FAQ

A | B | C | D | E | F | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Artificial Insemination

Placing sperm cells into the cervix or uterus using a catheter for the purpose of achieving pregnancy.

C

​Cohort (of vitrified eggs)

A group of 6-8 eggs sold together in a batch.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

CMV testing detects current or past infection with the cytomegalovirus. In adults, this virus which is spread through contact with infected body fluids, generally causes a mild illness characterized by fever, sore throat and swollen glands. However, infection during pregnancy can result in stillbirth, impaired fetal mental capacity or hearing loss, and other serious problems. 

CMV Antibody Testing (CMV Ab IgG/IgM)

Antibody testing detects current or past infection with the cytomegalovirus (CMV). Semen culture testing and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detects an active infection. Only semen specimens from donors who test negative for the semen CMV culture or PCR, or who are IgM antibody negative for CMV are released for use. It is important to note that a positive ("reactive") serum antibody titer to CMV (CMV IgG) indicates only that the individual has been infected with the virus at some time in the past, not that he is infected at present. Unlike HIV, the vast majority of these CMV IgG Positive/Reactive individuals are not shedding CMV from any site and are not infectious.

Cryopreservation

Cooling and storing cells in a frozen state at a temperature which provides high survivability when thawed (-196°C for sperm cells).

Cryoprotectant Buffer

A chemical component of a freezing solution that protects the sperm cells by preventing changes in acidity during the cryopreservation process.

I

ICI (Intracervical Insemination)

Placing semen in the cervix using a catheter.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Placing washed sperm cells directly into the uterus.

L

Liquid Nitrogen

Nitrogen gas that has been cooled to the liquid state (-196°C) and used to cool and store cells in a frozen state.

S

Semen

The male ejaculate containing a mixture of seminal plasma and sperm cells.

Spermatozoa (Sperm)

The fully developed male reproductive cells.

V

Vial

A container used to package frozen sperm. It is sometimes referred to as a dose or a unit.

Vitrification

A method of rapidly freezing (cryopreserving) cells, including human eggs, with the addition of cryoprotectants.

The following links to health-related web sites may be helpful to patients and clients visiting our site.
Please be aware that each site is responsible for its own published material and these links do not represent an endorsement of or by CAN-AM Cryoservices Corp.
 

Books

Embrace Your Fertility, by Timea Belej-Rak, MD

When you are struggling with fertility, navigating your options may feel overwhelming. In Embrace Your Fertility, Dr. Timea Belej-Rak demystifies the process with a guide that melds heartfelt patient stories and expert knowledge on the latest resources. It includes a look at both mainstream medical interventions and complementary health options from diet to acupuncture and views your fertility journey from new perspectives.

 

Sperm & Egg Providers

Cryogenic Laboratories (CLI)

www.cryogeniclab.com

CLI was founded 40 years ago as the first U.S. sperm bank and is one of the few sperm banks fully accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). CLI provides the most extensive range of Donor information to clients at no charge, including Donor photos, Essays and Audio Interviews.
 

Fairfax Cryobank

www.fairfaxcryobank.com

Fairfax Cryobank has been distributing Donor sperm in the U.S. for over 20 years. Fairfax makes extensive use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) techniques to test its Donors for infectious diseases, which is significantly more sensitive than traditional testing methods. Fairfax is the only Sperm bank to utilize PCR to test for HPV and HSV.

NW Cryobank

www.nwcryobank.ca

NorthWest (NW) Cryobank has been providing donor sperm for more than 25 years, with a large selection of donors newly available in Canada, and many anonymous donors suitable for the Québec health insurance program.

NWCryobank is one of the premiere Canadian-compliant donor egg banks, utilizing cutting-edge vitrification technology. Their ready-to-ship frozen donor eggs and large selection of donor ethnicities make the selection and use of donor eggs faster and more convenient than fresh donor egg cycles. www.nwcryobank.ca

Seattle Sperm Bank

www.seattlespermbank.com

Seattle Sperm Bank is one of North America's leading sperm banks with a focus on providing the highest-quality Open ID Donors. SSB is the industry-leading cryobank in advanced sperm donor screening: SSB conducts criminal background checks and verifies educational transcripts on all donors.

SSB is also the only sperm bank to have all donors evaluated by a counselor with a Master’s of Social Work, helping donors to understand the full implications of being a donor, including the possibility of future contact from offspring. We combine our dedication to quality and customer service with simplified processes and lower prices.

Family-Building Resources

Vicky M. Ringuette, Lawyer & Mediator

vmringuette.ca

A bilingual lawyer specializing in family law, child protection and fertility law matters by using alternative dispute resolution processes such as collaborative law, negotiation, mediation and/or arbitration.  

The Adoption Council of Ontario

www.adoptontario.ca

Web site to learn more about adoption from an Ontario perspective, whether you are a potential or existing adoptive parent, birth parent adopted person.
 

Canadian Health Network (CHN)

www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/index-eng.php

A national, bilingual Internet-based health information service. Health Canada, its founding partner, provides funding for CHN.
 

Infertility Awareness Association of Canada, Inc.

www.iaac.ca

A national charitable organization working to promote choices and access to treatment for those with infertility concerns through awareness, support and education.
 

Infertility Network

www.infertilitynetwork.org

A registered Canadian charity providing information & support to people experiencing infertility to help them make informed choices about their family-building options.
 

International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination

www.inciid.org

NCIID provides an online resource of consumer-targeted infertility information covering cutting-edge technologies and treatments.
 

IVF Connections

www.ivfconnections.com

Connects people going through IVF to information, support, and others going through the same experiences. IVF Connections features IVF bulletin boards, IVF e-mail lists, IVF chatrooms, IVF questions and answers, IVF stories, IVF links and an "IVF in Canada" section.
 

Resolve

www.resolve.org
A nonprofit organization founded to provide timely, compassionate support and information to people experiencing infertility and to increase awareness of infertility issues through public education and advocacy.
 

Multiple Births Canada

www.multiplebirthscanada.org

A National support organization for multiple birth families and individuals in Canada.

British Columbia
Alberta
Ontario
Ontario - Greater Toronto Area
Ontario - Hamilton
Ontario - Southwestern
Québec
Eastern Canada

CAN-AM works closely with clinics experienced in the use of frozen embryos and vitrified donor eggs to provide unparalleled service and guidance to patients and their physicians.
 

British Columbia

Genesis Fertility Centre

genesis-fertility.com

Combining heart and science, Genesis Fertility Centre helps thousands of couples and individuals start and grow their families. Our clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia has become a trusted destination for male and female fertility services. We proudly maintain some of the highest independently verified success rates in Canada thanks to years of specialized experience, education and the latest technology.  

Grace Fertility Centre

fertilitywithgrace.com

Grace Fertility Centre is a boutique fertility clinic in Vancouver that seeks to give you a highly personalized and tailored treatment to achieve your dream of parenthood. A full range of fertility treatments are offered on site, as well as support programs to optimize health and relieve stress, in order to improve treatment outcomes and beyond.
 

Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM)

pacificfertility.ca

​PCRM is a comprehensive IVF clinic located in Burnaby, British Columbia providing a wide range of care from basic fertility evaluations to advanced techniques in assisted reproduction. PCRM is a state-of-the-art facility with a long history of success with IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
 

Alberta

Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) - Edmonton

edmonton.pacificfertility.ca

More than 15% of the couples within reproductive age face challenges with fertility. We aim to educate our patients and the public how advancements in reproductive health can help overcome these challenges.  We do everything within our means to assist patients realize their dreams of becoming parents, using the very latest in diagnostic equipment, ultrasound, and other medical technology.
 
We are committed to providing the best and safest care for our patients and to obtaining the best possible results. Our goal is to provide you with effective, compassionate care throughout your family building journey.
 

Calgary Regional Fertility Program

regionalfertilityprogram.ca

Since 1984, our IVF program has resulted in the successful delivery of over 14,700 babies. We offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment programs for both male and female fertility disorders as well as for recurrent pregnancy loss. With its’ state of the art facilities, the RFP clinic has the essential experience and resources to assist in making family a reality.

Ontario

Ottawa Fertility Centre

conceive.ca

Our mission is to support you through your journey by giving you the answers you need and offering you the compassionate, patient-centric reproductive care you deserve.
 

OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre

originelle.com

The OriginElle Fertility Clinic & Women's Health Centre is a state-of-the-art facility providing comprehensive infertility services, reproductive medicine and progressive treatment for men and women, including IVF (in vitro fertilization), natural and modified natural cycle IVF, fertility preservation and other health services.  
 

Greater Toronto Area

Reproductive Care Centre 

rccfertility.com

The Reproductive Care Centre is an advanced reproductive medicine clinic based in Mississauga, with a specialty in reproductive endocrinology and surgery. RCC has achieved great success in their IVF program and has extensive experience in the use of vitrified eggs.

Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health

anovafertility.com

Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health is home to the first next-generation embryology laboratory in Canada and is the leader in innovation, education, and communication for high quality humanized fertility and reproductive care. Known for our culture of support, our effective process and our holistic approach to patient care, we strive to set the international standard for successful reproductive health and fertility centres who are committed to making the right to family accessible to everyone.
 

Astra Fertility Group

astrafertility.com

Astra employs advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques to help patients achieve pregnancy with the goal of minimizing  invasive treatment. With locations in Brampton, Mississauga, Bolton and Milton, Astra strives to offer safe, effective, compassionate and affordable state-of-the-art fertility treatment across the GTA.

CReATe

createivf.com

Pioneering use of cutting-edge IVF technology and a personalized treatment approach allows CReATe to provide the best possible care for those people who require special help to build their family.

IVF Canada

ivfcanada.com

For more than 20 years, IVF Canada has been a leader in building Canadian families, including such achievements as first babies born in this country from the use of in vitro fertilization, frozen eggs and gestational surrogacy.

Markham Fertility Centre

markhamfertility.com

Our philosophy is simple: we aim to provide patient specific treatments at the highest standard, while giving you, our patients, direct and honest care. We take pride in treating you as an individual and creating customized plans of care. At MFC, you will never be just another patient, another number or the result of a statistic.

Newlife Fertility Centre

newlifefertility.com

Newlife offers patient accessibility, technological expertise and personalized patient care. Patients of Newlife are served by a dedicated healthcare team with a cost-conscious approach to treatment in five locations across the GTA and Hamilton region.

ONE Fertility Burlington

onefertility.com

ONE Fertility is a state-of-the-art fertility centre, devoted to providing the most specialized and expert fertility care, treatment and counseling available in Canada. We deliver on our promise of “Life Through Knowledge” and have achieved the very best results in the country. Our success supports our premise, that, in this highly specialized and sensitive discipline, expertise, experience and caring make all the difference.
 

Procrea - Vaughan

procrea.ca/our-clinics/ontario/vaughan

Our mission is to serve our infertility patients in Quebec and Ontario with respect, compassion and understanding, according to the latest technological innovations. We strive to ensure the best and safest care for each fertility treatment and to obtain the best possible results. Creating a warm, personal connection is also a key component of a successful outcome. Our goal is that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey to parenthood.

Trio Fertility

triofertility.com

With decades of leadership excellence in providing patient experience and outcomes, TCART Fertility Partners and LifeQuest Centre for Reproductive Medicine have joined to create Trio Fertiity, giving you access to the best in scientific innovation and patient care.
   

Hamilton and Area

HART Fertility Centre (Hamilton Assisted Reproductive Technologies)

hartfertility.ca

Dr. Rolando Cepeda and his staff provide thoughtful and dedicated care in a full range of fertility treatment and reproductive services, including sperm banking for cancer patients in partnership with CAN-AM Cryoservices. HART also offers in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in partnership with RCC.
 

Southwestern Ontario

 

Fertility Ontario

fertilityontario.com

At Fertility Ontario, the most modern methods of diagnostic testing are utilized to choose a treatment cycle that is right for you. With the best pregnancy rates in the region for several years, and the most affordable rates in Ontario, Fertility Ontario is dedicated to improving access to effective fertility care.
 

K.A.R.M.A. (Kitchener Area Reproductive Medicine Associates)

karmaobgyn.com

Under the leadership of Dr. Judy Campanaro, KARMA has been helping fertility patients in Southwestern Ontario for over 15 years and today enjoys a reputation for having one of Canada’s most successful programs.
 

ONE Fertility Kitchener

onefertilitykitchenerwaterloo.com

With pregnancy rates among the best in the Canada, ONE Fertility Kitchener's most enduring attribute is the ability to provide individualized and patient centered fertility care in the most friendly and nurturing environment.
 

Juno Fertility

junofertility.com

At Juno, we recognize the importance of a client-centered medical experience, which inspires us to create strong and long-lasting bonds with each of our patients. From Nutrition Consultations to early obstetric follow up, we will design a comprehensive treatment based off of a careful evaluation of your profile. We use state-of-the-art technology to identify sonographic, hormonal, and genetic markers that will allow us to better understand the reason for your difficulties and will help us choose the right treatment for you, without having you undergo unnecessary tests and procedures.
 

The Fertility Clinic at London Health Sciences Centre

www.lhsc.on.ca/the-fertility-clinic/the-fertility-clinic

At The Fertility Clinic, we welcome all individuals to help create families. Our clinic is a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community, and everyone is welcome. We are one of the very few accredited, academic, hospital-based programs in Canada. Our affiliation with Western University ensures excellent research and enables us to provide the most advanced forms of fertility treatment available.  

 

Québec

Centre de Fertilité de Montréal | Montréal Fertility Centre 

montrealfertility.com

MFC provides patients with personalized, evidence-based reproductive care within a friendly state-of-the-art facility. MFC has achieved excellent results using donor eggs, including the healthy delivery of the first Canadian-born baby conceived using NW Cryobank donor eggs.
 

CHU Ste-Justine

chusj.org

CHU Ste-Justine possesses a unique set of expertise in genetics, molecular biology and clinical pharmacology that enables mothers and children to have access to personalized medicine. But it is our approach to humanize care and services that gives our advanced expertise true value – humanization that characterizes every intervention with mothers and children.
 

Fertilys

fertilys.org/en

At Fertilys, we are guided by the constant search for excellence, the personalization of care, respect and commitment to our patients and our employees, and to ethics and innovation. Fertilys benefits from a geographical advantage by being located on both sides of Montreal, notably in Brossard and Laval.
 

Clinique OVO

cliniqueovo.com/en

OVO's guiding principles are to: 1) provide care and quality services in reproductive and prenatal medicine within a warm environment supportive of our patients’ needs, 2) ensuring continuity, security and quality of treatments by adopting a standardized approach and promoting multidisciplinary teamwork, and 3) maintaining a high level of expertise and excellence in a state-of-the-art facility.

McGill Reproductive Centre (MUHC)

mcgillivf.com

As the largest public fertility centre in Quebec, MUHC offers a comprehensive array of fertility treatment options including IVF, IVM (in vitro maturation), PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis), egg donation, fertility preservation for cancer patients & minimally invasive surgery.
 

OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre

originelle.com

The OriginElle Fertility Clinic & Women's Health Centre is a state-of-the-art facility providing comprehensive infertility services, reproductive medicine and progressive treatment for men and women, including IVF (in vitro fertilization), natural and modified natural cycle IVF, fertility preservation and other health services.  
 

Procrea - Montréal

procrea.ca/our-clinics/quebec/montreal-fertility-clinic/

Our mission is to serve our infertility patients in Quebec and Ontario with respect, compassion and understanding, according to the latest technological innovations. We strive to ensure the best and safest care for each fertility treatment and to obtain the best possible results. Creating a warm, personal connection is also a key component of a successful outcome. Our goal is that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey to parenthood.
 

Procrea - Québec

procrea.ca/our-clinics/quebec/quebec-city-fertility-clinic

Our mission is to serve our infertility patients in Quebec and Ontario with respect, compassion and understanding, according to the latest technological innovations. We strive to ensure the best and safest care for each fertility treatment and to obtain the best possible results. Creating a warm, personal connection is also a key component of a successful outcome. Our goal is that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey to parenthood.
 

Eastern Canada

Conceptia

conceptia.ca

CONCEPTIA clinic is a private non-profit organisation which offers a complete range of Assisted Reproductive Techniques. It is compose of a unique team of devoted professionals working together whose sole intention is to help you conceive and realize your dream of becoming parent(s).

Notice: The Medically Assisted Reproduction Program in Quebec has been offered since November 15, 2021. Please check this program details and eligibility at:  https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/grossesse-et-parentalite/procreation-medicalement-assistee/programme-pma



How to place an order under the RAMQ MAR Program through CAN-AM: 
 
Although CAN-AM has no contractual obligation with the Quebec Government for this RAMQ program, we are choosing to participate at this time. The following instructions must be followed, NO EXCEPTIONS. Orders placed any other way cannot be processed up-front under the RAMQ MAR program through CAN-AM.

 

1. ORDER   

• Place your order using the CAN-AM RAMQ ORDER FORM. 
• Participating sperm banks are: NW Cryobank, Fairfax Cryobank, and Seattle Sperm Bank (NOT Xytex).
• Only ONE UNIT PER CYCLE is covered by the program (maximum six).
• It is advisable to confirm availability of your chosen donor with CAN-AM before placing your order (please see THIS BROCHURE for tips on selecting a donor that is in stock at CAN-AM).  

2. CLINIC CONFIRMATION   

• CAN-AM will confirm with your clinic that you are eligible for the RAMQ program.
• Order shipping may be delayed while we await this confirmation.   

3. PAYMENT   

• After your clinic has confirmed your eligibility, CAN-AM will email you an invoice to the email provided for any amount owing that is not covered by RAMQ.  
  RAMQ covers up to $850 per vial (vial prices can be found HERE) 
  RAMQ covers up to $100 per shipping fee (shipping fees can be found HERE) 
• Orders that are cancelled after payment is made may be subject to CANCELLATION FEE. Orders that have shipped from CAN-AM cannot be refunded. 

4. SHIPMENT   

• Your order will be scheduled to ship on the next available shipment date according to the shipment schedule of your clinic. 
• Your shipment date will be stated on your invoice. CAN-AM ships overnight to most major cities in Canada. Remote locations may require additional shipping days. 
• Orders shipping within 24hrs of order completion (order, informed consent, clinic confirmation, payment) may be subject to a RUSH ORDER FEE.   

Health Canada regulates the donor screening, processing importation, distribution and use of donor sperm and eggs in Canada. All donors of sperm and eggs must comply with the Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Act (2004) and the AHR Consent Regulations (2007). Donor sperm must also comply with the Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception Regulations (2000).

CAN-AM reviews each donor specimen before it is imported to ensure it complies with regulation and standards. Our facility and our documentation are inspected annually by Health Canada, and we are proud to report an outstanding record of quality and safety.

FIND A SPERM DONOR

Vitrification is a medical method of rapid freezing. Eggs, also known scientifically as oocytes, frozen by vitrification have been shown to have a higher survival rate after thawing when compared to slower methods.

You can fine the most current pregnancy rates for Fairfax EggBank and NWCryobank on their websites:

Studies of large U.S. fertility clinics with donor egg programs have determined that the use of vitrified eggs result in fewer cancellation cycles and shorter wait times to treatment.

The products CAN-AM distributes are compliant with the screening and testing requirements of both the American Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada. Health Canada ensures that licenced tests are conducted on all samples for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and syphilis. Donor sperm is also tested for the Sexually Transmitted Infections Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

Donor profiles are viewable from our catalogue. We also provide a link to access each bank's website for additional donor information, photos and other items available directly from the donor bank.

Generally, open-identity donor programs offered by sperm and egg banks ("Open-ID", "Identity Options", "Identity Disclosure") allow the offspring of a donor to receive the donor’s name and last-known contact information from the sperm or egg bank once they reach the age of 18. Alternatively, the bank may instead attempt to contact the donor on behalf of the offspring without directly revealing the identifying information to the offspring. Donor-conceived children are free to decide whether they want to receive this information about the donor, and whether or not to follow up on it. Information about the client using the donor sperm or eggs, or about the resulting offspring, is never revealed to the donor.

The specific conditions of open-identity programs vary between the banks, and you may need to register your child's birth to participate (see "How do I report a pregnancy?"). Please contact the bank directly for more information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CAN-AM is not currently able to interact with on-site visitors. Please feel free to email or call us and we will do our best to assist you with your donor selection, or anything else.

Each bank maintains its own register of associated pregnancies and/or births. Registration is important for the bank to contact you in the case of an important update in the donor’s medical information, and is required for participation in donor identity-release programs. Please visit the donor’s bank website for details.

Each bank provides updates to donors' medical information where available. They may contact you directly if you provide them with your contact information, or they may provide the information to your health care provider. The information may also be available directly on the supplier’s website. 

Send an email to donoreggs@canamcryo.com with your donor selection and we will send you further instructions.

Fairfax EggBank and NW Cryobank Egg Bank each require several agreement forms to be completed at the time of order. Once CAN-AM confirms the availability of your donor, you may download the required forms available on the Donor Eggs Forms page. Donor Eggs Forms page. Please send the completed, signed forms to CAN-AM by fax or by scanning them and emailing them to info@canamcryo.com.

To ensure that you receive your eggs in advance of treatment, we recommend that you place your order request at least 3 weeks in advance. Payment must be received prior to shipment.

Pour déclarer une grossesse ou une naissance utilisant du sperme de donneur, veuillez cliquer sur le lien de votre banque de donneurs et remplir le formulaire demandé : 

Fairfax Cryobank
http://www.fairfaxcryobank.ca/pregnancyreport.php
 
Seattle Sperm Bank
https://www.seattlespermbank.com/services/pregnancy-reporting/
 
NW Cryobank
Connectez-vous à votre compte à l'adresse https://www.nwcryobank.ca/sign-in/  et cliquez sur "Report a Pregnancy" en bas de la page.

CAN-AM is a Canadian owned and operated importer of donor sperm and eggs from seven U.S. cryobanks. Our facility is inspected regularly by Health Canada and we maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

The products CAN-AM distributes are compliant with the screening and testing requirements of both the American Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada. Health Canada ensures that repeated tests are conducted on all samples for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and syphilis. Donor sperm is also tested for the Sexually Transmitted Infections Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

CAN-AM displays donor profiles in our catalogue, and we provide links to access each Cryobank’s website for additional donor information and photos. More information is available at these supplier’s websites.

Open-identity donor programs allow the offspring of a donor to contact the sperm or egg bank once they reach adulthood and can be provided with the name and last-known contact information for the donor. The bank may act as an intermediary and attempt to contact the donor without revealing any identifying information to the offspring. Donor- conceived children are free to decide whether they want to receive this information, and whether or not to follow up on it.

Information about the client using the donor sperm or eggs, or about the resulting offspring, is never revealed to the donor under any circumstance.

Specific variations between open-identity programs vary between banks- please contact the bank directly for more information.

Each bank maintains its own register of associated pregnancies and/or births. Registration is important for the bank to contact you in the case of an important update in the donor’s medical information, and is required for participation in donor identity-release programs. Please visit the donor’s bank website for details.

Each bank provides updates to donors' medical information where available. They may contact you directly if you provide them with your contact information, or they may provide the information to your health care provider. The information may also be available directly on the supplier’s website. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CAN-AM is not currently able to interact with on-site visitors. Please feel free to email or call us and we will do our best to assist you with your donor selection, or anything else.

Click the order now button on the donor catalogue next to your chosen donor to submit your request. Any assistance you require, including if you are ordering within 48 hours of your treatment in a priority order, please call CAN-AM directly to ensure that your order is processed quickly.

All ordering questions can be directed towards the Ordering FAQ.

Your clinic will advise you on what day the vials (samples) need to arrive- we recommend that you order donor sperm by Day 3 of your cycle to ensure your shipment will arrive at your clinic when you need it.

Your clinic can tell you whether they have a preference. “Washed” donor vials have been processed at the sperm bank before freezing, and are used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) directly after thawing. “Unwashed” vials can be used for intracervical insemination (ICI) or may be washed at your clinic prior to being used for IUI.

Your clinic will tell you how many vials you will need to order per cycle of treatment. While reproductive health is a science, there is no concrete timeline to the process, as it varies between patients. You can order vials for future treatment cycles and store them at CAN-AM, ensuring that you have a guaranteed supply when you need it.

Banks must hold donor sperm specimens in quarantine for at least six months before they can be released for use. At the time of each release, many vials may be released at once, or only a few: we cannot be sure that vials from your chosen donor will be consistently available.

To ensure that you will have a guaranteed supply of your chosen donor, we recommend that you pre-purchase vials ahead of time. Additional vials will provide you with the option of potentially having multiple children in the future using the same donor. Vials can be stored at CAN-AM and shipped to your clinic when needed.

Our facility offers both short and long term reserve storage for vials of donor sperm. Our Storage FAQ can provide more information.

Vials are eligible for a 50% refund up to 12 months after purchase if the vials remain in storage at CAN-AM. Sperm banks will not accept vials for refund if kept in doctor’s offices or clinics, as storage conditions cannot be guaranteed. Any vials returned to CAN-AM from a clinic can continue to be stored for use, but cannot be refunded. Storage fees are not refundable.

Due to COVID-19, CAN-AM sperm banking services are limited. Please contact us for urgent cases and we will do our best to accommodate.

Please call or email to book an appointment to bank your sperm. Blood testing must be completed prior to storage. You can collect your sperm sample on-site at our Hamilton laboratory, or at home and deliver it to the lab if you live within 1 hour’s drive.

*Due to COVID-19, CAN-AM sperm banking services are limited. Please contact us for urgent cases and we will do our best to accommodate.*


CAN-AM provides sperm banking for men undergoing cancer treatment, in partnership with HART Fertility Centre. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends sperm banking for men undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, or having surgery to treat testicular cancer.

Sperm banking clients can visit our main laboratory or use our PreServe kit to collect at home or in the hospital. The PreServe sperm Transport kit can be shipped back to CAN-AM from any FedEx distribution centre with Priority service in Canada.

To ensure the best quality sperm sample is stored, we recommend that you bank your sperm before you begin any treatments which can be damaging to sperm. We will work closely with you, your doctor and your treatment centre to begin your banking as quickly as possible and avoid delay in your treatment.


5 EASY STEPS TO BANK YOUR SPERM

*Due to COVID-19, CAN-AM sperm banking services are limited. Please contact us for urgent cases and we will do our best to accommodate.* 

Storing sperm is a simple way to protect against the possibility of future fertility loss. Many of our clients have cited medical procedures such as vasectomy, cancer treatment, and the surgical or hormonal treatments associated with gender-confirming surgery as common reasons for banking sperm. There are many factors that may increase the risk of fertility loss: occupations or recreational activities that could result in injury to the spine or reproductive organs are several, but exposure to chemicals or radiation could also cause harmful genetic mutation. Common medications and chronic diseases that cause erectile dysfunction can indirectly impair fertility as well.

Physicians also recommend banking some sperm as a temporary “backup” if you are undergoing In-vitro Fertilization IVF (IVF) treatment. CAN-AM has been providing sperm freezing and banking services since 2001. Our Blood Testing request form will help you and your doctor complete the infectious disease blood testing necessary for storing your sperm. Then, either fax or email us your results.

BLOOD TESTING REQUEST FORMS

Your storage account can be set up by completing the account registration forms. Bring everything filled out to your appointment, or they can be scanned/emailed or faxed in advance to us at the address listed in our contact information.

ACCOUNT SET UP FORMS
  Call or email to book an appointment at our lab in Hamilton, ON- if you are unable to travel to our lab to make deposits, you can order our PRESERVE Sperm transport kit to collect the sample at your convenience and in the comfort of home.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT   ORDER A SPERM TRANSPORT KIT
  Collect your sperm sample for deposit at the lab or at home with the PreServe kit. Refer to our ‘Banking Fees’ section for freezing and kit costs. We will freeze, analyze, and assess the quality of the sperm. At your request, we will send a copy of this assessment report to your doctor, and based on the results, they may advise you to store more than one deposit to meet your goals.  Storage fees are flat- no matter how many deposits you choose to make, you pay the same monthly fee. Annual or multi-year storage packages can also be purchased at a reduced rate.

SPERM BANKING FEES Once you are prepared to begin fertility treatment and are ready to use the sperm, you can have your deposit shipped directly to your clinic.

Frozen Sperm can be used to achieve a pregnancy by insemination or during IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment, with or without the process known as ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection).

Individuals at risk of being unable to produce healthy sperm in the future may want to consider freezing and storing their sperm. Surgery or injury to the reproductive organs, as well as the lower body or back can all impair fertility, as can exposure to mutation causing chemicals or radiation. Erectile dysfunction, a common side effect of numerous diseases or medications, can also indirectly lead to reduced fertility.

While you will need to contact your doctor to process bloodwork before you book your first appointment with CAN-AM, you can call to arrange the freezing and storage of sperm without a referral, at any time you are comfortable.

Professions that involve higher risk of physical injury to the lower body and back can include military service, law enforcement and professional sports. Other professions that can increase risk of lost fertility are those that expose men to high heat, such as firefighting and types of manufacturing, as well as the exposure of toxins such as mutagenic chemicals and radioactivity. Some medications or even recreational sports can lead to erectile dysfunction which can indirectly cause loss of fertility.

Set up an account by completing the paperwork here and fax or email it to us at the contact information here. To book a collection appointment, or if you have any questions about the account paperwork, please call 1-888-245-3471 or email us at info@canamcryo.com.

You can set up a sperm storage account with us by completing the Sperm Banking document found here. If you have any questions, please call us at 1-888-245-3471 or email us at info@canamcryo.com.

You can either make an appointment to collect at our Hamilton laboratory or you can collect in the comfort of your home and deliver the sample by appointment if you are within 1 hour’s commute. If you are unable to visit during our hours of operation, you can collect and ship your sperm from home using the PreServe Transport Kit.

We recommend that you collect your sperm by masturbation with 2-7 days of sexual abstinence if possible, or you may purchase a special collection condom instead (see Banking Fees). We do not recommend the use of any lubricants as they can be damaging to sperm. If you are using the PreServe Sperm Transport Kit, be sure to follow the directions for collection.

Our home collection kit is available for any client unable to travel to our lab to deposit sperm. The PreServe Sperm Transport Kit allows you to collect your sample in the comfort and privacy of your home, and includes easy shipping instructions to our lab for storage.

We recommend 2-7 days of abstinence before collection to achieve the best sperm quality.

Reproductive products are frozen in a process called cryopreservation. This safely stores biological cells, like sperm and eggs, at extremely low temperatures. Cryopreserved sperm and eggs are frozen in vials and are stored in our secured facility in tanks cooled with liquid nitrogen (-195 °C).

Cryopreserved sperm can be stored indefinitely. There have been entirely normal and healthy pregnancies from sperm stored for up to 20 years.

Sperm samples can be collected at our laboratory in Hamilton by appointment during our normal hours of operation. If you live within one hour’s driving distance from our lab, you can also collect at home and deliver the sample by appointment during work hours.

If you are unable visit the lab for any reason during those hours, consider banking by PreServe Kit.

Sperm samples can be collected at home by masturbation or by using a special condom (please order when you book your appointment). Please ensure you have 2-7 days of sexual abstinence before collecting. We do not recommend the use of lubricants, as they can be damaging to the sperm. If you are transporting the sperm to our Hamilton lab, please deliver within 1 hour and maintain the temperature close to body temperature. If you are using the PreServe Sperm Transport kit, instructions for the collection and preparation of the sperm sample for shipping will be included.