A sperm bank, also known as a cryobank, is a specialized facility that manages the collection, testing, preparation, and storage of human sperm for use in assisted reproduction. Cryopreservation involves freezing the samples at extremely low temperatures using liquid nitrogen. This deep-freeze environment pauses the biological activity of the sperm cells, allowing them to be preserved for many years without degradation. The primary function of these facilities is to provide high-quality, screened donor sperm to individuals and couples who cannot conceive otherwise, and to offer storage services for personal fertility preservation.
Who Relies on Sperm Banks for Conception
Primary recipients of banked sperm were historically heterosexual couples struggling with severe male factor infertility, where the male partner produces no sperm or sperm of insufficient quality for conception. This group also includes couples where the male partner carries a genetic disorder they wish to avoid passing on to a child. Today, the main users of donor sperm are often single women and lesbian couples, a trend that has significantly increased the demand for sperm bank services. These individuals and couples rely on sperm banks to achieve pregnancy using procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The Donor Process and Screening Criteria
The selection process for sperm donors is rigorous, ensuring the safety and quality of the samples. Initial candidates must undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history spanning up to four generations, a physical examination, and psychological counseling. Strict health and semen quality standards must be met to proceed with donation.
Donors are screened for infectious diseases and genetic conditions. They are tested for sexually transmitted infections such as HIV-1/2, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea. Genetic testing is also performed to screen for carrier status of various inherited disorders, including Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle Cell disease.
A mandatory quarantine period is required for anonymous donor sperm. After a donor provides a sample, it is frozen and kept in storage for a minimum of six months. The donor must then return for a repeat infectious disease screening to ensure they have not acquired any infections during the “window period” when a new infection might not be detectable by initial testing. Once the follow-up tests are confirmed negative, the sample is released from quarantine and made available for use.
Storing Sperm for Future Personal Use
Sperm banks offer cryopreservation services for individuals to store their own sperm for personal use. This acts as an insurance policy for future fertility, protecting against risks to sperm quality or production. A primary reason for personal storage is an upcoming medical treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation for cancer, which can permanently damage sperm-producing cells in the testes.
Individuals planning to undergo a vasectomy, a surgical procedure that prevents sperm from entering the semen, may also choose to bank sperm in case they later decide to have biological children. Men in high-risk professions, such as those in the military facing deployment, may freeze their sperm to ensure a sample is available for their partner during fertility treatments. While personal storage requires infectious disease testing for safety, the screening is less stringent than for donor sperm, as there is no requirement to assess genetic history or meet high quality standards.