About Reserving Sperm
Important: About Speciment Types
You may place your first sperm reservation request any time after we've processed your registration forms and the specimens will be held in reserve for you for up to 3 weeks, after which, if not used they will be unreserved unless purchased.
Note: Specimens cannot be released to you until your registration is complete (see How to Get Started).
Once you have made your donor choices, you can place your order online, by fax, phone or US Mail. After we've processed your registration forms, the Online Sperm Request form can be found on our website home page or in the information packet sent by mail. The form provides instructions for entering the information needed for your order. We recommend that you list a second choice.
You will increase your chances of getting your first donor choice by ordering in advance of your cycle. Please note: Women trying to become pregnant may pre-purchase up to six (6) specimens.
If you are ordering specimens to be used in your current cycle, it is important to place your order as soon as you start your period, but no later than the third day, to allow time to process your order and also to avoid rush order fees.
If you're placing your order by phone and a PRS staff member is not available to take your call, please leave following information on our voicemail system:
- Your name, email address and best phone to reach you
- The donor ID number, number of specimens and specimen type (ICI or IUI ready)
- If specimens will be used in your current cycle or some future time
- What type of procedure you are planning and where (PRS, other clinic or home)
If you are planning a PRS insemination or a specimen pick-up from PRS: Once you have placed your order, we will put you on a standby list for an insemination or to pick up your specimens at the time of ovulation. You may pick up specimens Monday-Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm by appointment.
If you are planning a reproductive procedure at another facility, please arrange for transport of your specimens at a pre-determined time.
If you would like our assistance with the timing of your insemination please call our toll-free number at 1-888-469-5800 for the San Francisco office or 1-626-432-1681 for the Pasadena office.
About Donor Sperm Availability
PRS donor specimens must be kept in quarantine at least six (6) months after they are donated. There may be times when your favorite donor's specimens are temporarily unavailable (when all specimens that have passed quarantine have already been purchased). In such cases, more of this donor's sperm will be made available pending his future test results.
Donor specimens will become permanently unavailable when the donors reach their maximum number of pregnancies, or if they discontinue with our program for other reasons.
Reserving Specimens for Siblings
If you have become pregnant and wish to use the same donor for a second child (for use by either you or your pre-registered partner) we recommend that you reserve (pre-purchase) at least six months worth of semen (about 12 specimens), to insure that your donor's sperm is available for you in the future.
How to Schedule Shipments
Semen is shipped in nitrogen vapor tanks (dry shippers) and is sent via FedEx by standard 2nd day delivery. You may request a Priority Overnight shipment for an additional fee (see our current Recipient Price List for expedited fees).
Semen is shipped in nitrogen vapor tanks (dry shippers) and is sent via FedEx by standard 2nd day delivery. You may request a Priority Overnight shipment for an additional fee (see our current Recipient Price List for expedited fees).
PRS ships specimens Monday through Friday, for shipments to arrive Tuesday through Saturday. There is an additional fee for Saturday deliveries (see our Recipient Price List for the current Saturday delivery fee). Deliveries are not possible on Sunday or Monday.
PRS must receive your payment by the time the specimens are to be shipped. Credit card information can be given by phone or provided on the order form.