Sperm Preservation


The purpose of sperm preservation or sperm banking is to help ensure the possibility of conception in the future. By using special technology your sperm can be stored for many years while maintaining a reasonable quality. There are a number of medical or personal reasons you can have to explore this option.

Why do I need to preserve sperm?

Medical Reasons
You might have a disease or undergo surgery. This could cause permanent sterilisation or genetic damage.

Pre-Vasectomy Sperm Banking
You might wish to have a vasectomy. But you still want to keep the option open to father children should your circumstances change in the future.

Sperm count
You have a low sperm count or the quality of your sperm is deteriorating.

Sperm Preservation

What happens when sperm are frozen?

Before you agree to the freezing and storage of your sperm, you will be screened for infectious diseases. Read more about Sperm Freezing.

Keeping your sperm healthy

There are things you can do that improve the viability of your sperm. Some factors to consider include:

You are what you eat!
Nutrition, lifestyle and exercise all play a vital role in the health of your body and the same goes for sperm health too. The quality of your sperm is a great barometer of your overall health. Being overweight, leading a sedentary yet stressful life, addictions like alcohol and tobacco all have an impact on the fertility of your sperm. What you did 70-90 days ago affects the quality of your sperm today.

Eat well, to improve your sperm health
If you and your partner are trying to get pregnant (and even if you’re not) now is a good time to start eating better. Cut down on fatty, fried foods; bulk up on fresh fruit and vegetables; switch to wholegrain bread, rice and pasta, avoid processed meat and fish likely to contain high mercury levels, and start taking a quality vitamin supplement to balance out all your vitamin and mineral needs.

The diet essentials for sperm health
You’re looking to increase your intake of the following vitamins and minerals for the best chance of increasing your fertility:

  • Vitamins B12, C & E
  • Selenium
  • Betacarotene
  • Zinc
  • Omega 3 (Fish oils/Flax oil)
I strongly believe that everyone deserves a holistic approach to fertility. An approach where we look at the bigger picture and at all the options.
Dr Tamara Hunter
Fertility specialist Perth WA

Balancing exercise and rest to improve your sperm
To maintain a healthy weight (a body mass index (BMI) between 25-30 is ideal) and to maximise your chances of producing healthy, fertile sperm, regular exercise is a must. It doesn’t need to be a sweaty workout at the gym, simply go for long, brisk walks with your partner a couple of times a week, go swimming, uncover that bicycle in the back of the garage and get on it! However, equally as important as exercise is getting proper and adequate rest too. That normally means 6-8 hours solid sleep.

Distress or de-stress for sperm health?
Stress plays a major role in quite a lot of bodily imbalances which cause illness and diseases to get a grip. It also plays a huge role in your fertility, believe it or not. Reducing your stress levels by taking time out to relax is really important if you want to give yourself the best chances of fathering a child. Meditation, soaking in a warm (not too hot) bath, listening to music, reading, reducing your workload are all good. Also remember alcohol, drugs and tobacco all have adverse affects on your health and fertility. There is no lower limit of safety with these, so now is a great time to quit.

Comprehensive fertility treatment is planned and coordinated with Monash IVF West Leederville, one of WA’s leading fertility centres.
Call us to make an appointment: 1800 628 533

Dr Hunter


fertility specialist

Request an appointment


My Practice


gynaecologist perth
Dr Tamara Hunter consults at The Woom

43 Richardson St
WEST PERTH WA 6005

Call: 08 9388 7780

Sperm Testing and Freezing


Learn more about the technology that allows to test and freeze your sperm.


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Embryo Preservation


Find out about Embryo Preservation and why it is an option to consider.


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Egg Preservation


Another method to influence your reproductive potential for the future, is egg preservation. Use the link to find out more.


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