How Much It Costs To Freeze Sperm—and Why You Should Freeze Yours Before 45

Fertility tends to decline with age for everyone—regardless of sex or gender identity. While people assigned female at birth often receive more public attention regarding “biological clocks,” research shows that sperm quality also decreases with age.

According to a 2019 scientific review, older paternal age (typically over 45) is linked to reduced fertility, higher risks for pregnancy complications, and potential health issues for children.2 This has led experts to recommend that men and people with sperm consider freezing their sperm before age 40–45 to preserve fertility potential.

Why Sperm Quality Declines With Age

As men age, their sperm undergoes gradual biological changes. While many people can still father children later in life, the quality of their sperm—including motility, morphology, and DNA integrity—may decline.

Researchers suggest this decline can result from:2

• Reduced testosterone levels

• An increase in DNA mutations within sperm cells

• Cumulative oxidative stress damaging sperm structure

• Lower sperm count and mobility

As Dr. Gloria Bachmann of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School explains, “Just as people lose muscle strength and flexibility with age, sperm also tend to lose ‘fitness’ over time.”

Health Risks of Older Paternal Age

For the Pregnant Partner

Pregnancies involving older biological fathers (over 45) are linked to a higher risk of:

• Gestational diabetes

• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)

• Complicated labor or cesarean delivery

For the Baby

Children conceived with older paternal age are more likely to experience:

• Premature birth or low birth weight

• Congenital anomalies, such as heart defects or cleft palate

• Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD

• Psychiatric or cognitive challenges later in life

• Childhood cancers (though rare)

While these risks do not apply to everyone, they increase statistically with each decade of paternal aging.

Risks Also Exist for Older Maternal Age

The decline in fertility and pregnancy complications isn’t limited to men. People who become pregnant after 40 have higher risks of:5

• Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia

• Preterm labor

• Cesarean delivery

• Stillbirth or fetal death in utero

However, conversations about biological clocks often focus only on women, leaving men less aware of their own fertility timelines.

When Should You Freeze Your Sperm?

Experts don’t agree on a universal “ideal age,” but most fertility specialists suggest freezing sperm before 40 or 45 for optimal results.

The Southern California Reproductive Center recommends doing so by age 40.6
Researchers in the Rutgers study even suggested men consider banking sperm before 35, given the cumulative effects of sperm aging on both fertility and child health.2

That said, sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is not mandatory for everyone. A 2017 review found that while sperm banking is beneficial for older men or those facing medical treatments that can impair fertility (like chemotherapy), it’s not necessary for every young person, especially given storage costs and potential changes in sperm motility after thawing.7

How Much Does It Cost To Freeze Sperm?

Unfortunately, most health insurance plans do not cover sperm freezing, except in cases related to medical treatment (e.g., cancer therapy).

Prices vary depending on the sperm bank, storage duration, and the number of samples stored. Here’s an overview of typical costs in the U.S.:

Some clinics offer multi-year discounts or payment plans.

Tip: Always check your insurance coverage and ask about hidden fees for testing, analysis, or shipping.

How Sperm Freezing Works

The sperm freezing process is simple, quick, and minimally invasive:

1. Sample Collection: You produce a semen sample at the clinic or using a home collection kit.

2. Laboratory Analysis: Technicians analyze sperm count, motility, and morphology.

3. Cryopreservation: Viable sperm cells are combined with a cryoprotectant and cooled to -196°C using liquid nitrogen.

4. Storage: The frozen samples are safely stored until you decide to use them for IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Sperm can remain viable for 10 to 20 years or longer if stored properly.

Are There Risks to Freezing Sperm?

Sperm freezing is considered safe, but a few limitations exist:

• Slight loss of motility: Some sperm may not survive the freezing and thawing process.

• Storage errors (extremely rare): Accidents are uncommon in certified fertility labs.

• Emotional and financial considerations: Long-term storage fees can add up.

Overall, sperm cryopreservation is highly effective and widely used for fertility preservation.

Benefits of Freezing Sperm Early

Freezing sperm at a younger age offers several advantages:

• Preserves optimal sperm quality before DNA damage accumulates

• Improves future IVF success rates

• Protects against age-related infertility

• Provides reproductive flexibility for people delaying parenthood

• Safeguards fertility for those undergoing cancer treatment or gender-affirming care

Essentially, sperm banking offers reproductive peace of mind—especially for men who plan to start a family later in life.

How To Improve Sperm Health Naturally

Even if you’re not freezing sperm now, maintaining good sperm quality is key.

Follow these evidence-backed tips:8

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fats

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Avoid smoking, vaping, or recreational drugs

• Limit alcohol intake

• Exercise regularly (but avoid overheating the testicles)

• Manage chronic stress

• Get regular health check-ups and fertility screenings

These steps can help preserve sperm health well into your 40s.

A Quick Review

Freezing sperm before 45 can protect your ability to have biological children later in life. Older paternal age is linked to lower fertility, higher pregnancy complications, and greater risk of certain developmental disorders in children.

Sperm freezing typically costs $700–$1,500 upfront and $150–$550 per year for storage. It’s a personal decision, but one worth considering if you plan to delay fatherhood.

By taking proactive steps—like freezing sperm early and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—you can improve your odds of a successful and healthy pregnancy in the future.