Frequently asked questions

Short answer: as many as you can afford. But the ideal number of samples to store also depends on your future plans. A few questions you might consider:

Do you have kids already? If you don’t, there may be a higher chance that you’ll want kids in the future.
How old are you? If you’re in your 20s or 30s, it’s more likely that your family plans may change in the future.
Are you okay with pausing your testosterone replacement therapy in the future to start a family? If you’d rather not, then you may want to freeze more.

Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

IUI pregnancy rates range from 10–25% per cycle; IVF success rates range from 5–50% per cycle. So, you may need multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy.

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If I test positive for one or more STIs, can I still freeze my sperm?

Yes. Depending on your results, your samples may be “quarantined,” or stored separately from others’, to prevent any cross-contamination (though cross-contamination is extremely unlikely).

However, we cannot guarantee that your chosen fertility clinic will allow you to store or use STI-positive semen samples in the future. We recommend discussing this with your fertility clinic.

Who is the For Tomorrow bundle best for?

Members of the military before deployment.
Members of the military are 2 times more likely to experience infertility, due to a higher risk of injury or chemical exposure. Plus, deployments can make it difficult for couples to conceive on their own. Prevent future family-building challenges by storing your healthiest sperm — this means even with physical separation, you can continue your family-building timeline.

Those who are doing fertility treatment.
If you’re trying to conceive with IUI or IVF, it’s a great idea to have a back-up sample of frozen sperm that you know is healthy and viable. This ensures that your carefully timed fertility treatments can move forward, even if you’re not able to produce a “fresh” sample on the day of the procedure.

Those who may have kids later in life.
Many people don’t realize that sperm have a “biological clock,” too. As you age, your sperm quality declines significantly, and your likelihood of having a child with a congenital or developmental disorder increases. If you want kids — or you might want kids — but you’re not ready right now, freezing your youngest, healthiest sperm preserves all of your options.

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When should I test/freeze my sperm?

Ideally, members of the military will test and/or freeze prior to deployment, as deployment exposures and health impacts may negatively affect sperm health. Intense physical exercise and lack of sleep can also negatively affect sperm quality; for that reason, Department of Defense officials also recommend at least 6 weeks’ wait between combat training, including boot camp or hell week, and producing a sample for analysis or freezing.

How many vials of sperm should I freeze before my vasectomy?

Short answer: as many as you can afford. But the ideal number of samples to store also depends on your future plans. A few questions you might consider:

Do you have kids already? If you don’t, there may be a higher chance that you’ll want kids in the future, even if you’re sure you don’t want them right now. (Hence the vasectomy!)
How old are you? If you’re in your 20s or 30s, it’s more likely that your family plans may change in the future.

Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

IUI pregnancy rates range from 10–25% per cycle; IVF success rates range from 5–50% per cycle. So, you may need multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy.

Can I use Legacy if I’m under 18?

Yes, Legacy is an option for minors. Parent or guardian permission is required. Contact our client experience team at clientservices@givelegacy.com with the subject line “minor storage agreement.” We’ll reply with a document for the client and the parent/guardian to sign before sending a sample for freezing.

How long does it take to freeze sperm with Legacy?

The process of sperm freezing is very quick with Legacy:

Once you order your kit, it will arrive in as little as 2 days.
You should abstain from ejaculation for 2–5 days prior to producing your sample for freezing.
After producing your sample at home, it will be shipped overnight and analyzed and frozen the next day.

In theory, it can take as little as 3 days from start to finish. So, you don’t need to postpone your hormone therapy in order to accomplish your fertility preservation goals.

What are my chances of conceiving with frozen sperm?

The chances of conceiving with frozen sperm depend on several factors:

Your sperm quantity and quality
Your partner’s age, egg quantity/quality, and overall fertility health
Whether you use intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

IUI pregnancy rates range from 10–25% per cycle; IVF success rates range from 5–50% per cycle. So, you may need multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy. The good news is that using frozen sperm doesn’t affect your chances of success. IUI and IVF pregnancy rates are the same for those using frozen sperm, compared to “fresh.”

I may use a surrogate or gestational carrier to start a family in the future. Can I work with Legacy?

If you would like to freeze your sample for use with a surrogate or gestational carrier, please reach out. There are strict FDA regulations that must be followed when banking your sperm for surrogacy, and we want to set you up for success.

How can I use my frozen sperm after I transition?

You can use your frozen sperm in an intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

How long can my sperm stay frozen?

As long as sperm is kept frozen in a high quality cryogenic lab like Legacy’s, it can be stored indefinitely with no significant impact on its quality or the chances that it will result in a healthy pregnancy. That means you can keep your sperm frozen until you’re ready to start a family.

When should I freeze my sperm before hormone therapy?

We recommend freezing sperm before starting hormone therapy, in order to freeze the highest quality of sperm possible. The higher the quantity and quality of sperm, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to create a pregnancy with that sperm in the future.

However, we know this isn’t always possible, and that in many cases, people will begin hormone therapy prior to exploring fertility preservation. It may still be possible to freeze sperm even after starting GAHT/HRT. We recommend a semen analysis to assess fertility before freezing.

Will I be charged more for sperm freezing if I test positive for an STI?

No, there is no additional cost for storing a sperm sample from an STI-positive person.

If I'm freezing more than one sample, do I need to do STI testing again?

Not necessarily. Your STI results are valid for 12 months. If you’re freezing a sample and it’s been more than a year since you got your STI results, you should consider doing an updated STI test.

How does Legacy protect my frozen sperm sample?

Your sample is stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196ºC in long-term cryostorage facilities that specialize in storing frozen human tissue and genetic material. These cryostorage facilities are monitored 24 hours a day, are highly secure, and have multiple redundancy plans in place to prevent breaches of security or scientific integrity.

Legacy is the only sperm freezing service that uses multi-site storage to mitigate any risk. We will divide your vials into two batches and ship them to separate storage facilities using a cryogenic shipper that has been in business since the 1980s with a 100% success rate. This redundancy ensures your sperm will be safe and ready to use whenever you need.

Can you ship my frozen sperm sample internationally?

Yes, our cryo-shipping service can ship samples internationally. Please note that pricing varies and can range between $3,000–$4,000. To get an exact quote for your shipment, the clinic address is required. This process can take 3–4 weeks, depending on location and regulations.

Can I upgrade my sperm freezing plan or add additional samples?

Yes. If you tested or froze sperm with Legacy and you're interested in adding additional samples or a longer sperm storage plan, we're here to help. Please email clientservices@givelegacy.com or call 617-514-0901.

Will my sperm storage plan automatically renew?

Yes, your sperm storage plan will automatically renew. You can cancel any time by reaching out to clientservices@givelegacy.com or 617-514-0901.

If I freeze my sperm with Legacy, can it be donated to a friend or family member?

No. Samples are intended for use with a sexually intimate partner only.

Can I use my frozen sperm for ICSI?

Yes, you can use your frozen sperm for ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). In order to do so, you'll need to transfer your sample to a healthcare provider or clinic. That process is easy; you can get started with a few clicks in your client dashboard.

Can I use my frozen sperm for IUI?

Yes, you can use your frozen sperm for IUI (intrauterine insemination). In order to do so, you'll need to transfer your sample to a healthcare provider or clinic. That process is easy; you can get started with a few clicks in your client dashboard.

Can I use my frozen sperm for IVF?

Yes, you can use your frozen sperm for IVF (in vitro fertilization). In order to do so, you'll need to transfer your sample to a healthcare provider or clinic. That process is easy; you can get started with a few clicks in your client dashboard.

Where is my sample stored?

How much sperm should I freeze?

Each Legacy kit collects one semen sample. At our lab, each sample is divided into 4 vials of sperm — that’s up to 4 tries to get pregnant utilizing IUI or IVF. Generally speaking, it takes 2–4 rounds of assisted reproductive treatment methods to create a pregnancy. Therefore, we recommend buying one kit for each child you hope to have in the future.

What are the success rates of frozen sperm?

Studies have found that frozen sperm produces pregnancy and live birth rates equal to fresh sperm. That is true regardless of the assisted reproductive technology — IUI, IVF, or ICSI — used. Read more about how sperm freezing affects sperm quality.

How long can sperm be frozen?

Research has found that sperm can essentially be frozen indefinitely as long as it’s preserved at an appropriate temperature. (Legacy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze your sample at -196ºC.) A National Institute of Health study reported that three different samples of frozen sperm had produced healthy pregnancies via assisted reproductive methods after 21, 28, and 40 years of freezing, respectively.

Who should consider sperm freezing?

You should consider sperm freezing and sperm storage for future use if:

You want to keep your options open for the future
You want to have the healthiest possible family
You’re about to start a medical treatment, such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy
You’re planning to have a vasectomy
You’re in a profession with a high risk of injury or chemical exposure, such as the military or firefightingLearn more about sperm freezing.

What is the minimum amount of sperm or semen needed for testing and freezing?

We can perform an analysis so long as you can produce some semen. The analysis will tell you if your sample has a very low sperm count or no sperm present.

If there are no sperm present in your sample, your results will not be viable for freezing. But even if you have a very low sperm count, your sample is viable for freezing, and freezing may be especially important for those who have poor semen parameters.

For use in IUI, you need a post-thaw total motile sperm count of around 8–10 million. For use in IVF, there is no minimum amount of sperm. The latest techniques used in IVF — called ICSI — only need a single sperm to inject directly into the egg, so a sample with any motile sperm can be used multiple times.

Can I wait to purchase cryogenic storage after the analysis?

If you do not choose a freezing plan prior to your analysis, your sample will automatically be discarded after analysis.

How can I use my frozen sperm?

You can use your frozen sperm by transferring it to a healthcare provider or clinic for assisted reproductive methods such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IUI (intrauterine insemination). Transferring your sperm from Legacy to a provider is easy. You can start the process with a few clicks in your client dashboard.

Trying to conceive

What else can I do to improve my fertility?

Male fertility supplements are just one small part of sperm health improvement. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, moderate exercise, and enough sleep are important for your fertility, as is quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.

How many male fertility supplement capsules should I take per day?

The Legacy male fertility supplement is designed to be a once-daily dose — just two capsules with everything you need to support sperm health. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage.

Should I get a semen analysis before starting a male fertility supplement?

It’s not required, but we highly recommend starting your journey to healthier sperm with baseline fertility testing, such as a semen analysis. Before you try a supplement to improve your fertility, you should understand where your sperm health is right now. We also recommend testing your sperm every 2–3 months to monitor improvement.

Learn more about sperm testing

What’s inside the Male Fertility Supplement

Coenzyme Q10, 300mg
Vitamin C, 250mg
Vitamin D, 35mg (1400 IU)
Vitamin E, 100mg (121 IU)
Folate (5-MTHF), 1mg DFE
Zinc, 30mg
Selenium, 70mcg
L-carnitine, 200mg
D-aspartic acid, 50mg
Lycopene, 5mg

Inactive ingredients: vegetable capsule shell, dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica.

These vegetarian capsules do not contain gelatin, gluten, dairy, soy, fish, preservatives, genetically modified ingredients, sugar or sweeteners, or artificial colors or flavors.

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Will my fertility return if I stop taking estrogen or T-blockers?

Maybe. The “sperm cycle” — how long it takes to produce new sperm — is about 3 months, so you will likely have to pause hormone therapy for at least this long in order to recover fertility. One study found that within 6 months of stopping estrogen therapy, 67% of subjects regained a normal sperm count. That means about 1 of every 3 trans women may be unable to recover their fertility after beginning a medical transition.

What are my chances of conceiving with frozen sperm?

The chances of conceiving with frozen sperm depend on several factors:

Your sperm quantity and quality
Your partner’s age, egg quantity/quality, and overall fertility health
Whether you use intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

I may use a surrogate or gestational carrier to start a family in the future. Can I work with Legacy?

How can I use my frozen sperm after I transition?

You can use your frozen sperm in an intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

How long can my sperm stay frozen?

I'm trying to conceive. When should I test my sperm?

It's a good idea to test your sperm before you start trying to conceive — although anytime is a good time. Our standard semen analysis tests for the main parameters of sperm health (count, concentration, motility, morphology, and semen volume). Sperm testing can identify factors that may make conception difficult, and can reduce the time to pregnancy.

If you are over 35, planning IUI or IVF, or have a history of pregnancy loss, we recommend semen analysis plus sperm DNA fragmentation, a test that measures percentage of sperm that contain damaged DNA.

Which testing/freezing options are right for me?

Let us help you! Reach out to our client advisors at 617-514-0901 or clientservices@givelegacy.com. They can answer your questions about our process and products and help you decide what package is best for you.

Sperm testing

What clinical standards does Legacy use to assess semen samples?

Legacy tests semen samples against normal thresholds for semen parameters established in the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, 6th ed.

How do clients receive their results?

Semen analysis results are available in your secure client dashboard. You’ll receive an email notification when your results are ready. Then, you’ll log in to your dashboard to view the results.

Results for semen analysis are typically available within 24–48 hours after the sample is received at the lab.

Should I get a semen analysis before starting a male fertility supplement?

Learn more about sperm testing

How does working as a firefighter affect my fertility?

Firefighters are at a higher risk of infertility than those who work in other professions. The scene of a fire may expose a person to a multitude of different chemicals, both in the burn and in the fire-suppressing foams (which typically contain PFAS). Exposure to PFAS is associated with decreased semen quality and reduced testosterone levels.

In addition, firefighters are at risk of increased scrotal temperature, either by being directly affected by the heat from fires or by heavy protective gear. Prolonged, increased heat around the scrotum can affect sperm production for months afterward.

How does chemical exposure affect my fertility?

There are many chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and toxins, that can impact fertility and reproductive hormones. A brief, non-exhaustive list:

Mustard gas (sulfur mustard), associated with more than 4x the risk of male-factor infertility

Pesticides

Lead and other heavy metals

Microplastics and petrochemicals

Research shows that sperm-producing people who work in the agriculture, herbicides, construction, machinist, plastic production, printing industry, tobacco processing, and welding industries may see a negative impact on their fertility, including reduced sperm count and increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects.

How does radiation affect fertility and sperm health?

Radiation around your pelvic area can destroy sperm cells and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels, leading to infertility. It may also damage blood vessels or nerves in the area, which can cause erectile dysfunction or a dry orgasm if the prostate was damaged. Radiation therapy to your brain may also damage the pituitary gland, reducing testosterone and sperm production and affecting fertility.

Whether you regain your fertility following radiation therapy depends on the dose of radiation, the area that received it, and how well your reproductive organs were shielded from the radiation. Lower doses may not affect fertility, while higher doses can cause persistent or permanent azoospermia. Sperm production may restart 9 to 18 months after receiving lower doses of radiation, or over 5 years for higher doses.

Will my fertility return if I stop taking TRT?

Maybe. The “sperm cycle” — how long it takes to produce new sperm — is about 3 months, so you will likely have to pause hormone therapy for at least this long in order to recover fertility. One study found that within 6 months of stopping testosterone therapy, 67% of subjects regained a normal sperm count. That means about 1 of every 3 people on testosterone may be unable to recover their fertility.

Will my fertility be protected if I take hCG along with TRT?

Possibly. Without getting too technical, hCG mimics the effect of another reproductive hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is essential to the production of sperm, and LH levels drop significantly for men on TRT. Therefore, taking hCG can help maintain sperm production in those who are taking testosterone. One small study found that hCG helped maintain sperm production for at least a year of TRT.

However, it’s impossible to know how hormone therapy will impact you. Even if you’re taking hCG alongside testosterone, we highly recommend sperm freezing as a back-up plan, especially if you’re certain you want kids in the future.

How will other protocols to increase testosterone (i.e. Clomid) affect my fertility?

If you’re not taking actual testosterone, it’s less likely that your medication will negatively affect your sperm production. For example, Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a medication that has been shown to increase testosterone levels and improve fertility for some men.

If you’re unsure about how your medication will impact fertility, talk to your doctor or schedule a call with one of our fertility advisors.

How will testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) affect my fertility?

Many people believe that testosterone contributes to fertility, and that testosterone therapy may even improve fertility. However, taking external testosterone can throw off the balance of other reproductive hormones that actually drive sperm production.

As a result, TRT is likely to cause impaired fertility or complete infertility. One study found that 65% of men on TRT become temporarily sterile within 4 months of use.

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When should I test/freeze my sperm?

What are all the key metrics of sperm health?

Semen volume: How much semen you’re producing
Sperm concentration: How many sperm are present in your semen
Sperm motility: How many of your sperm are moving — a crucial indicator of your sperm’s health and fertility
Total motile sperm count: The final calculation of your sperm quantity and quality, which is highly correlated to your chances of creating a pregnancy
Sperm morphology: How many of your sperm are the proper size and shape
DNA fragmentation: The degree of damage to the genetic information carried by sperm
Post-thaw analysis: We freeze and thaw a small portion of your sample to assess if it’s a good candidate for cryopreservation (sperm freezing)

Legacy’s semen analysis looks at all the key metrics of sperm health. Many at-home sperm testing options don’t look at sperm motility or morphology, which are important parameters. We’re the only at-home sperm freezing option that includes a post-thaw analysis, and the only at-home sperm DNA fragmentation analysis option.

Our test is a clinic-grade semen analysis, without the clinic.

What does the Advanced Semen Analysis with Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing measure?

An advanced analysis measures:

Semen volume
Sperm concentration
Motility
Total motile sperm count
Morphology
Sperm DNA fragmentation

In addition, our Advanced Semen Analysis includes lifetime access to our Insights dashboard, including your Sperm Score.

Learn more about these parameters.

Who should do sperm DNA fragmentation testing?

DNA fragmentation testing is recommended for anyone who:

May be doing fertility treatment, such as IUI or IVF
Is experiencing unexplained infertility
Has experienced pregnancy loss
Has risk factors for elevated DNA fragmentation, inlcuding:
- A history of chemotherapy or vasectomy/vasectomy reversal
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking or cannabis use
- Advanced paternal age (over 35)

Importantly, even those with normal results on a standard semen analysis can have elevated DNA fragmentation, which could impact a couple's ability to get or stay pregnant.

What does the Advanced Semen Analysis measure?

The Advanced Semen Analysis evaluates all key parameters of sperm quality:

Semen volume: How much semen you’re producing
Sperm concentration: How many sperm are present in your semen
Sperm motility: How many of your sperm are moving — a crucial indicator of your sperm’s health and fertility
Total motile sperm count: The final calculation of your sperm quality and quantity, which is highly correlated to your chances of creating a pregnancy
Sperm morphology: How many of your sperm are the proper size and shape
Sperm DNA fragmentation: The degree of damage to the genetic information carried by sperm, which can cause infertility, pregnancy loss, or health issues for the future child
Post-thaw analysis: We freeze and thaw a small portion of your sample to assess if it’s a good candidate for cryopreservation (sperm freezing)

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What’s included with an at-home sperm testing kit?

The Legacy kit includes:

The Legacy “vault,” an insulated zippered container that maintains a stable temperature during transportation.
A sterile sample cup to easily collect your sample from home.
The sperm transport liquid — a vial of pink fluid — to keep your sample viable during shipping.
A security padlock to seal the vault + a strip of tamper-proof tape for extra security.
Free overnight shipping to send your sample to our lab for analysis.
Access to Legacy’s client dashboard, where you’ll be able to see your results, where your sample is frozen, and more.

The Standard & Advanced Semen Analysis options also include lifetime access to our Insights dashboard, including your Sperm Score and a comparison of your metrics against thousands of clients your age.

Can I use Legacy if I’m under 18?

How important is sperm morphology to my overall fertility?

Sperm morphology (shape) is an important marker of fertility because sperm need to be a certain shape to penetrate and fertilize an egg. Having a higher number of abnormally shaped sperm is associated with infertility. However, even those with 0% normal morphology have conceived without medical assistance. The most important factor when assessing a person's chance of conceiving is their total motile sperm count (TMSC), the number of sperm in their sample that are moving or "swimming."

What if my test has a positive result for one or more STIs?

A positive result means that a specific bacteria, virus, or antibody was detected in your urine or blood samples. This indicates that you may have a current or prior infection, but it’s not a confirmed diagnosis.

If you’ve received a positive result(s) on your lab testing, we strongly recommend contacting your doctor as soon as possible to diagnose and treat any infections. We also recommend contacting any recent sexual partners to let them know they should be tested. Depending on your state and local protocols and your results, the lab may be required to confidentially report your positive results to the Department of Health.

If you test positive for one or more STIs, you can still freeze your sperm. Your samples may be stored separately to prevent cross-contamination (although cross-contamination is extremely unlikely). We can't guarantee your chosen fertility clinic will allow you to store or use STI-positive semen samples in the future. We recommend discussing this with your desired clinic.

Do I need to complete an STI/STD panel prior to testing or freezing my sperm?

STI testing is not required by Legacy. However, STI screening prior to freezing sperm is required by many fertility clinics where you may want to transfer or use your sample in the future. To ensure your sample can be used at any fertility center or medical practice in the future, we strongly advise STI screening in the 6 months before freezing a sample.

You can do this in 2 ways:

Via a lab requisition form you can access on your client dashboard
By talking with your primary care, hormone therapy, or fertility provider

If I have abnormal semen analysis results, can Legacy offer me treatment?

No. Because we’re a digital clinic, we can’t diagnose you with a medical condition or prescribe treatment. However, we will offer guidance on next steps with your results.

If you'd like to get more information about your results, you can schedule a virtual appointment with one of our fertility specialists on your client dashboard, under the "Consultations" tab. Depending on what you have purchased, this appointment may require a small fee.

What is sperm DNA fragmentation analysis?

A sperm DNA fragmentation test analyzes what percentage of your sperm have damaged DNA. This damage can contribute to infertility, pregnancy loss, and poor health outcomes for your future children.

Together with a semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation testing provides a more complete picture of your reproductive health and your chances of conception.

Sperm DNA fragmentation is measured as part of our Advanced Semen Analysis.

Do I need an additional kit to test for DNA fragmentation?

No, we can assess sperm DNA fragmentation as part of the same kit that tests for the standard parameters of sperm health (count, concentration, motility, morphology, and volume).

How important is sperm motility to my overall fertility?

Experts recommend focusing on your total motile sperm count (TMSC) as the primary indicator of your ability to conceive. TMSC is based on your total sperm count and your motility. It’s possible to have a normal TMSC even if your results are below the normal range for a sub-factor like progressive motility.

If you have any questions about your results, you can schedule a consultation with one of our fertility specialists by logging into your client dashboard, emailing clientservices@givelegacy.com, or calling 617-514-0901.

Who should consider sperm testing?

You should consider at-home sperm analysis if:

You’re trying to grow your family
You’re planning fertility treatment
You’re taking a medication that may affect fertility
You want to understand your health
You want to keep your family-building options open

Read more about why at-home sperm testing could be right for you.

I have tested multiple samples. Which one should I store?

If you're unsure which sample(s) to freeze, we recommend booking a call with one of our fertility specialists for a consultation. You can do this in your client dashboard, under the "Consultations" tab. If you need assistance, please email clientservices@givelegacy.com or call us at 617-514-0901.

What is the minimum amount of sperm or semen needed for testing and freezing?

We can perform an analysis so long as you can produce some semen. The analysis will tell you if your sample has a very low sperm count or no sperm present.

Are home sperm tests accurate?

Legacy’s semen analysis kit has been clinically validated. Our research team has compared the results of our kit to a conventional, in-person semen analysis and found no significant difference. There is likely to be a slight decline in sperm motility when using mail-in kits because of time spent in transit.

What parameters does Legacy’s at-home sperm analysis test for?

Legacy’s at-home sperm analysis is a clinic-grade semen analysis without the clinic. It looks at all the key metrics of sperm health, including semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, total motile sperm count, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation.

Many at-home sperm testing options don’t look at sperm motility, morphology, or DNA fragmentation, which are important parameters. We’re also the only at-home sperm freezing option that includes a post-thaw analysis, in which we freeze and thaw a small portion of your sample to assess if it’s a good candidate for cryopreservation (sperm freezing).

Basic Semen Analysis looks at count/concentration and motility

Standard Semen Analysis looks at count/concentration, motility, and morphology

Advanced Semen Analysis looks at count/concentration, motility, morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation

How does Legacy analyze sperm?

Once your kit arrives at the lab, your sample will be opened and labeled. The lab scientists will replenish the sperm transport media to ensure the health of the sperm is maintained during analysis.

Next, the sample will be spun in a piece of lab equipment called a centrifuge to separate the sperm from the semen. Once sperm is concentrated, the lab scientists load a slide containing a portion of the sample into the computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. This will report on sperm count, concentration, and motility (the percentage of sperm that are moving or "swimming"). Sperm morphology, the size and shape of sperm, is evaluated manually by an andrology scientist with a high-powered microscope.

If you choose to complete sperm DNA fragmentation analysis, that's performed using the Halosperm sperm chromatin dispersion technique. In this technique, a small portion of your sample is exposed to chemicals that denature, or separate, the strands of DNA in your sperm. This allows the lab scientists to assess which sperm contain broken or damaged DNA that could contribute to issues getting or staying pregnant.

Pricing & payment

Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for male fertility supplements?

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), Legacy’s male fertility supplement may be eligible for coverage if it’s recommended by your healthcare provider. We recommend consulting your doctor and checking with your benefits coordinator to understand any specific requirements for reimbursement, such as a letter of medical necessity, or limits on usage or protocols. If your purchase is eligible, you can use your HSA/FSA card or submit your itemized receipt — sent to your inbox after purchasing — for reimbursement.

How much does shipping cost?

Standard shipping (3–5 business days) is free on all Legacy purchases.

Expedited shipping (1–2 business days) is available for a $35 fee. For an order with multiple kits (such as a For Tomorrow or Forever bundle), expedited shipping applies only to the first kit.

What’s the difference between insurance coverage, FSA/HSA, and fertility benefits programs?

Health insurance, typically offered by employers in the US, is a plan that provides financial coverage for some or all of your necessary healthcare expenses.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) are additional employer-sponsored benefits. These accounts allow you to save tax-free or tax-deductible funds for eligible healthcare expenses.

Fertility benefits programs are separate, additional insurance or coverage plans that may bridge the gap in fertility coverage in traditional insurance plans. These plans may offer specific coverage, discounts, or funds for fertility care such as diagnostic tests, infertility treatment, and fertility preservation (like sperm freezing).

Examples of fertility benefits providers include:

Carrot

Progyny

Maven

WINFertility

The best way to understand if you have access to fertility benefits is to talk to your employer.

Which Legacy products and services are covered by insurance or fertility benefits?

Most eligible insurance plans cover a “For Today” semen analysis kit plus one year of frozen sperm storage. Your insurance or benefits plan may cover additional testing or storage. Check your explanation of benefits document for clarity.

Will I owe a deductible or co-insurance payment?

We are not able to confirm that your insurance plan will cover 100% of the fees associated with sperm testing and freezing. Your specific TRICARE plan may include:

A deductible: An out-of-pocket cost you need to pay before your insurance will cover services.
A copay or coinsurance: A flat- or percentage-based fee assessed by your insurance plan on specific medical services.

You’ll be responsible for any charges that are not covered by your insurance plan or fertility benefits (up to the full cost of the services purchased, or $440). Typically, claims are processed and fees assessed by insurance providers within 2 months. You will be notified of any outstanding balances/fees when the claim is processed.

Do I need a referral?

TRICARE Prime policies typically require a referral from a physician for coverage, while TRICARE Select policies do not. See your personal explanation of benefits for details.

How to pay

Employer and organizational benefits

Insurance coverage: Leading insurance plans cover a For Today semen analysis kit and a full year of frozen sperm storage. Check your insurance eligibility.

HSA or FSA. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) as part of your healthcare benefits, you may use those dollars to pay for, or reimburse yourself for, your For Today Semen Analysis.

Other employer benefits: Legacy is in-network with leading fertility benefits programs that may be offered by your employer, including Carrot, Kindbody, Stork Club, Progyny, and WINFertility. Learn more.

Military benefits: We offer discounted or free access to Legacy’s at-home semen analysis and sperm freezing to many active-duty and veteran members of the US military, through partnerships with the following organizations.

For Naval Special Warfare: Military Family Building Coalition’s Tadpole Project

For US Army Special Forces: Green Beret Foundation

For all service members and veterans: The Operation Baby Foundation

For veterans: Veterans Advantage

Legacy’s semen analysis looks at all the key metrics of sperm health. Many at-home sperm testing options don’t look at sperm motility or morphology, which are important parameters. We’re the only at-home sperm freezing option that includes a post-thaw analysis.

Our test is a clinic-grade semen analysis, without the clinic.

Do supplementary fertility benefits providers cover sperm testing or freezing with Legacy?

Yes. Fertility benefits programs may provide fertility coverage traditional insurance plans don't. These plans may offer specific discounts or funds for fertility care such as diagnostic tests, infertility treatment, and fertility preservation (like sperm freezing). Major fertility benefits providers include Carrot, Progyny, Maven, and WINFertility. The best way to determine if you have fertility benefits is to contact your employer.

How to pay for sperm DNA fragmentation testing

Legacy is in-network with leading health insurance plans, fertility benefits providers, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. You may be able to test and freeze your sperm for up to 100% off, depending on your plan. Coverage is available through: Aetna, Cigna, Emblem, UnitedHealthcare, Optum VACCN, TriWest, Progyny, Carrot, Maven, and WIN Fertility.

Learn more about ways to save on sperm testing & freezing.

What is the cost of withdrawing or transferring my frozen sperm?

The cost of shipping your frozen sperm sample within the US starts at $895 and depends on your location. International shipping fees are based on location and can cost $3,000 or more.

Contact clientservices@givelegacy.com for more information.

Will my sperm storage plan automatically renew?

Yes, your sperm storage plan will automatically renew. You can cancel any time by reaching out to clientservices@givelegacy.com or 617-514-0901.

Is STI testing covered by insurance?

That depends on your insurance plan and where and how you get tested. In many cases, STI screening is covered by insurance. Without insurance, comprehensive STI testing costs about $350.

How much does a sperm DNA fragmentation test cost?

Legacy’s at-home semen analysis with sperm DNA fragmentation testing starts at $495. At a traditional clinic, this test can cost $800 or more and requires a trip to a lab to produce a fresh semen sample.

How much does freezing sperm cost with Legacy vs. at a clinic or sperm bank?

With Legacy, long-term sperm storage is 6x more affordable than at a traditional clinic.

A 1-year storage contract for 1 sample costs $245.
Longer storage plans, for up to 25 years, are available.

That compares to about $500 per sample, per year, at a traditional clinic.

What happens if I buy freezing, but my sample is deemed not viable for freezing?

If your sample is deemed not viable for storage by our lab, we’ll refund you for the storage plan you purchased as well as any unused services, such as additional testing that could not be performed.

How much is semen analysis with Legacy vs. at a clinic?

Legacy at-home semen analysis begins at $145. The cost at a traditional clinic can range from $250 to $500, and it requires a prescription from a doctor.

Like traditional clinics, testing with Legacy is covered by many health insurance plans, including Veterans' benefits, and fertility benefits providers.

Does insurance cover sperm freezing or testing with Legacy?

Coverage is available through: Aetna, Cigna, Emblem, UnitedHealthcare, Optum VACCN, TriWest, Progyny, Carrot, Maven, WIN Fertility and Stork Club.

Do you offer military discounts?

Legacy is committed to supporting military families through discounts and special programs with Military Family Building Coalition, Operation Baby Foundation, and Green Beret Foundation. We are proud partners of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Legacy's services are covered by Veterans benefits providers including Triwest, Optum VACCN, and Lynch Consultants.

All military members, both active duty and Veterans, are eligible for discounts on our products through WeSalute and Id.me. Read more about Legacy’s military discounts and partnerships.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. You can break the cost of your fertility care into monthly payments using Affirm, SplitIt, or PayPal. Your interest rate may be as low as 0%. Select one of those options at checkout to learn more.

Are Legacy’s products FSA/HSA eligible?

Yes. Some Legacy products and services are eligible for reimbursement via flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA), including sperm testing and freezing. You can reach out to clientservices@givelegacy.com for an itemized receipt for your purchase.

Do Veterans' benefits cover sperm freezing or testing with Legacy?

Male fertility care with Legacy is covered by Veterans’ benefits. We are proud partners of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Legacy's services are covered by Triwest, Optum VACCN, and Lynch Consultants. Email us at veterans@givelegacy.com to find out how to get covered.

We’re also honored to provide low-cost or free sperm testing and freezing through programs with the Military Family Building Coalition for Naval Special Warfare, Green Beret Foundation, Operation Baby Foundation, WeSalute (formerly known as Veterans Advantage), and ID.me.

Process & kit components

How do clients receive their results?

Semen analysis results are available in your secure client dashboard. You’ll receive an email notification when your results are ready. Then, you’ll log in to your dashboard to view the results.

Results for semen analysis are typically available within 24–48 hours after the sample is received at the lab.

How do I ship the kit back to Legacy?

All Legacy kits include a prepaid FedEx return shipping label for overnight shipping back to our lab. Clients drop their kit at FedEx location. The cost of overnight shipping is included in the cost of the testing or freezing service purchased.

How long can the sperm sample stay stable after collection?

The sperm transport liquid included in the kit keeps the sperm sample stable and extends the lifespan of the sperm up to 48 hours.

There will be a small decline in sperm motility as a result of overnight shipping. Our report includes both the sperm motility observed at the lab, as well as the estimated initial motility, calculated based on the time in transit.

Sperm concentration, morphology, and DNA fragmentation are not impacted by shipping.

At what temperature should I store my Legacy kit?

An unopened Legacy kit can be stored at room temperature of over six months, between 2°C and 25°C. Once the kit has been opened, if it is not used immediately, the sperm transport media should be refrigerated and stored 2 to 8°C.

We highly recommend keeping the sperm transport media refrigerated until you’re ready to collect your sample, for best results.

How long does the kit last before it needs to be used?

The sperm transport liquid in the Legacy kits has a shelf life of over 6 months. We recommend refrigerating the vial for best results.

An expiration date will be listed on the vial. The transport liquid should not be used beyond that date. If your sperm transport liquid has expired, you can order a replacement on your client dashboard or by emailing clientservices@givelegacy.com.

How fast are Legacy kits shipped?

Legacy offers two shipping options: standard shipping (3–5 business days) and expedited shipping (1–2 business days) for an additional fee of $35.

For an order with multiple kits (such as a For Tomorrow or Forever bundle), expedited shipping applies only to the first kit.

What’s included with Legacy’s at-home sperm testing & freezing kit?

The Legacy kit includes:

The Legacy “vault,” an insulated zippered container that maintains a stable temperature during transportation.
A sterile sample cup to easily collect your sample from home.
The sperm transport liquid — a vial of pink fluid — to keep your sample viable during shipping.
A security padlock to seal the vault + a strip of tamper-proof tape for extra security.
Free overnight shipping to send your sample to our lab for analysis.
Access to Legacy’s client dashboard, where you’ll be able to see your results, where your sample is frozen, and more.

How does testing & freezing my sperm work with Legacy?

Order a sample collection kit. We'll ship it to your home.
Collect the sample at home following the instructions with your kit.
Ship the kit back to our lab with the included overnight shipping label.
Our lab will analyze your sample. Test results are sent securely to your online client dashboard within 48 hours.
If you chose a freezing plan, we’ll freeze your sample and send it to long-term storage.

See more details on.

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Who is the Forever bundle best for?

Cancer patients prior to treatment. Up to 75% of cancer patients may experience impair fertility as a result of cancer treatment. Sperm freezing and long-term storage is a safe and effective means to preserve your ability to have children in the future, allowing you to focus on what’s most important right now — your health.
Those who are planning a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a highly effective contraceptive option. But a small percentage of people who opt for a vasectomy will change their minds in the future, and decide they want (more) children. A vasectomy reversal is an expensive and complex surgery with no guarantee of recovered fertility. Sperm freezing before vasectomy is a less expensive, more reliable choice.
Those who are planning gender-affirming therapy or surgery. Estrogen or testosterone-blocking hormone therapy prevent sperm from being produced. In some cases, fertility can be recovered if you pause therapy for 6 months, but sperm production is halted permanently for about ⅓ of patients.
Freezing sperm now gives you options for having biological children when you’re ready, without having to stop your hormone therapy — and even if you’ve chosen bottom surgery.

What’s included in the Forever bundle?

In the bundle:

3 semen analysis kits, to collect 3 samples for testing and freezing
1 DNA fragmentation analysis to evaluate sperm’s genetic health
25 years of frozen sperm storage for 12 vials

In your reports:

Personalized client dashboard that includes more than just your results — it will give you context on what those results really mean for you and your family-building plans.
At-a-glance information about your frozen sperm, including how many vials are stored and where they’re located.
Evidence-based recommendations for improving your fertility health, based on your lifestyle and your personal results.
Exclusive access to book a virtual appointment with one of our male fertility specialist medical providers, to discuss your results and possible next steps.

What’s included with an at-home sperm testing kit?

The Legacy kit includes:

The Legacy “vault,” an insulated zippered container that maintains a stable temperature during transportation.
A sterile sample cup to easily collect your sample from home.
The sperm transport liquid — a vial of pink fluid — to keep your sample viable during shipping.
A security padlock to seal the vault + a strip of tamper-proof tape for extra security.
Free overnight shipping to send your sample to our lab for analysis.
Access to Legacy’s client dashboard, where you’ll be able to see your results, where your sample is frozen, and more.

Can I use Legacy if I’m under 18?

I may use a surrogate or gestational carrier to start a family in the future. Can I work with Legacy?

I have sperm frozen with Legacy. Will Legacy ever sell, donate, or share this frozen sperm?

No. Your frozen sperm remains your property, under your control, for future use only by you or an authorized user. If you choose to move forward with sperm donation, you will be asked to produce new additional samples.

Can I use frozen sperm for IUI, IVF or ICSI?

Yes, you can use frozen sperm for intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If you’re doing a fertility treatment cycle, having a healthy frozen sperm sample on hand can be an important back-up plan.

What is my ClientID? Where can I find it?

When your order is approved, you're automatically assigned a randomized 6-digit client ID that travels with your sample. This keeps your name and identifying information anonymous.

You will recieve your client ID via email. If you haven't seen these emails in your inbox, check your Spam or Promotions folders. You can also find your ClientID by signing in to your client dashboard.

I sent my kit back without registering it. What should I do?

The kit registration process collects necessary information about your sample, and the lab cannot process your sample without these details. If you sent your kit back with registering it, please email clientservices@givelegacy.com, or call us at 617-514-0901 as soon as possible to avoid delays or kit rejection.

Should I refrigerate my sperm sample while waiting for pick-up or drop-off?

Do not refrigerate your sample.

How do I set up my client dashboard?

When you place an order with us, you will receive an email confirmation containing a link to set up a password for your client dashboard. The client dashboard is where you can access details about your purchase, your test results, and more.

If you've misplaced that email, don't worry: You can still access your portal. Go to the client dashboard and select "Don't remember your password?" Then, input the email address you used when placing the order. An email with a reset link should appear in your inbox within 5 minutes; you can also check your Spam or Promotions folders. If that doesn't work, email clientservices@givelegacy.com or call us at 617-514-0901. The email address you use to reset your password should be an exact match, or you might not receive that reset link.

My sample was not picked up. What should I do?

If no one arrived during the scheduled window to pick up your sample, please let the Legacy team know as soon as possible. They will follow up with the shipping carrier on your behalf. Email clientservices@givelegacy.com or call 617-514-0901.

In the meantime, you may drop off your kit at a participating shipping location. You must return your kit to the same shipping partner that delivered it (i.e. FedEx, if it was delivered by FedEx, or UPS, if it was delivered by UPS).

I placed my order, but I haven't received a confirmation email.

You should receive a welcome email soon after placing your order. If you haven't heard from us more than 24 hours after you've placed an order, check your spam or promotions folders. To ensure you see future emails from Legacy, add us as a trusted contact or drag our emails to your primary inbox.If you haven't received a welcome email, please reach out to us at clientservices@givelegacy.com or 617-514-0901.

How can I reset my password?

When you’re logging in to your client dashboard, click or tap “Don't remember your password?” Input the email address you used when placing the order. An email with a reset link should be delivered to your inbox within 5 minutes (you can also check your Spam or Promotions folder).When you're resetting your password, make sure to input the email address that was used when placing your Legacy order. If that doesn't solve the issue for you, please reach out to us at clientservices@givelegacy.com or 617-514-0901.

I produced my sample after too long/too short a period of abstinence. How will that affect my sample?

Abstaining too long — or not long enough — can affect the accuracy of your test results. Samples produced after too brief a period of abstinence may have lower semen volumes or sperm counts, while samples produced after too long an abstinent period may have genetic damage or low motility. We recommend abstaining from ejaculation for no less than 2, but no more than 5 days before producing your sample for optimal results.

What happens if I send the kit back without the security padlock?

Legacy’s lab won’t be able to proceed with the analysis if you send your sample back without the security padlock. Please contact clientservices@givelegacy.com about receiving a new kit.

I accidentally removed the security padlock. What should I do?

If you encounter an issue with the security padlock before shipping your sample back to the lab, please email clientservices@givelegacy.com or call 617-514-0901 immediately, so we can instruct you about how to proceed. If your kit arrives at the lab without a security padlock or the security padlock is broken, it will not be analyzed.

I didn't refrigerate the sperm transport liquid. What should I do?

The transport liquid can be stored at room temperature for 5 days without affecting its efficacy. In the refrigerator, the sperm transport liquid can be used until the expiration date printed on the vial (typically at least several months from the date of shipment). If your sperm transport liquid was unrefrigerated for more than 5 days, or if your vial expired before you were able to use the kit, you can order a replacement vial via your client dashboard.

My sample was received by the lab, but it wasn't analyzed. Why?

There are a few situations in which our lab will not proceed with an analysis:

If your kit is in transit for over 48 hours
If your kit arrives at our lab without a padlock security seal, or with a broken security seal
If your sample leaks in transit• If you used expired sperm transport liquid
If the lab finds a foreign substance in the sample
If you provided incorrect collection detailsIf your sample is rejected by our lab for any reason, you will be notified by email as soon as possible.

I want to talk to a specialist about my results. How can I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule a virtual appointment with one of our fertility specialists on your client dashboard, under the "Consultations" tab. Depending on what you have purchased, this appointment may require a small fee.

What kind of report do I get?

Your Legacy semen analysis report is delivered to your personalized client dashboard. It includes more than just the numbers — it’ll tell you what those numbers really mean for you and your family-building plans.

Your dashboard includes:

Evidence-based recommendations for improving your fertility health, based on your results and lifestyle
Exclusive access to book a virtual appointment with one of our male fertility specialist medical providers, to discuss your results and possible next steps
A downloadable semen analysis summary to share with your doctor
Information about your frozen sperm, including their location and next steps to withdraw and transfer your sample

Can you ship my frozen sperm sample internationally?

What is the process like to transfer or withdraw my sample from storage?

It’s easy to withdraw a vial of your frozen sperm with Legacy. Once you’ve coordinated with your doctor or fertility clinic, request a vial withdrawal from your client dashboard, and we’ll coordinate with your healthcare provider or clinic lab to arrange shipping.

Please note:

Sperm can only be delivered to a medical practice, provider, or lab, not to a residential address.
The process of vial withdrawal takes about 2 weeks for domestic transfers and 3–4 weeks for international transfers. Please allow for the necessary time when planning your IUI or IVF procedure.
Frozen sperm is shipped using cryo-shippers (portable liquid nitrogen semen storage tanks) that maintain a temperature of -196ºC for the period necessary for transport.
The cost of shipping your frozen sperm sample within the US starts at $500 and depends on your location. International shipping fees are based on location and can cost $3,000 or more. If you’re a Forever client, one frozen sperm transfer within the US is included in your bundle.

Can I upgrade my sperm freezing plan or add additional samples?

If I freeze my sperm with Legacy, can it be donated to a friend or family member?

No. Samples are intended for use with a sexually intimate partner only.

Can I use my frozen sperm for ICSI?

Can I use my frozen sperm for IUI?

Can I use my frozen sperm for IVF?

Where is my sample stored?

What's the difference between samples and vials?

One "sample" is the term for the product of a single ejaculation. One sample will be divided into 4 vials before freezing. Typically, 1 or more vials is used for each pregnancy attempt, depending on what kind of fertility treatment you are using (IVF vs. IUI) and your post-thaw total motile sperm count. When you want to use your sperm, you can withdraw just the number of vials you need for your treatment, and the rest can stay securely in storage.

It's important to note that you will be providing 1 sample per Legacy kit. If you would like to freeze more sperm, our sperm freezing bundles may be a good value for you. Get started.

What happens if I die? Can my partner use my sperm?

Your sperm sample belongs to you and only you unless otherwise specified. In the case of your death, your sample will be automatically destroyed.

If you'd like your spouse or partner to have access to your sample in the future, you must complete, sign, and notarize a bequeathment form. This will give you and your partner shared legal ownership of your sample, so they can store and withdraw it on their own in the future. Contact our client experience team at clientservices@givelegacy.com to request this form.

Will Legacy analyze or store my genetic information as part of the process of sperm testing and freezing?

No, we don't analyze or store your genetic information as part of the sperm testing and freezing process.

What happens to my frozen samples if Legacy ceases to exist?

We have taken steps to arrange for the protection of your sample(s) in the unlikely event that Give Legacy, Inc. ceases to exist.

Legacy partners with a specialized cryostorage provider to securely store your sample(s). If Legacy were to cease operations, you would have the option to continue storing your sample(s) with the storage partner without interruption. In such an event, you would receive detailed instructions on how to contact them directly. They will maintain your sample(s) under the same terms and conditions initially agreed upon with Legacy, ensuring your sperm's continued safety and security.

What is your privacy policy?

Legacy was founded on the principle that privacy is a fundamental human right, and we make every attempt to anonymize and encrypt your data wherever possible. Througout the process of analysis, freezing, and storage, your sample will be identified only by your client ID and will not be tied to your name or other identifying information.

We are HIPAA-compliant, GDPR-compliant, and CCPA-compliant. Under the CCPA's broad definition of what it means to "sell" information, some forms of advertising, such as retargeted advertising, can be considered "sale." In the conventional sense, we do not and will not sell your data. You can opt out of providing information to advertisers at any time. You can learn more about your rights as a consumer under CCPA and GDPR via our privacy policy.

What happens if my sample is delayed in transit?

While we understand the sensitivity of this process and take every precaution to prevent delays, sometimes shipping is out of our control. If your sample is delayed in transit, the transport media will preserve it for up to 48 hours.

Our lab will analyze your sample upon arrival, if it is viable. If we determine your sample was impacted by the delay in transit, we'll send you a complimentary kit so you can provide another sample.

How long does it take to receive my results?

You can expect to see your results 1–2 business days after your kit has been received by our lab. To avoid delays, make sure you've completed all the necessary steps on your client dashboard, including signing the asset collection and storage agreement.

When your results are available in your client dashboard, you’ll receive an email letting you know.

Can I wait to purchase cryogenic storage after the analysis?

If you do not choose a freezing plan prior to your analysis, your sample will automatically be discarded after analysis.

What if I have a question or issue about my FedEx pick-up?

For questions about your scheduled pick-up with FedEx, visit fedex.com or call1-800-GOFEDEX. Have your shipping label and tracking number on-hand for questions.

Where can I drop off my kit for return shipping?

You can drop off your kit at any participating FedEx drop-off location.

When you're ready to use your kit, you should register your kit by scanning the QR code on your shipping box with your smartphone camera. This will allow you to set up FedEx pick-up or find a drop-off location.

What do I do with the gel packs in my Legacy kit?

The gel packs in your Legacy kit keep your bottle of transport liquid cool while in transit to you. You do not need to refreeze or refrigerate the gel packs that came with your kit. When you ship your sample back, keep the room-temperature gel packs in the kit as per the instructions. The insulating gel helps maintain a stable temperature inside the vault.

When should I produce my sample? Does it matter what time of day?

You should abstain from ejaculation (masturbation or intercourse) for at least 2, but not more than 5 days before producing your sample for most accurate results. You should collect and ship your sample on the same day: Monday–Thursday, not Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, as our lab is not open on the weekend.

When you're ready to collect your sample, register your kit by scanning the QR code on your shipping box with your smartphone camera. This will allow you to set up carrier pick-up or find a drop-off location. If possible, produce your sample just before at-home pick-up/drop-off at a participating shipping location to reduce transit times.

What should I do before receiving the sperm testing & freezing kit?

Plan ahead for your sample collection day. Abstain from ejaculation for 2–5 days before producing your sample. (For optimal results, we typically recommend abstaining for 3 days.) Keep in mind that you should produce and ship your sample Monday–Thursday.

If you're considering freezing your sample, we recommend you complete an sexually transmitted infection screening before producing and freezing your sample. Although this is not a legal requirement, some providers that perform assisted reproductive technologies like IVF require this testing, so completing it now gives you more options for using your frozen sperm later on. Tests we recommend include: Hep B Ab, Hep C Ab, HTLV Ab, HIV Ab, CMV Ab, and syphilis (RPR).

Can I only produce my sample through masturbation?

Yes, it is recommended that you only produce your sample through masturbation. Avoid using any external aids, like lubricants, saliva, or condoms with spermicide, as these can contaminate or damage your sperm sample. If you need special guidance for religious or medical reasons, please email clientservices@givelegacy.com or call us at 617-514-0901 so we can further assist you.

Do I need to be home to receive the kit?

That’s not necessary. The kit is insulated and includes gel cool packs to keep the sperm transport liquid chilled until you open it. The sperm transport liquid can stay at room temperature for 5 days without affecting its efficacy.

You should refrigerate the sperm transport liquid when you receive the kit. Once refrigerated, the transport liquid can be used until the expiration date listed on the bottle.

If your transport liquid was at room temperature for more than 5 days after it was delivered, or if your bottle of transport liquid has expired, please reach out to our client experience team to get a replacement bottle. We will provide 1 complimentary bottle. If additional replacements are necessary, there is a $40 charge per bottle. You may request a new bottle of sperm transport liquid by emailing clientservices@givelegacy.com, or by calling us at 617-514-0901.

What is the sperm transport liquid?

The transport liquid is an FDA-approved, clinically tested buffer media that extends the life of sperm during shipping. The media contains carbohydrates — nutrition for sperm — plus an antibiotic to reduce bacterial growth and a buffer ingredient to keep pH stable. This allows us to analyze and freeze your sperm after overnight shipping.

The sperm transport liquid is washed off when the sample arrives at the lab, and it will not negatively affect sperm quality. It was pioneered by one of our advisors, Dr. Gail Prins, who published studies on the use of buffer media as a protectant for human spermatozoa as early as the 1980s.

Do I need to have a doctor’s referral to order sperm testing or freezing?

You don’t need a doctor’s referral to purchase a Legacy kit or cryostorage plan. You may need a referral and/or a prior authorization to get insurance or Veterans' benefits coverage for sperm testing or freezing.

What is the red plastic "padlock" that came with my kit?

The red plastic padlock is a security seal. It prevents access to your sample and alerts the lab if your kit has been opened. If your security seal is broken or removed, the lab will not analyze your sample, and you will be notified.

Your kit may contain two padlocks — one is extra, in case the first is lost or broken.

When the kit arrives, do I need to use it right away?

No, but you should refrigerate the sperm transport liquid to ensure you're able to use your kit when you're ready.

The sperm transport liquid, a small bottle of pink liquid inside a cardboard sleeve, is perishable. If you refrigerate the transport liquid, it can be used until the expiration date listed on the bottle.

If your transport liquid was at room temperature for more than 5 days after it was delivered, or if your bottle of transport liquid has expired, please reach out to our client experience team to get a replacement bottle. We will provide 1 complimentary bottle. If additional replacements are necessary, there is a $40 charge per bottle. You can request a new bottle by emailing clientservices@givelegacy.com, or by calling us at 617-514-0901.

How does Legacy freeze sperm?

After the sample has been washed, analyzed, and separated into multiple vials, lab scientists add cryoprotectant, a solution that prevents ice from forming in the sperm. Then, the sperm is brought down to a very low temperature — -196ºC — using liquid nitrogen in a “slow freeze” technique.

We reserve a small portion of your sample to freeze and then thaw to conduct a post-thaw analysis, also known as a post-thaw motility check. This test ensures the sperm survive freezing and give you a more accurate estimate of your total motile sperm count when you want to use the sample. Legacy is the only at-home sperm freezing option that provides post-thaw analysis.

How long does the process take?

From prep to results, it can take less than a week.

As soon as you order your kit, it will be express shipped to you. You should abstain from ejaculating for 2–5 days before using the kit. You should collect and return your sample on the same day, between Monday and Thursday. Each kit includes free overnight shipping back to our lab.

Your results will be available in your online dashboard within 48 hours of our lab receiving your sample. If you choose sperm freezing, your sample will be frozen immediately.

How do sperm stay alive during overnight shipping?

Legacy’s kit includes a sperm transport liquid that, when mixed with your semen sample, keeps sperm alive and healthy during shipment to our lab for testing.

What's the process step-by-step?

Order a sample collection kit via givelegacy.com. We'll ship it to your home.
Collect the sample at home following the instructions with your kit.
Ship the kit back to our lab with the included overnight shipping.
Our lab will analyze your sample. Test results are sent securely to your online client dashboard within 48 hours.
We can freeze your sample if you choose.
We send your sample to long-term storage. Our flexible, renewable storage plans range from 1 to 25 years.

See more details on how sperm testing and freezing with Legacy works.

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What’s included with an at-home sperm testing or sperm freezing kit?

The Legacy kit includes:‍

A sterile sample cup to easily collect your sample from home
The Legacy “vault,” an insulated zippered container that maintains a stable temperature during transportation
The sperm transport liquid — a vial of pink fluid — to keep sample viable during shipping
A security padlock to seal the vault (plus an extra, just in case)
Free overnight shipping to send your sample to our lab for analysis

Gender transition

Is Legacy’s team familiar with working with trans women and non-binary clients?

Absolutely yes. We have helped more than 2,000 transitioning people preserve their fertility. We work with clients at various stages in their gender transition every day. Our care team has been trained by Folx to provide an inclusive, affirming experience to every client, no matter what their fertility journey.

We partner with several trans healthcare providers, including Folx, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Anchor Health Connecticut, to provide fertility preservation directly to the trans community.

How can I use my frozen sperm after I transition?

You can use your frozen sperm in an intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

How many vials of sperm should I freeze before starting hormone therapy?

Short answer: as many as you can afford. But the ideal number of samples to store also depends on your future plans. A few questions you might consider:

Do you plan to or hope to get bottom surgery? If yes, you may want to freeze more sperm, since you won’t have the option to recover your fertility.
Do you want one child, multiple children, or maybe you’re not sure you want kids at all? How much sperm you should freeze will change depending on family size and how certain you are that you want biological children in the future.

Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

IUI pregnancy rates range from 10–25% per cycle; IVF success rates range from 5–50% per cycle. So, you may need multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy.

How does gender-affirming surgery, such as vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty, affect fertility?

Gender-affirming surgery for trans women typically includes orchiectomy, the removal of the testes. Orchiectomy will result in irreversible, total sterility.

If you plan to undergo vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, or orchiectomy and may want a biological child in the future, we highly recommend freezing at least 3 semen samples to maximize the chances of creating a healthy pregnancy.

I already started hormone therapy. Is it too late to freeze my sperm?

Not necessarily. It takes time for your hormone therapy to affect your fertility. Additionally, hormone therapy affects each person differently. After taking gender-affirming hormones for months or years, you may still produce some sperm. The quantity and quality of sperm may deteriorate progressively the longer you’ve been taking HRT.

If you’re already taking hormone therapy, we recommend starting with a semen analysis. This test will assess the quality of your semen and determine whether your sample is viable for freezing.

If you do a semen analysis with Legacy and have viable sperm, you can upgrade your purchase to include freezing, and freeze that sample immediately.

If you don’t have viable sperm, you can consider pausing your hormone therapy for 3–6 months to see if sperm production resumes before continuing with the fertility preservation process.

When should I freeze my sperm before hormone therapy?

Will my fertility return if I stop taking estrogen or T-blockers?

How does gender-affirming hormone therapy affect fertility?

Gender-affirming hormone therapy, including estrogen and androgen-blockers (also known as “T-blockers”), is likely to impair or even halt sperm production.

The effect seems to be dose-dependent. In one study, researchers found that low-dose estrogen therapy had no impact on sperm concentration or motility, while a higher-dose regimen resulted in reduced sperm motility after just a few days and reduced sperm concentration after 2 weeks.

Can trans women use Legacy to freeze their sperm?

Yes! Anyone who produces sperm can use Legacy for sperm freezing. At-home sample collection is a more accessible, comfortable, and affordable option for sperm freezing.

Will Legacy use my name and pronouns?

Yes. We must use your legal name on your contracts and paperwork. However, we’ll ask for — and use — a preferred name during onboarding, on your client dashboard and in all client services communications. We want every client to feel as comfortable as possible during this process.

I'm transitioning. Can I use Legacy?

Yes, absolutely. We have worked with many trans and non-binary clients to preserve their fertility before starting gender-affirming hormone therapy. At-home sample collection is a more accessible, comfortable, and affordable option for sperm freezing. If you have additional questions, email us at clientservices@givelegacy.com or call 617-514-0901.

I plan to use a surrogate or gestational carrier. Can I work with Legacy?

Cancer treatment

How many vials of sperm should I freeze before starting cancer treatment?

Short answer: as many as you can afford and have time to freeze. But the ideal number of samples to store also depends on your future plans. A few questions you might consider:

Do you have kids already? If you don’t, there may be a higher chance that you’ll want more kids in the future.
What is your cancer treatment plan? If you need surgery to remove testicles or another treatment that will impact sperm production permanently, you may want to freeze more sperm.

Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

IUI pregnancy rates range from 10–25% per cycle; IVF success rates range from 5–50% per cycle. So, you may need multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy.

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How can I use my frozen sperm after cancer treatment?

You can use your frozen sperm in an intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm

1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

How long can my sperm stay frozen after cancer treatment?

Does Legacy offer discounts for clients with a cancer diagnosis?

Yes. We offer a 25% discount on all sperm freezing bundles for oncology patients. Contact us at clientservices@givelegacy.com to learn more.

Does insurance cover sperm freezing before cancer treatment?

Often, yes. In some states, large insurance plans are required by law to cover fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. Alternatively, some companies will offer fertility benefits programs to fill the gap in fertility coverage offered by insurance.

How does cancer surgery affect fertility and sperm health?

Surgery to certain organs in the pelvis and abdomen may affect fertility, including the testes (orchiectomy), prostate (prostatectomy), seminal vesicles, bladder (radical cystectomy), lymph nodes, pituitary, or hypothalamus gland. How significantly fertility is impaired depends on the type of surgery.

How does chemotherapy affect fertility and sperm health?

Chemotherapy kills cells that divide quickly. This targets cancer cells, but inadvertently affects sperm cells as well. Some chemo drugs may halt sperm production and cause azoospermia within 3 months, while others can reduce sperm motility. Chemo can also damage germ cells and affect sperm production in children. Finally, chemotherapy is likely to damage the DNA carried by sperm.

Depending on the drug you receive and the dose, sperm production may resume in 15 to 49 months. If chemo damages all the stem cells in the testicles that make new sperm, infertility may be permanent.

Does Legacy serve cancer patients?

Absolutely. We work with cancer patients to preserve their sperm prior to chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other treatments that may affect fertility. Legacy also offers special discounts for affected clients. For assistance with timing or payment, email us at clientservices@givelegacy.com or call 617-514-0901.

Vasectomy & vasectomy reversal

How many vials of sperm should I freeze before a vasectomy?

Short answer: as many as you can afford. But the ideal number of samples to store also depends on your future plans. A few questions you might consider:

Do you have kids already? If you don’t, there may be a higher chance that you’ll want kids in the future, even if you’re sure you don’t want them right now. (Hence the vasectomy!)

How old are you? If you’re in your 20s or 30s, it’s more likely that your family plans may change in the future.

Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm

1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

IUI pregnancy rates range from 10–25% per cycle; IVF success rates range from 5–50% per cycle. So, you may need multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy.

I already had a vasectomy. Is it too late to freeze my sperm?

Not necessarily. Some sperm still remains in the semen for a short time after a vasectomy.

If you’ve already had a vasectomy, we recommend getting a standard semen analysis with an annual freezing plan as soon as possible — after you’re cleared to ejaculate, typically around 1 week post-procedure. This test will assess if there are still viable, quality sperm in your semen. If there are not, we’ll refund the cost of your storage plan.

My vasectomy is happening really soon. Can I still use Legacy to freeze my sperm?

Probably! We want to help expedite the process. Contact us at clientservices@givelegacy.com.

How many vials of sperm should I freeze before my vasectomy?

Short answer: as many as you can afford. But the ideal number of samples to store also depends on your future plans. A few questions you might consider:

Do you have kids already? If you don’t, there may be a higher chance that you’ll want kids in the future, even if you’re sure you don’t want them right now. (Hence the vasectomy!)
How old are you? If you’re in your 20s or 30s, it’s more likely that your family plans may change in the future.

Generally speaking, one vial of sperm is used in each IUI or IVF procedure.

1 semen sample = 4 vials of frozen sperm
1 vial of frozen sperm = 1 IUI or IVF procedure

IUI pregnancy rates range from 10–25% per cycle; IVF success rates range from 5–50% per cycle. So, you may need multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy.

How effective is a vasectomy reversal?

Vasectomy reversal success rates vary widely, from about 30% to 90%, depending on several factors.

How long it’s been since your vasectomy: The longer it’s been, the less likely you are to regain fertility after a vasectomy reversal.
The type of procedure you had during your initial vasectomy, and the type of vasectomy reversal you’re pursuing.

The skill level of your surgeon: Vasectomy reversal is a complex microsurgery, and success rates are higher for experienced surgeons than for those who rarely perform vasectomy reversals.

How effective is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a highly effective permanent form of birth control. Vasectomy “failure” is defined as a case in which the vas deferens reconnect after the procedure, once again allowing sperm to enter the semen. Only about 1 or 2 in every 1,000 vasectomies fail, making it over 99% effective.

When should I test my semen after a vasectomy?

Follow your doctor’s instructions. Typically, the advice is to test your semen 8–12 weeks after your vasectomy.

You should aim to ejaculate frequently, starting one week following your procedure and stopping 2–5 days prior to your semen analysis. This will help you “clear out” the sperm from your testes. (Remember, your vasectomy isn’t considered effective until you’ve had a post-vasectomy semen analysis, so these ejaculations should be masturbation or sex with contraception.)

When should I freeze my sperm before a vasectomy?

Up to 1 in 10 people who have a vasectomy will eventually seek a reversal. The truth is that you may change your mind about having (more) kids in the future. Sperm freezing is a reliable back-up plan that’s significantly more affordable and less invasive than a vasectomy reversal later on.

We recommend ordering your sperm freezing kit(s) as soon as you schedule your vasectomy. This should give you time to freeze one or multiple samples prior to your appointment.

What’s the process of vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a procedure in which the vas deferens, the ducts that connect the testes to the urethra in the penis, are cut. This prevents sperm from entering your semen (ejaculate or “cum”) without affecting your sexual function or hormones.

Should I freeze my sperm prior to my vasectomy?

Getting a vasectomy is a big (and final) decision. Although vasectomy reversal is an option should circumstances change, it is expensive and not often effective. Sperm freezing before getting a vasectomy is the best way for individuals and couples to keep their options open. Learn more about sperm freezing before vasectomy.

Should I test my sperm post vasectomy?

Yes, you should do a semen analysis to check if a vasectomy has been successful, typically 8–12 weeks after the procedure (follow your doctor's instructions). Legacy's standard semen analysis is a good option for post-vasectomy testing.

Should I test my sperm after a vasectomy reversal?

Yes. It can take 6–12 months for sperm production to resume after a reversal. For this reason, experts recommend that you test regularly for 1–2 years after the procedure to ensure sperm health is recovering. Legacy's standard semen analysis is an easy way to check whether a vasectomy reversal was effective.

STI testing

If I test positive for one or more STIs, can I still use my sperm for IUI or IVF?

This depends on your clinic’s regulations. Your samples may be “quarantined,” or stored separately from others’, to prevent any cross-contamination (though cross-contamination is extremely unlikely).

When used in IUI or IVF, sperm is typically “washed,” or separated from the semen. The semen is what carries infection, not the sperm itself. The process of sperm washing is very effective at removing pathogens from sperm samples.

However, there is always the small possibility that someone who is inseminated with an STI-positive sample could contract an STI. Therefore, you should consult your doctor about the necessary consent forms or other paperwork required to use your sample.

If I test positive for one or more STIs, can I still freeze my sperm?

Yes. Depending on your results, your samples may be “quarantined,” or stored separately from others’, to prevent any cross-contamination (though cross-contamination is extremely unlikely).

However, we cannot guarantee that your chosen fertility clinic will allow you to store or use STI-positive semen samples in the future. We recommend discussing this with your fertility clinic.

Do I perform my STI test before or after sperm analysis?

If you’re doing an STI screening before you freeze a sperm sample, we recommend doing STI screening before or at the same time as your sperm analysis kit.

You can do this in 2 ways:

Via a lab requisition form you can access on your client dashboard
By talking with your primary care, hormone therapy, or fertility provider

If you’re doing STI testing simply to screen for possible infection, you can do it at any time.

How is STD testing done?

STI/STD testing for people with penises typically involves:

A urine sample

A blood draw

Possibly a swab of your genitals or rectum

When should I get tested for STIs/STDs?

The CDC recommends testing every 3–12 months, depending on your risk factors. You should consider STI testing:

After you’ve had unprotected sex with a new person, or before having unprotected sex with a new person

If a previous partner tells you they have an STI

If you have symptoms such as pain in your genitals or pelvic, pain while urinating, sores, or discharge

If you’re planning fertility treatment such as IVF or IUI

If you’re considering or planning to freeze your sperm

What is STI testing?

STI testing is a screening that uses samples of urine, blood, or other body tissues to look for indicators that a person might have a sexually transmitted infection.

STI tests look for genetic material from specific bacteria or viruses, or for the presence of specific antibodies — immune cells that show your body is reacting to a particular infection.

What’s the difference between an STI and a STD?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the presence of any bacteria, virus, or other pathogen that can be spread via sex. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) refers to the illness, or symptoms, caused by the infection.

In many cases, an STI may not have any symptoms. However, an infection without symptoms can still spread to others, or cause more damage inside your body.

What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

An STI is any infection that can spread via sex. (Some STIs can also be spread in other ways.)

Why do I need an STI panel?

Fertility clinics require certain testing and documentation to be completed at the time of freezing in order to store and use your sample in the future. In most cases, clinics will require an STI panel in order to use a sperm sample, even if you’re using it with a sexually intimate partner.

What if my test has a positive result for one or more STIs?

Do I need to complete an STI/STD panel prior to testing or freezing my sperm?

You can do this in 2 ways:

Via a lab requisition form you can access on your client dashboard
By talking with your primary care, hormone therapy, or fertility provider

Will I be charged more for sperm freezing if I test positive for an STI?

No, there is no additional cost for storing a sperm sample from an STI-positive person.

Can I meet with a Legacy provider to review my STI testing results?

No, we don't currently offer a results review call for STI testing ordered via Legacy. If you have questions about your results, please speak to your primary care doctor.

If I test positive for an STI, can Legacy offer me treatment?

No. Because we’re a digital clinic, we can’t diagnose you with an illness or prescribe treatment. However, we will offer guidance on next steps with your results.

If I test positive for one or more STIs, can it affect the quality of my sperm, or the health of any embryos I create?

It’s possible. Any infection may impact sperm quality.

I was possibly or definitely exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. How long should I wait before STI testing for the most accurate results?

We can’t provide specific medical advice, and highly recommend you speak to your doctor if you know or believe you’ve been exposed to an STI. Patients may test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis within 5–14 days of infection, while HIV may take 3 months to be detectable with an STI test.

If I test positive for one or more STIs, should I test again in the future?

You may want to retest after treating your infection. Talk to your doctor about the best next steps for you.

If I'm freezing more than one sample, do I need to do STI testing again?

Military & Veterans

How do I submit my Legacy costs for reimbursement with the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense's Fertility Preservation Pilot Program begins September 14, 2026.

In order to receive reimbursement:

Complete your freezing process with Legacy and receive your itemized invoice
Get written eligibility validation from your commander
Complete DHA Form 459
Submit your invoice and form within 120 days of completing service (or per your branch's current guidance)

You likely qualify if you've received orders for hazardous duty pay, or expect to within the next 120 days, or if you'll be geographically separated from a spouse, domestic partner, or dating partner for 180 days or more due to military orders.

Reimbursement rules are set by the DoD, not by Legacy. For the latest requirements, check with your unit's admin office.

What's an advance medical directive, and do I need one for sperm freezing?

An advance medical directive is a legal document that outlines your choices for health and end-of-life care, should you become unable to make these decisions for yourself.

If you are using the Department of Defense's Fertility Preservation pilot program to pay for sperm freezing, this program requires participants to have an advance medical directive on file specifying what should happen to their frozen sperm if they die. This is a program requirement set by the DoD, separate from anything Legacy handles directly.

If you're not part of the DoD program, an advance medical directive is not required. As part of our process, Legacy will ask you to complete a bequeathment form that specifies who or what should be granted ownership if your sperm in the event of your death.

What does the $500 Department of Defense sperm freezing reimbursement actually cover?

Beginning September 14, 2026, this stipend is meant to cover the initial analysis and freezing plus ongoing cryostorage, up to a total of $500 per year.

Legacy offers a 1-sample, annual freezing plan that's under $500 for the first year and $245 for ongoing freezing. Learn more about pre-deployment freezing plans.

Am I eligible for the Department of Defense's $500 sperm freezing reimbursement?

You may qualify if the following apply to you:

You've received orders for hazardous duty pay, or expect to within the next 120 days
You'll be geographically separated from a spouse, domestic partner, or dating partner for 180 days or more due to military orders

Your commander will need to validate your eligibility in writing as part of the reimbursement process.

What is the new 2026 Department of Defense Fertility Preservation benefit?

Starting September 14, 2026, the Department of Defense is launching a three-year pilot program that reimburses eligible service members for sperm and egg freezing, with a stipend of up to $500 a year for sperm retrieval and preservation. It was mandated by the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act and applies to both military treatment facilities and civilian fertility providers, including clinics outside the TRICARE network.

How might military work affect my fertility?

Military work involves the possibility of combat-related injury and exposure to chemical warfare or toxins, both of which can negatively impact a male’s fertility or a couple’s pregnancy outcomes. A study of veterans of the US War on Terror found that rates of infertility were significantly higher—nearly twice as high—among veterans compared to civilians.

I get care through the VA. Am I covered for Legacy services?

Legacy is in-network with VA Community Care networks nationwide, and at-home sperm testing and freezing is covered by Veterans’ benefits. If you get benefits through the VA, your team can use our NPI — 1366068454 — to generate an authorization and a standardized episode of care (SEOC). Email us at insurance@givelegacy.com for more information.

Does Legacy offer military discounts?

Legacy is committed to supporting military families through discounts and special programs.

We’ve partnered with the Military Family Building Coalition to offer complementary sperm testing and freezing to Naval Special Warfare (Navy SEALs).
We’ve partnered with the Green Beret Foundation to offer complementary sperm testing and freezing to Army Special Forces (Green Berets).
We’ve partnered with the Operation Baby Foundation, a non-profit that funds fertility treatments for military families, to provide discounts for sperm testing and freezing.

Both active-duty military members and Veterans are eligible for discounts on our products through WeSalute (20% off) and ID.me (10% off).

How can Veterans access Legacy services?

Legacy services are covered by Veterans’ benefits. We are in-network with Optum VA Community Care Network and TriWest, which covers semen analysis and storage. You just need a referral from your healthcare provider.

Follow these 3 easy steps to get started:

Your provider sends a referral over to your community care network. Our NPI is 1366068454.
Your VA provider sends an authorization over to insurance@givelegacy.com. We’re listed as “Give Legacy,” located in New York.
We take care of the rest. When the results are ready, we send them directly to your provider.

Do Veterans' benefits cover sperm freezing or testing with Legacy?

Fertility treatment & third-party reproduction

I'm transitioning. Can I use Legacy?

I'm interested in using a known or directed sperm donor. Can I work with Legacy?

At Legacy, we aim to offer an inclusive solution that supports all family-planning efforts. However, there are important considerations and requirements involved with using a known sperm donor for insemination, including requisite preliminary testing. To learn more about this process, email us at clientservices@givelegacy.com or call 617-514-0901.

Security & privacy

Will Legacy donate or sell my sperm?

No, we won't donate or sell your sperm. Your sample(s) belongs to you and only you unless otherwise specified (i.e., adding an authorized user or completing a bequeathment form). You can withdraw your sample(s) from storage (or ask us to destroy it) at any time.

Is Legacy registered with the FDA?

Legacy is registered with the FDA and is approved to operate across the United States. CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) is a program managed by the FDA that ensures the quality and security of clinical laboratories.

Our labs, facilities, and partners are all FDA-registered, CLIA-certified, and registered and compliant with all other necessary regulatory bodies, including state-specific institutions and regulations.

Clinical science

What clinical standards does Legacy use to assess semen samples?

Legacy tests semen samples against normal thresholds for semen parameters established in the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, 6th ed.

Is Legacy CLIA certified?

Yes, Legacy’s andrology lab is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified. Our CLIA ID is 31D2285605.

How long can the sperm sample stay stable after collection?

The sperm transport liquid included in the kit keeps the sperm sample stable and extends the lifespan of the sperm up to 48 hours.

Sperm concentration, morphology, and DNA fragmentation are not impacted by shipping.

Troubleshooting

How long does the kit last before it needs to be used?

The sperm transport liquid in the Legacy kits has a shelf life of over 6 months. We recommend refrigerating the vial for best results.

My kit didn't arrive by the estimated delivery date. Can I get a refund?

Estimated delivery dates are not guarantees. We ship expedited orders as soon as possible and partner with leading carriers for expedited shipping. However, delays may occur due to factors outside our control. We cannot provide a refund or cancellation of your purchase or your expedited shipping fee if your kit does not arrive by the estimated delivery date.

For an order with multiple kits (such as a For Tomorrow or Forever bundle), expedited shipping applies only to the first kit.

What happens if my sample doesn't have any sperm?

If, for whatever reason, your sample isn't viable and isn't able to be stored, we will discard it, contact you, and refund you for the cost of storage.

What happens if my first sample is deemed not viable for freezing?

If your analysis reveals that your sample isn’t viable for freezing — for example, if no sperm was found in your sample — you have a few options. You can speak to one of our male fertility specialists to understand what may be affecting your fertility, as well as some next steps you may want to take. You also may want to re-test to confirm any abnormal results.

Don’t worry: if your sample is deemed not viable for storage by our lab, we’ll refund you for the storage plan you purchased as well as any unused services, such as additional testing that could not be performed.

Learn more about our refund policy.

What happens if there's no sperm found in my sample?

If an initial analysis finds no sperm in your sample, we will repeat the analysis, spinning the sample down again in a centrifuge and reassessing to find any sperm present.

If no sperm is found on a repeat analysis, you have a few options. You can speak to one of our male fertility specialists to understand what may be affecting your fertility, as well as some next steps you may want to take. You also may want to re-test with a new sample to confirm any abnormal results.

Healthcare providers & clinical partners

How do clinicians receive results for their patients referred to Legacy?

Clinicians can view their patients’ results in one or more ways:

They can access our Provider Portal, a secure dashboard where clinicians can view the status and results for all of their referred patients.
They can elect to receive results as soon as they are available via email. This email can be sent to one or more email addresses associated with that provider (for example, a physician and a nurse or results specialist at the same practice).

Results for semen analysis are typically available within 24–48 hours after the sample is received at the lab.

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Frequently asked questions

Sperm freezing

Trying to conceive

Sperm testing

Pricing & payment

Process & kit components

Gender transition

Cancer treatment

Vasectomy & vasectomy reversal

STI testing

Military & Veterans

Fertility treatment & third-party reproduction

Security & privacy

Clinical science

Troubleshooting

Healthcare providers & clinical partners

Don’t leave family to chance.