable
to bank more ejaculates. On average, patients bank three, as the
quality of the sperm often necessitates using more than one vial of
sperm for each attempt to achieve a pregnancy. If you choose to
bank more ejaculates you can do so by setting up further
appointments for future collections. Ideally, you should leave a
minimum of 2 days between appointments to build up your sperm
count.
* The sperm is frozen for as long as you choose to maintain
it.
* When you are ready to use the sperm you notify the bank in
writing. The bank then releases the specimen, shipping it to
whatever physician you request. When and if you want the specimens
destroyed, most facilities will do so only with notarized
instructions from you.
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