Sperm Donation

If you and your partner are having difficulties conceiving, you may be thinking about using donated sperm to help you conceive. Donated sperm can be used along with ART procedures to help produce a pregnancy. But what exactly happens during sperm donation and where do you find a healthy sperm donor? This article will outline some of the basics that are involved when it comes to sperm donation.

What is Sperm Donation?

Sperm donation is a type of assisted reproductive therapy that involves using donated sperm samples in order to become pregnant. These donated sperm samples, contributed by known or anonymous donors, are often used in IUI or IVF procedures to help a couple achieve a pregnancy. Sperm donation has been in use for over 100 years and is used in a number of different countries around the world. More than 16,000 babies are born every year with the help of sperm donation.

Who Needs Sperm Donation?
Sperm donation is usually used by couples who are facing specific male factor fertility problems. You may choose to use donated sperm samples if you are experiencing:

• azoospermia
• poor sperm count or motility
• erectile dysfunction

• Known Donors: Known sperm donors are typically men who are family members, friends, or co-workers. They can also be men that you recruit on your own (through private advertising) to donate sperm for you.
• Anonymous Donors: Anonymous donors are usually selected from a database at a sperm bank. Sperm banks will provide you with information regarding your donor's physical appearance and mental and physical health, however, you will not know the identity of the donor.

Screening Sperm Donors
All sperm donors, whether known or anonymous, should undergo thorough medical screening before donation takes place. This screening is performed in order to protect you and your baby from contracting serious health conditions. Your sperm donor should be screened for:

• Infectious diseases including: HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and hepatitis B and C
• Genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis and conditions that are specific to certain ethnic backgrounds
• Blood Type
• Rhesus Factor

Factors to Consider
When choosing a sperm donor, be sure to consider a variety of factors, including:

• physical appearance
• religious beliefs
• ethnic or cultural background
• education level
• career

Success Rates of Sperm Donation

Sperm donation is associated with fairly good pregnancy success rates. However, success rates to depend upon the type of procedure used and the health and the health of the woman undergoing treatment. Average pregnancy rates are 13% per cycle, while average live birth rates are 11% per cycle.

We are unable to provide answers to medically related questions or other medical advice via e-mail. Our physicians look forward to addressing your medical needs in person. To schedule an appointment or for more information about this practice as well as the programs and treatments they offer, please complete the form below. Be sure to include a valid telephone number and e-mail address so that one of our patient services coordinators may contact you directly.

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