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To view ReproTech's fee schedule and Financial Assistance Programs,
To view the cost for ReproTech's
OverNite Male Kit,
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To view the procedures, success rates and costs associated with cryopreserved sperm,
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Module 2, Supportive Care", now available from ASCO and LIVESTRONG's
an education curriculum for physicians designed to build awareness of and provide training to address the challenges of treating adolescent and young adult patients with cancer. |
A national group of societies with the mission of promoting public health and public awareness of male reproductive issues has launched the
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Fertility Preservation Options for Men (Part II) |
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Sperm Banking/Cryopreservation |
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The most common and easiest method of fertility preservation is by utilizing cryopreservation, the ultra-low temperature of cells or groups of cells. Human sperm was first cryopreserved in the 1950's, and has been in widespread use since the 1980's.
- How long can cryopreserved tissues be stored? We really can rely only on some complicated calculations which estimate the answer to be 2,000 to 4,000 years. Damage occurs to the cells during freezing and thawing, not while frozen. Sperm storage periods of more than 28 years prior to pregnancy have been documented, and this record is sure to be broken.
- Sperm Banking is a simple way to preserve infertility, with a generally high success rate. There are many sperm banks and fertility clinics in the U.S. where a man may freeze/bank his sperm. Specimens are collected through masturbation. Ideally, there should be a 48 hour period of abstinence prior to collection of the specimen. BUT, the collection of the specimen, even with short abstinence, is more important than adhering to the 48 hour abstinence period. While collecting multiple specimens is generally better than the collection of only one specimen, we know that with today's advanced technologies multiple attempts at pregnancy can occur from even the collection of one specimen which is frozen into 4-7 vials. It is desirable to bank all specimens prior to beginning treatment, however recent studies have indicated that viable samples may be collected after the initiation of some forms of treatment.
- Reprotech offers a mail-in kit, OverNite Male, which enables a man to produce a specimen at home or in the hospital, and ship it directly to our processing facility.
Costs of Sperm Banking: Vary depending on number of specimens banked and fees for blood testing, but generally can be completed for less than $1500. Storage fees also vary, depending on the storage facility, but are in the $275-500 per year range. Shipping fees may also apply. Financial assistance programs exist to help with the costs. |
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Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (TESE) |
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TESE is a needle biopsy to obtain individual sperm from testicular tissue. If sperm cells are found they are removed and used immediately or frozen for future use.
Costs of TESE: Wide range in the cost due to many factors such as hospital fees and anesthesias. In the $6000-16,000 range. |
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Electroejaculation uses a probe attached to an electric current to induce ejaculation. Once ejaculation is released, it is then collected and prepared for use in artificial insemination or frozen for future use. EEJ requires general anesthesia in all patients who have abdominal and perirectal sensation. Men with spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis or impotence due to surgical procedures are typical candidates for this procedure.
Costs of electroejaculation: together with insemination, treatment will range in cost between $10,000-15,000. |
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Testicular Tissue Freezing - Experimental |
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Testicular tissue freezing is an outpatient procedure that can be done before or after cancer treatments. Testicular tissue is surgically removed and frozen for future use. This method is considered experimental, with no live births as yet, but may be the best possible option for pre-prubescent boys.
Costs of testicular tissue freezing: Only available at a few centers in the U.S., and average cost varies. A few centers may be doing research studies that pay for the costs. |
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The use of shielding to reduce the dose of radiation delivered to the testes may be discussed with a physician. Radiation shielding does not protect against chemotherapy, but is another possible option for pre-pubescent boys.
Costs of testicular shielding: Usually included in the cost of radiation treatment. |
| Click here to view previous issues of Fertility Preservation 101. |
| January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month |
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.
For more information, please visit the National Cervical Cancer Coalition's website,
Click here for each states' listing of info on free or low-cost mammograms and pap tests. |
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 has been providing safe and secure long term reproductive tissue storage since 1990. ReproTech's Fertility Preservation Network provides fertility preservation services at 90+ locations in more than 30 states and the Caribbean.
Click here to view our credentials. |
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