Veterans and troops may choose to freeze their semen for a number of reason. IVF1 works to provide low- or no-cost fertility services to our military personnel. Below, we will take a look at the cost for a veteran to freeze their semen.

Reasons for Veterans to Freeze Their Semen

There are several reasons for veterans and troops to freeze their semen. First, service members face the same fertility issues as the general population. Although male fertility does not decline with age as dramatically as female fertility, men tend to be less fertile as they age, and the chances of birth defects are higher. In addition, men who are about to undergo radiation or chemotherapy are at risk for becoming infertile afterwards. Men facing these issues often choose to freeze their semen. Troops face additional issues that may make it wise to freeze their semen. Troops may sustain injuries to the testicles or pelvic area that could result in infertility. Exposure to hazardous chemicals can also lead to infertility. Department of Defense data shows that since 2003, at least 1,800 service members in Afghanistan and Iraq sustained injuries that caused infertility. For these reasons, service members may choose to freeze their semen prior to deployment.

How Semen Freezing Works

The procedure for semen cryopreservation is relatively straightforward: the man masturbates to provide one or more specimens of semen, which is frozen under carefully controlled conditions until he is ready to use the semen. There are also alternative methods of semen collection; for men who have conditions that make them unable to ejaculate, sperm may be collected directly from the testicles in a medical procedure. For men whose religious beliefs prohibit masturbation, semen may be collected in a condom during intercourse. Once the man is ready to use the semen, it is thawed under carefully controlled conditions. The semen can be used in several different procedures as necessary: artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are all options. Semen cryopreservation should not be thought of as the first line for fertility - ideally, the man will be able to start a family naturally. The semen is frozen in case this is not possible, providing an alternative path if it becomes necessary.

Cost For a Veteran to Freeze Their Semen

Semen freezing requires no medications or complex medical procedures in most cases, and the cost of storing frozen semen in a certified facility is relatively low. For this reason, semen cryopreservation is one of the most affordable fertility procedures available. However, the cost can still be significant for some service members and veterans, which is why IVF1 offers programs to help local military members and veterans get free or low-cost treatment. For veterans whose insurance does not cover fertility treatment, IVF1 provides Soldier Care, which offers discounts to veterans on fertility services. With Soldier Care, the cost for a veteran to freeze their semen is as minimal as possible.

Cost for Active Duty Troops to Freeze Their Semen

IVF1 also offers Soldier Cryo, which provides free semen cryopreservation to Naperville residents who are about to be deployed in active duty overseas. The semen cryopreservation is free, and storage is free for the duration of the active duty. This can help provide peace of mind about your reproduce future while you are deployed. If you are interested in Soldier Care or Soldier Cryo, Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.