Frequently asked questions

What is sperm DNA fragmentation analysis?

Sperm testing

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. To learn more, check out our guide to sperm DNA fragmentation.

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

Sperm testing

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

Please note: DNA fragmentation analysis can only be done in conjunction with a standard semen analysis.

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

Sperm testing

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.

How important is sperm motility to my overall fertility?

Sperm testing

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?

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?

Sperm freezing

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.

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

Sperm freezing

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.

What kind of report do I get?

Sperm freezing

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

How does Legacy protect my frozen sperm sample?

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

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.

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

Sperm freezing

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.

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

Sperm freezing

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.

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

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

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

Can I use my frozen sperm for ICSI?

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

What's the difference between samples and vials?

Sperm freezing

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.

How much sperm should I freeze?

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

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?

Sperm freezing

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?

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

Security & privacy

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.

Frequently asked questions

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