Sperm bank
Hellenic Sperm Bank -HSB- has been operating in Thessaloniki Andrology and Fertility Laboratory – since 1996. HSB provides the possibility of cryopreserving homologous semen samples, that can be used by the couple in all methods of Assisted Reproduction. The HSB also has donor samples for both heterologous intrauterine inseminations as well as conventional IVF techniques or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The cryopreservation methods used are the methods proposed by the WHO manual for semen analysis and are internationally accepted since they ensure the fertilizing capacity of sperm samples for a long time. The sperm bank in Thessaloniki Andrology Lab operates with a state license from the National Authority for Assisted Reproduction – Official Journal No 2639 / 8-12-2015, has a license to distribute samples in the European Union EU TE Code GR009402 and ensures the quality of its services with the standard ELOT EN 15224 : 2017.
How is the sample preserved in a sperm bank;
The sperm bank preserves samples for extended periods at -196°C in specialized liquid nitrogen containers. Sperm cryopreservation is a routine, safe and effective technique that has been applied for decades. It is a reliable method that offers thousands of people the ability to preserve their fertility for future use.τέρως χαμηλές θερμοκρασίες. Για την κρυοσυντήρηση το δείγμα του σπέρματος χωρίζεται πάντα σε πολλαπλά τμήματα. Έτσι εξασφαλίζεται στον εξεταζόμενο η δυνατότητα να χρησιμοποιήσει το δείγμα του σε πολλές απόπειρες εξωσωματικής στην μονάδα εξωσωματικής γονιμοποίησης της επιλογής του.


When do we need a sperm bank?

Fertility Preservation
There are several reasons why a man may need to preserve his sample in a sperm bank.
- Treatment for several diseases, especially cancer, has serious spermatotoxic consequences. A deterioration in semen quality is usually observed, caused by disruption of spermatogenesis.
- In cases with Y chromosome microdeletions (AZF), men usually present azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate). In some cases, however, low numbers of spermatozoa may be present in the sample. In such cases, sperm cryopreservation is considered necessary because sperm quality may deteriorate over time. η παραγωγή των σπερματοζωαρίων από τον όρχι σταματάει με την πάροδο του χρόνου.
- Athletes who use steroids with anabolic action during training may need to preserve their sample to safeguard their fertility.
- Work and exposure to environments highly toxic to sperm, such as radiation, high temperature, and chemical substances.
- The absence of the husband during the wife’s fertile days.
Can testicular tissue be frozen?
There are semen samples in which no spermatozoa are present, a condition called azoospermia. A large proportion of patients with azoospermia will undergo testicular biopsy. Through testicular biopsy, an attempt is made to find spermatozoa in the testicular tissue so they can be used later. μετέπειτα στην εξωσωματική γονιμοποίηση. Τα δείγματα του ορχικού ιστού διατηρούνται σε ειδικούς περιέκτες στην τράπεζα σπέρματος, στα δοχεία υγρού αζώτου.
For details about sperm freezing, please contact the laboratory, as each sample has its own particularities and requires different handling.
Assisted Reproduction
The desire for a child is human, but it is not easy for everyone to make it a reality. There are cases where spermatogenesis in men does not function, resulting not only in no spermatozoa in the ejaculate but also no production in the testes. In such cases, the only solution for a couple or a single woman is the use of a donor sperm sample. χρήση του σπέρματος του άντρα, όπως στην περίπτωση που είναι φορέας κάποιας σοβαρής κληρονομικής γενετικής ασθένειας. Για άλλους, όπως οι ανύπαντρες γυναίκες, η δημιουργία οικογένειας ξεκινά με μόνη λύση τη χρήση σπέρματος δότη.
Assisted reproduction enables couples and single women to have a child using cryopreserved donor sperm through methods such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.
Moreover, many couples, wanting to grow their family, proceed to have a second and third child, usually with a sample from the same donor!


Preservation of fertility in prepubertal boys
The impact on fertility for children and adolescents is not the same for everyone, as potential risks vary depending on age, gender, body mass index, medical condition, and treatment protocol.
Donation Program
I Want to Become a Donor
Sperm donation is an anonymous, voluntary act of solidarity. Learn about the criteria, testing, and the participation process.
Sample Request
I Want a Donor Sample
Sperm samples from evaluated donors, with complete medical history and genetic testing. Legal protection at every step of the process.


