Options for family building
A Directed Donor (DD) account is for individuals interested in (1) fertility preservation for future family building or (2) storing sperm for a designated recipient who is known to them. A DD account provides a variety of options for family building. The future recipient must be someone known to the DD and could be a friend, the partner of a sibling, their own partner, or a surrogate. This is why a DD account is the most common account used by trans individuals seeking fertility preservation in advance of gender-affirming treatments. All stored vials in this account are quarantined for six months and repeat STI testing is required prior to release. Please see Sperm Storage Fees for pricing.
We recommend opening a Directed Donor account for minors (or anyone who is unsure who will carry a pregnancy), as it offers the most flexibility for use in the future and the added safety of the 6 month quarantine.
For information regarding storage for a minor, please see Sperm Storage Clients under 18 FAQs.
Are you storing for a designated recipient (and not for yourself)? We highly recommend you schedule a semen analysis and test thaw appointment with TSBC prior to setting up a storage account to assess your fertility. This is to determine your sperm count, volume, and how well your sperm survives the freezing process.
To get started
- Read all the information below.
- Get more information by filling out an info request form, emailing us at storage@tsbca.org or calling 510.841.1858.
- All of the forms must be submitted for review before appointments can be scheduled.
- A physical exam, which must include a visual genital exam, has to be performed and submitted for review prior to the first appointment.
- After all documents are submitted, call 510.841.1858 to schedule the first appointment.
Important regulatory information
- This account has FDA required screening and STI testing.
- Screening: Specific paperwork, documents and a medical exam are required prior to initial visit. Additional screening forms are required at the initial visit.
- Testing and Quarantine: All stored vials are quarantined for six months and repeat STI testing is required prior to release. Vials will be releasable 7+ months after the initial visit (depending on timing of additional collection appointments), after our medical director has reviewed the exit STI testing.
Initial visit
- Expect to be in our office for one hour during the initial office visit.
- Complete required documents and sign the Storage Agreement.
- Provide a semen sample in a private room. This sample will be processed for storage which includes a fresh semen analysis and a post-thaw analysis to assess sperm survival.
- Have blood drawn and provide a urine sample to test for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).
- Pay initial account set-up fees.
Return visits
- Call us at 510.841.1858 to schedule return appointments.
- Return collection appointments are 30 minutes.
- Repeat STI testing is required 6 months after collection to release vials.
- Please see Sperm Storage Fees for pricing. Additional collection appointments and repeat STI testing are fee for service.
Learn more about sperm storage
Contact us to learn more about your options.