You're sitting there, scrolling through donor profiles, maybe feeling a little weirded out but also kinda hopeful. Then you see it. The price tag. Honestly, the first time you look into how much does sperm cost from sperm bank, it’s a total gut punch. You expect it to be expensive, sure, but the way the numbers climb is just... a lot.
Most people think they’re just buying a tiny vial of fluid. In reality, you're paying for a massive web of genetic testing, storage, shipping logistics, and legal safety nets.
The basic breakdown of vial prices
So, let's talk real numbers. If you’re looking at the big U.S. players like California Cryobank or Fairfax Cryobank, you aren’t getting out of there for cheap.
As of early 2026, a single "Premium" vial of IUI (washed) or ICI (unwashed) sperm usually lands between $1,100 and $1,495.
Some places, like Seattle Sperm Bank, are a bit more "budget-friendly"—if you can even call it that—with vials hovering around $690 to $900. But here is the thing: nobody ever buys just one. Most doctors will tell you to have at least two or three vials ready for a single cycle just in case.
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Why the price swings so much
It’s not just about the donor's looks or their Ivy League degree. Prices fluctuate based on how the sperm is processed.
- IUI Vials: These are "pre-washed." The bank did the work to remove the seminal fluid so it can be injected directly into the uterus. Because of that extra lab work, they usually cost about $100 more than unwashed vials.
- ICI Vials: Raw and unwashed. These are meant for home use or for clinics that prefer to do their own washing.
- MOT (Motility) Scores: This is where it gets technical. A MOT10 vial has roughly 10 million motile sperm per milliliter. A MOT20 or MOT30+ vial is higher quality and, you guessed it, way more expensive. At Cryos International, they actually use dynamic pricing. If a donor is super popular, his "stock" goes up. It's basically the Uber Surge Pricing of fertility.
Those "hidden" costs that sneak up on you
Buying the vial is just the cover charge. The real "fun" starts when you look at the invoice and see all the line items you didn't account for.
First, there’s the Shipping. Shipping biological material isn't like ordering a book. It has to travel in a massive, heavy liquid nitrogen tank. Domestic shipping within the U.S. usually runs between $250 and $400. If you need it there on a Saturday? Tack on another $50 to $100.
Then there is the Access.
You’d think for $1,200 a vial, you could at least see what the guy looks like. Nope. Many banks charge a subscription fee just to see adult photos or listen to audio interviews. California Cryobank has "Level 3" access that can cost **$250** for 90 days.
Don't forget Storage. If you find "the one" and want to make sure you have enough for a second child later, you have to buy the vials now and pay the bank to keep them in the freezer. That’s about $400 to $600 per year.
The "Family Unit" and Registry Fees
Some banks are now pushing these "Donor Reserve" programs. They’re meant for people who want to ensure they can have siblings from the same donor. The Sperm Bank of California, for example, has specific fees for "Sibling Inventory" storage, which can be around $600 a year.
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Also, in certain countries or states, you might have to pay a Pregnancy Slot or Quota Reservation fee. This basically limits how many families can use one donor to prevent, well, having too many half-siblings in one zip code. At the European Sperm Bank, this can cost you about €350 to €550.
What most people get wrong about insurance
I wish I had better news here, but most insurance companies are pretty stingy about this. They might cover the doctor’s visit or the ultrasound, but the actual "material"—the sperm itself—is almost always an out-of-pocket expense.
There are exceptions. Some tech companies and forward-thinking employers offer "fertility credits" (like $10,000 or $20,000 total) that you can use however you want. But for the average person? You're likely paying with a credit card or a specialized fertility loan from places like CapexMD or Future Family.
The international "Hack"
Is it cheaper to go abroad?
Sorta. In the Czech Republic or Denmark, the base price of a vial can be significantly lower—sometimes starting as low as $600 to $800. But by the time you pay for international cryogenic shipping (which can top $1,000), the savings often vanish.
Actionable steps for your budget
If you're staring at a $5,000 estimate and hyperventilating, here is how you actually handle this:
- Ask about the "Buy-Back" policy. Some banks, like Fairfax, will buy back unused vials for about 50% of the price if they never left the facility. It’s a safety net if you get pregnant on the first try.
- Look for "ART" vials. These have a lower sperm count (maybe 5 million instead of 10-20 million) and are designed specifically for IVF. They are usually $200-$400 cheaper per vial.
- Check for "Open ID" vs "Anonymous." Historically, anonymous was cheaper. Now, many banks are phasing out anonymity entirely due to DNA testing like 23andMe making it impossible anyway. Don't pay extra for "Privacy" that might not exist in ten years.
- Bulk buy for storage. Often, if you buy 6 or more vials at once, banks will give you one year of storage for free. If you know you want more than one kid, do the math—it usually pays off.
Basically, expect to spend at least $2,000 to $3,500 for your very first attempt once you factor in one vial, shipping, and the database access. It's a heavy lift, but knowing exactly where the money is going makes it a little easier to swallow.