
The freezing and storage of a semen sample, often referred to as sperm banking or cryopreservation, is the most common way for men to preserve their fertility. Unlike the process women undergo to freeze eggs or embryos, sperm freezing is quick and easy, widely available, and relatively inexpensive.
There are many reasons you may want to consider freezing sperm. One is age. Because men experience more fertility problems after the age of 40, sperm freezing may be a good idea if you’re growing older and are:
- Undecided about future children
- Currently focused on other life events
- Still searching for the right partner
- Aware that your sperm count is low
- Aware that your sperm quality is decreasing
You may consider freezing your sperm for other reasons, too, including if you are:
- Undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
- Having a vasectomy and could change your mind
- Unable to produce a sample at the time of fertility treatment
- Being deployed overseas in the US military
- Surgically transitioning from male to female

What to expect
Know that there are many things that can affect sperm production. Your cryobank may recommend you provide more than one sample to improve your chances of having a child in the future.
Understand the fertility preservation process, how cryopreservation works, and your options for payment.