Sperm freezing
Sperm freezing and banking (also known as storage) is a form of fertility preservation available at our clinics in Cambridge, Colchester, Norwich and Wickford.
By choosing to freeze your sperm, you are able to keep your options open for having a child in the future.
Page Guide
We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How does it work?
Sperm freezing
Sperm can stay frozen for a long period but, under current UK legislation, the standard storage is 55 years. This option can offer you a way to preserve your sperm if you are facing medical treatment that could compromise your future fertility.
Is it right for me?
Impending surgery, or treatment that may inhibit or damage your fertility, is the most common reason for freezing and banking sperm, for instance, cancer treatment or vasectomy surgery. If your sperm count or quality is affected by your treatment, or if a future vasectomy reversal proves unsuccessful, sperm banking – in conjunction with assisted conception techniques – may allow you to have your own biological child in the future.
What next?
You’ll have a consultation with one of our fertility specialists to discuss the procedures involved and to sign the appropriate consent forms. We recommend that you discuss the implications with one of our counsellors before freezing your sperm.
You’ll produce sperm samples at one of our clinics in Cambridge, Colchester, Norwich and Wickford, in private rooms designed to put you at ease. These samples will be frozen for your future use. You can read the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) information for storing sperm here.
If sperm is frozen and stored for you at the clinic, we’ll contact you each year to ask you to confirm your wishes for the next 12 months. If you wish to continue storage, you will need to pay an annual storage fee.
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
Schedule a Discovery call to find out which tests and treatments are right for you.
Fertility funding partners we work with:
We’re incredibly proud of our success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 73%* chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2021
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 73% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 63% (50% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
We provide world-class support throughout the fertility journey.
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our excellence in fertility treatment
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews you can trust
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
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Our Fertility Events
Join our experts at a range of events including support groups, webinars and open evenings. Learn more about the options available to you, including fertility tests and treatments, and get the answers to any questions you might have.
Related Content
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.