Can minors (under 18) store at TSBC?
Yes! We can set up a personal storage account for a minor under the age of 18 with parental consent. Please note that a teen will only have sperm if they have gone through puberty.
I’m not sure if my child has sperm/has gone through puberty. What can we do?
If you are unsure if your child has gone through puberty, you may first want to consult with your primary care doctor before contacting TSBC. If that is not an option, we can perform a semen analysis to see if any genetic material is present. We can also go through the steps of setting up an account, and our lab staff can tell you and your child whether genetic material is present at your first appointment. If there is no genetic material present, you will not be charged the full account set up fee.
Can my child store at the same time as starting Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy? What if they have already started?
Research has shown that Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) use often decreases sperm count. If possible, we recommend storing before beginning gender affirming treatments like GAHT. If you have already started GAHT, it can take six months to a year, or longer, for spermcounts to return. We do not know how quickly GAHT will impact your child’s fertility, so we do not recommend your child start or continue GAHT while providing sperm samples for storage. If your child has already started GAHT, we recommend having a semen analysis before opening anAccount.
Please keep in mind that stopping or delaying GAHT can be extremely difficult for anyone whoidentifies as transgender, and particularly for transgender youth. If you have concerns, weencourage you to speak with your child, as well as your child’s medical and/or mental health providers.
What type of account should my child open?
We typically recommend minors who are storing in anticipation of starting GAHT open up a Directed Donor account. A Directed Donor account will allow for the most flexibility in the future when your child is ready to use their genetic material as DD vials can be usedwith a partner, a surrogate, or a friend.
A Client Depositor, or CD, account is also an option. A CD account is cheaper and faster, however CD vials can only ever be used by a spouse or intimate partner. Client Depositor vials cannot be used by a surrogate, gestational carrier, or any other non- sexually intimate partner. If there is any chance that your child may not have a partner who can conceive and carry a pregnancy in the future, we recommend opening a Directed Donor account.
You can find more detailed information about the types of accounts we offer.
How do we get started?
Give us a call at 510-841-1858. A healthworker would be happy to set up your child’s appointment and/or answer any additional questions you may have.