Sperm Vial Types
Choosing the right vial for your treatment
Once you’ve chosen a donor, the next decision is which type of vial you need — and that depends on the treatment you’re planning: insemination at home, IUI at a clinic, or IVF or ICSI. Cryomate offers four types, each processed differently and prepared for a specific procedure. Your healthcare provider is the best guide to that decision, and our team is here if you have questions before you order.
Understanding sperm vial terminology
Before you compare vial types
Washed vs. unwashed sperm vials
Every donor vial is either washed or unwashed, and that single difference determines which treatments it can be used for.
Washed vials
Also called prewashed or IUI-ready, have been processed to remove seminal fluid, non-motile cells, and other cellular material, leaving a concentrated sample of motile sperm in a stabilizing medium. Because the seminal fluid is gone, washed vials can be placed directly into the uterus with no further preparation.
Unwashed vials
Contain sperm in its natural seminal fluid, with a cryoprotectant added to protect the cells during freezing and thawing. Seminal fluid can cause cramping and adverse reactions if placed in the uterus, so unwashed vials are used at the cervix — for at-home or intracervical insemination — or washed by a clinic before an IUI or IVF procedure.
At Cryomate, IUI vials are washed, ICI and ART vials are unwashed, and ICSI vials are available in both formats.
What does MOT mean?
MOT stands for motile sperm concentration — the number of [actively moving] sperm cells per milliliter of sample. When you see MOT10 on a vial, it means the vial contains a minimum of 10 million motile sperm cells per mL. MOT2 contains a minimum of 2 million, MOT6 contains between 6 and 10 million motile sperm cells per mL.
Vial motile concentration is based on the total number of motile sperm cells in a single vial as calculated by multiplying the MOT vial by the volume. For example: an IUI vial at MOT10 is 10 million motile sperm cells per mL.
How does Cryomate account for MOT testing variations?
Each Cryomate vial is processed to meet a specific target MOT (motile sperm count). Because sperm is a biologically active sample and laboratories may use slightly different methods to assess concentration, motility, and recovery, measured vial counts may vary by up to ±30% from the target value.
For example, a vial labeled as MOT 12 may yield a measured result of approximately 5–15 million sperm per mL. Our laboratory can provide guidance based on the specific sperm preparation and testing methods used.
Differences can also occur due to equipment calibration, technician technique, and recovery rates. If you have questions about your vial’s measured MOT or your treatment requirements, our team can help determine whether that vial meets your treatment requirements before your procedure.
IUI sperm vials
What is an IUI vial?
IUI stands for intrauterine insemination. An IUI vial contains sperm that has been washed — processed to remove seminal fluid, non-motile cells, and other cellular material — leaving a concentrated, purified sample of motile sperm suspended in a stabilizing medium. Because the seminal fluid has been removed, IUI vials can be safely placed directly into the uterus without additional preparation.
Who is the IUI vial for?
IUI vials are the most versatile of the four. They’re used for intrauterine insemination performed at a clinic, but because they’re prewashed, they’re also suitable for IVF, ICSI, and at-home insemination. If you’re unsure which vial type to choose, an IUI vial is typically a safe starting point — though we always recommend confirming with your healthcare provider before ordering.
IUI vial specifications
- Volume: 0.4–0.5 ml per vial
- Motile sperm count: MOT10 — a minimum of 10 million motile sperm cells per ml
- Preparation: prewashed (no seminal fluid)
- Clinic preparation needed: none
- Suitable for: IUI, IVF, ICSI, at-home insemination
ICI sperm vials
What is an ICI vial?
ICI stands for intracervical insemination. An ICI vial contains an unwashed sperm sample — the sperm is present in its natural seminal fluid, with a cryoprotectant added to protect the cells during freezing and thawing, but no further processing is done. Because the seminal fluid is still present, ICI vials are not suitable for placement directly into the uterus. They must be used intracervically, at the cervix, or washed by a clinic first if used for IUI or IVF.
Who is the ICI vial for?
ICI vials are the preferred choice for at-home insemination. The larger sample volume makes them well suited to intracervical placement, and the unwashed format is safe and effective for home use. If you are working with a clinic that prefers to wash sperm samples in-house, an ICI vial is also an option — your clinic team will handle the preparation before your procedure. ICI vials can be used for IVF with a clinic wash step.
ICI vial specifications
- Volume: 0.8–1.0 ml per vial
- Motile sperm count: MOT12 — a minimum of 12 million motile sperm cells per ml
- Preparation: unwashed (seminal fluid present)
- Clinic preparation needed: yes, if used for IUI or IVF
- Suitable for: at-home insemination, intracervical insemination, IVF (with clinic wash)
ART sperm vials
What is an ART vial?
ART stands for assisted reproductive technology. ART vials have a lower number of motile cells designed for advanced fertility procedures — primarily IVF and ICSI — where the sperm is handled directly in a laboratory setting rather than placed through insemination. ART vials are unwashed and contain seminal fluid; your clinic will handle any preparation required before your procedure. Because advanced reproductive procedures require fewer sperm cells overall, ART vials contain a lower total motile cell count than IUI or ICI vials, and are offered at a lower price point.
Who is the ART vial for?
ART vials are designed for clients working with a clinic on IVF. If you’re planning an IVF cycle and your donor has ART vials available, they’re a cost-effective option — the lower sperm count is appropriate for the procedure, and your clinic laboratory will manage the sample from there. If you intend to use ART vials for an insemination cycle rather than IVF, we recommend ordering two vials to ensure an adequate sperm count. Always confirm with your clinic and healthcare team before ordering.
ART vial specifications
- Volume: 0.8–1.0 ml per vial
- Motile sperm count: MOT10 — a minimum of 10 million motile sperm cells per ml
- Preparation: unwashed (seminal fluid present)
- Clinic preparation needed: yes — clinic wash required before all procedures
- Suitable for: IVF, ICSI; two vials recommended for insemination cycles
ICSI sperm vials
What is an ICSI vial?
ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection — a procedure in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into an egg. Because only one sperm is needed per egg, ICSI procedures require far fewer total sperm cells than IUI or ICI. ICSI vials contain a lower motile sperm concentration specifically calibrated for this use, and are available in both washed and unwashed formats depending on your clinic’s protocol.
Who is the ICSI vial for?
ICSI vials are intended for clients whose clinic is performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection as part of an IVF cycle. If you’re planning ICSI specifically, these vials are designed for that procedure. If you intend to use ICSI vials for any other procedure, we recommend ordering two vials — the lower sperm concentration is optimized for ICSI and may not be sufficient as a single vial for other treatment types. Your clinic and healthcare team can confirm the right approach for your situation.
ICSI vial specifications
- Volume: 0.4–1.0 ml per vial
- Motile sperm count: MOT6–MOT9 — between 6 and 9 million motile sperm cells per ml
- Preparation: washed or unwashed — both formats available
- Clinic preparation needed: depends on format selected and clinic protocol
- Suitable for: ICSI; two vials recommended for other procedures
Which sperm vial do I need for my treatment?
The right vial type depends on what fertility treatment you are planning. As a general guide:
In-clinic IUI (intrauterine insemination)
Choose an IUI vial. It is prewashed and ready to use without additional preparation at your clinic.
At-home insemination
Choose an ICI vial. The larger, unwashed sample is designed for intracervical placement at home.
IVF (in vitro fertilization)
Choose an ICI vial, ART vial, or an IUI vial. ART vials are designed for this context and offered at a lower price point. ICI and IUI vials are also compatible.
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
Choose an ICSI vial. These are calibrated for the low sperm count required by this procedure.
If you are unsure, your clinic or reproductive endocrinologist is the best source of guidance for your specific treatment plan. Our team is also available to answer questions.
Vial types and availability vary by donor — browse available donors and see which vials each one offers
All four vial types at a glance
| IUI | ICI | ART | ICSI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washed / unwashed | Washed | Unwashed | Unwashed | Both options |
| Volume | 0.4–0.5 ml | 0.8–1.0 ml | 0.8–1.0 ml | 0.4–1.0 ml |
| Motile sperm (MOT) | MOT10 (10M/ml min.) | MOT12 (12M/ml min.) | MOT10 (10M/ml min.) | MOT6–MOT9 (6–9M/ml) |
| IUI (in-clinic) | Ready to use | Clinic wash needed | 2 vials recommended | 2 vials recommended |
| Home insemination | Yes | Preferred choice | 2 vials recommended | Not recommended |
| IVF | Yes | Clinic wash needed | Designed for IVF | Yes |
| ICSI | Yes | Clinic wash needed | Clinic wash needed | Designed for ICSI |
| Pricing | $1,750 | $1,750 | $1450 | $1450 |
How many sperm vials do I need?
The number of vials you need depends on your treatment type, your fertility goals, and whether you are planning for one child or more. As a general reference, national averages suggest 3–4 insemination cycles per successful pregnancy — which means most clients benefit from purchasing more than one vial upfront.
Donor availability changes over time, so buying several vials from the same donor at once means you can continue with him for future cycles or siblings. Long-term storage is available to support that planning.
Speak with your healthcare team about what makes sense for your situation, and our client relations team is happy to help you think it through. See how ordering works.
Frequently asked questions
The main difference is whether the sperm has been washed. IUI vials are washed — the seminal fluid has
been removed, leaving a concentrated sample of motile sperm in a stabilizing medium that is safe to
place directly into the uterus. ICI vials are unwashed — the sperm is in its natural seminal fluid, which
makes ICI vials the preferred choice for at-home insemination but means they require a wash step if used for IUI or IVF at a clinic.
Yes. IUI vials are prewashed and suitable for at-home insemination. They can be placed intracervically at
home in the same way as an ICI vial. Many clients choose IUI vials for home insemination because the
prewashed format is immediately ready to use and versatile for any procedure. Learn more about home
insemination.
ART stands for assisted reproductive technology — an umbrella term covering IVF, ICSI, and
similar procedures performed in a clinic laboratory. ART vials are unwashed, contain a lower
motile cell count than IUI or ICI vials, and are offered at a lower price point. If you’re using them
for an insemination cycle rather than IVF, two vials are recommended.
No. Available vial types vary by donor and change as inventory moves. Each donor profile in the
catalog shows which vial types are currently available and in what quantity, so it is worth checking your chosen donor’s profile to make sure it has the right vials for your treatment. If the vial type you need isn’t showing for your donor, contact our Client Relations team — they can tell you whether more are expected and when.
Start with your clinic or healthcare provider — they will recommend a vial type based on your specific
treatment protocol. If you have questions before or after that conversation, our team is available to help.
Get in touch and we will guide you based on your treatment plan and the vials available for your chosen
donor.
ART and ICSI vials are prepared for laboratory procedures that require fewer sperm cells than
insemination, so they are offered at a lower price point. That makes them cost-effective when
they match your treatment — but the lower count is the reason we recommend two vials if you
use them for anything else.