Sperm, oocyte, embryo and ovarian tissue storage for patients embarking on medical or surgical treatment which may impair their fertility. The service also provide fertility counselling before and after gonadotoxic therapy.

Referrals for sperm storage are accepted for patients at risk of permanent infertility due to medical treatments. Lab reports for the following blood tests must sent with the referral and an appointment cannot be booked without them: 

• HIV 1&2 
• Hepatitis C antibodies 
• Hepatitis B Core antibody 
• Hepatitis B surface antigen

Additional tests are required for patient whose partner is unable to carry a pregnancy (e.g. same-sex relationships) to enable sperm to be used in surrogacy in future. These are:

• Syphilis 
• Hepatitis A 
• Chlamydia

If the patient is from a high prevalence HTLV area (or has a sexual partner who is), please also test for HTLV1 antibodies. Contact the laboratory for for more information. 

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

Patients who do not currently have fertility problems but meet one of the following criteria:

• under the care of a specialist clinician who confirms they are due to undergo a gonadotoxic treatment; this may include patients undergoing interventions for gender reassignment
• under the care of a specialist clinician who confirms they have a medical condition that, in their case, is likely to progress such that it will lead to infertility in the future

Exclusions

• see local fertility funding policies
• vasectomy

How to Refer