If you found your sperm donor on an online database, then there’s a chance that the sperm bank is out of state.
Each cryobank works differently, but we can still help you get a better understanding of how shipping frozen sperm might work for your surrogacy journey. To start working on your surrogacy planning questionnaire, fill out our online contact form at any time. We can help you complete this while you wait for the embryos to get ready.
Can You Ship Frozen Sperm?
Yes, you can ship frozen sperm. Some cryobanks have their shipping methods listed on their websites, so be sure to check your cryobank’s site to see if they have that information available for you to read. Still, shipping frozen sperm can be a process that will vary from bank to bank, so check with the cryobank itself to see what it is that you need to do.
How Shipping Frozen Sperm Works
Shipping frozen sperm often starts with the selection of a donor and ordering sperm, but there are other methods to it, too. For instance, there is day-of shipping. In this case, if it's shipped to your home, then you will need to be there to receive it. If it's shipped to your clinic, then you will not need to be to your home.
By shipping it to your home, your clinic will most likely send a nitrogen tank designed for storage along with thorough instructions. Most people aren't used to receiving frozen shipments, so be sure to read the instructions front-to-back if you decide to go this route.
How Long Does Frozen Sperm Last When Shipped?
When shipped, the timeframe for keeping the sperm frozen will vary depending on the cryobank that you choose to work with. Some banks will use a large nitrogen tank to keep sperm straws frozen for approximately 12 days, beginning on the date of shipment. Other banks’ shipments will remain frozen for up to five days after shipment. It also depends on the size of the liquid nitrogen tank.
Other techniques cryobanks use include fastening the inner canister, or vapor tank, and using a cable tie to prevent the nitrogen tank from being tampered with. Many will also include thawing instructions for the medical personnel who are handling the tank and specimens.
Before working with a cryobank, be sure to ask about their storage techniques and how long you can expect the frozen sperm to remain usable.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Frozen Sperm?
The cost of shipping frozen sperm will be based on how far you are located from the cryobank. It will also depend on whether you opt for overnight priority shipping, overnight standard shipping or same-day shipping, as these options will likely come with a fee. Otherwise, many banks’ shipments are pre-paid both ways.
The shipping cost will also be affected by where the surrogate mother will receive treatment. To give a more specific example, the bank Cryos International includes:
- A late order fee of $125 for same-day and next-day shipping orders, including orders placed after noon EST for same-day shipping or shipping frozen sperm the next working day
- Overnight priority shipping for $350
- Overnight standard shipping for $280
If you would like to get a head start on your surrogacy journey by filling out the surrogacy planning questionnaire, then please reach out to us online. We can help you get that ready while you wait for the embryos to be prepared.