Sperm preservation is the process of collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future use. It is commonly used prior to medical treatment or gender-affirming care that may impact fertility.
RWH collaborates with Carlton Andrology for sperm freezing & storage. See below more information on Andrology services.
For all urgent Referrals and Enquiries:
- Complete the Fertility Preservation Referral form
- Email: rsu.fps@thewomens.org.au
Fertility Preservation Nurse:
- Phone: (03) 8345 3227
- Email: rsu.fps@thewomens.org.au
On-call Reproductive Services Fellow:
- Contact via Women's switchboard: (03) 8345 2000
Medicare Requirements
Testicular or semen preservation:
- Medicare not required.
- Medicare-ineligible patients will incur fees. Please contact the service for details.
Essential Information
All referrals must include full demographic details and clinical information, consistent with Fertility Preservation Referral form. Required information includes:
- Primary diagnosis
- Relevant urological and medical history
- Planned or current treatment, including dates, timing, and location
- Clinician-estimated risk of permanent fertility impairment
Sending a Referral to Fertility Preservation
The Women’s accepts referrals by email and fax.
- Email: referrals@thewomens.org.au
- Fast Fax (non-urgent): (03) 8345 3036
- Urgent Fax: (03) 8345 3259
- Please use the Fertility Preservation Referral form
* If a patient does not wish to have a consultation with the Fertility Preservation Service and is freezing sperm prior to medical treatment or gender-affirming care, they may be referred directly to Andrology.
Andrology
For more information see the Royal Children's Hospital website.
Email: andrology@rch.org.au
Phone: (03) 8345 3992
Fax: (03) 8345 3990
Address:
Andrology Unit and Sperm Bank (The Royal Women’s Hospital)
321 Cardigan Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Andrology Charges:
Please visit the Royal Children's Hopsital Andrology website about charges.
Government Storage Rebate
From 1 July 2023, the Australian Federal Government provides a rebate of up to $600 per year for the storage of reproductive specimens for cancer patients.
For eligibility and further information, visit the ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Program webpage.
Supportive Resources
To find out more about guidelines for fertility preservation for people with cancer visit the Cancer Council website.