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
Sperm donors are used by single women and lesbians couples who are trying to become pregnant.
Who Becomes Sperm Donors?
If you are considering using donated sperm, you will probably be interested in knowing what type of men choose to become donors. Sperm donors:
- are between the ages of 18 and 40.
- have no history of fertility problems.
- are free of physical and mental health concerns.
- have healthy children.
- have high sperm count, and excellent sperm motility and morphology.
Choosing a Sperm Donor
Choosing a sperm donor can be a very difficult process, and requires a lot of comittment and careful thought.
Types of Sperm Donors
When choosing a sperm donor, you must first decide what type of donor you would like to pursue. There are generally two types of sperm donors:
- 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.
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