Services

Semen Cryobanking

An option to secure future fertility

What is semen cryobanking?

Semen cryobanking is the collection, freezing, and storage of sperm at a semen bank for future use. Cryobanked sperm is then used in artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and other assisted reproductive procedures which are alternative methods of archeiving pregnancy.

What are the common reasons for semen cryobanking?

Prior to radiation therapy or chemotherapy. These therapies can adversely affect spermatogenesis and may cause sterilization. Recovery of testicular function after therapy is variable and unpredictable; therefore, the only way to protect future fertility is through semen cryobanking.
Prior to surgical procedures which may impair reproductive function.
In cases of oligospermia (low sperm counts) where multiple semen collections and pooling may be desirable for use in a single insemination.
Prior to a vasectomy so as to secure semen specimen should circumstances in one's life change.
Prior to assisted reproductive technologies (i.e., In Vitro Fertilization, Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer, etc.) so as to secure a good quality semen specimen for the prospective procedure.
To preserve semen for deferred inseminations when an intimate partner is temporarily absent.
When exposed to high-risk occupational exposures, such as men who are exposed to environmental toxins such as chemicals, pesticides, lead, radiation, etc.; men in the military; or professional athletes who risk testicular injury.
Prior to transgendering and starting hormone replacement therapy.

Embryo & Oocyte (Egg) Storage

Embryos and or oocytes are transferred from their retrieval location for many reasons including long-term cost, patient relocation, liability issues and space limitations.

Oocyte freezing is the preservation of mature eggs following hormone stimulation and their retrieval. These oocytes (eggs) are cryopreserved and stored to achieve pregnancy at a later time. It is currently offered to women who are interested in preserving their fertility or delaying pregnancy electively, or for those women with a diagnosis at risk of losing their egg reserve and the potential to have a child due to surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.*

To arrange for a transfer:

Contact the facility where your embryos/oocytes are currently stored to advise them that you will be transferring them to our tissue bank. You must provide them with written authorization.
Call us to register and complete all consent forms, and storage agreements necessary for the transfer.
We will need a copy your blood testing results for both your spouse or donor if one was used in the creation of your embryos. An embryology report.
Transport of embryos will be performed by our courier. Our tanks are specially designed to safely transport your embryos.
All storage fees must be prepaid prior to transport of your embryos and or oocytes. The fees include storage and transportation fees. We accept all major credits cards as well as personal checks.

*Repro lab does not perform the procedures required to complete an egg retrieval and is only a long-term storage facility. Upon request, we can provide you with a list of fertility centers in your area which offer these services.

Andrology Laboratory Services

Semen Analysis:

is an essential test for evaluating whether there is a male factor contributing to infertility. It is an effective and non-invasive test. This test measures the normalcy of your semen sample. It includes a determination of color, viscosity (consistency), volume, liquefaction, pH, sperm concentration, percent motility, morphology (assesses the shape and forms), grade of progression (evaluates the quality of the movement) and type and number of non-sperm cells (i.e. white blood cells, red blood cells). Your doctor will usually recommend that at least two semen analysis be performed.

Kruger Strict Morphology:

looks at the functionality of normal appearing sperm. The strict morphology takes a critical look at many individual sperm according to a very strict set of criteria. We closely examine the sperm cells for normal size and shape of the head, mid piece, tail or for any other abnormalities. Even a minor defect in any category rates the sperm as abnormal. Therefore, relatively few sperm are rated as "normal" or perfect (near-perfect) during the strict morphology test.

Viability Test:

determines if non-motile sperm are alive or dead. Sperm viability (vitality) should be assessed if a low percentage of sperm are progressively motile. The percentage of live spermatozoa is determined by identifying sperm with an intact cell membrane. This is done by using a dye exclusion method where dye enters a non-vital (dead) cell due to the damaged plasma membrane. Therefore, viable cells will not appear stained, but non-viable cells will take up the stain.

Centrifugation In Azoospermia:

is required and a standard protocol in our laboratory. IF no sperm cells are observed after examining the semen several times, the sample is centrifuged at high speeds to concentrate the semen sample. The semen sample sediment is then meticulously examined several times.

Fructose Test:

is a test used to differentiate non production of sperm from a blockage, in men with no sperm or a very low sperm count. Fructose is only made in certain glands, the seminal vesicles, which may be absent in men with missing or incomplete ducts.

Post-Ejaculatory Semen Analysis(PEU):

is an analysis of the urine collected after an ejaculation. This test helps to determine if the patient is having a retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation refers to the entry of semen into the bladder instead of going out through the urethra during ejaculation.

Antisperm Antibody Test:

helps to determine if there is an immunologic factor contributing to infertility. Antisperm antibodies can be produced by both men and women. Men can form antisperm antibodies against their own sperm and women can generate antibodies against their partnerÕs sperm. An antisperm antibody test looks for special proteins called antibodies that fight against a man's sperm in blood, vaginal fluids, or semen. The test uses a sample of sperm and adds a substance that binds only to the affected sperm.

DNA Fragmentation Test:

is an analysis of the sperm DNA integrity. A high level of DNA fragmentation in sperm cells may represent a cause of male infertility. Elevated levels of DNA fragmentation above the critical threshold can significantly compromise the possibility of a successful pregnancy. Information about sperm DNA integrity may help in the clinical diagnosis, management and treatment of male infertility and may be of prognostic value in assessing the outcome of assisted reproductive treatment.

Sperm Penetration Assay:

is used to evaluate sperm function in cases of unexplained infertility and to determine the fertilizing potential of severely oligospermic men (men with low sperm counts). This test measures the ability of the sperm to penetrate hamster ova.

Sperm Washing:

is ordered prior to intrauterine insemination because it removes chemicals which may cause adverse reactions in the uterus. It also enhances the fertilizing capacity of the sperm and is thus recommended in cases of immunologic, male- factor, or unexplained infertility. Sperm washing involves removing the seminal plasma and any cryoprotectant from the specimen. We offer the basic sperm wash technique using dilution and centrifugation; the Density Gradient Wash using density gradient centrifugation to isolate and purify the motile sperm; and Swim-up Wash using self-migration to obtain a sperm sample with a motility of at least 90%.

Sex Pre-Selection:

may be used to increase the chances of having a child of a certain sex. The technique we use is based on the premise that sperm cells carrying a Y chromosome (male) move faster than those carrying an X chromosome (female). As the sperm cells move through an albumin solution, sperm separate according to whether they carry an X or Y chromosome. The woman can then be artificially inseminated with X or Y bearing sperm depending on the sex she desires for her baby.

Semen Culture:

tests for the presence of bacteria in your semen. Your doctor or healthcare provider will determine if treatment is needed.

Hormonal Testing:

Hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles play a key role in sexual development and sperm production. Abnormalities in other hormonal or organ systems might also contribute to infertility. A blood test measures the level of these hormones. Your doctor will request your hormone profile test.

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