For families and individuals seeking to start or add to a family with the help of donor gametes, sperm donation has become a popular way for future parents to conceive a child. There are various factors to consider if you are considering using a sperm donor, including legal implications, donor sperm quality, and picking the best donor for you. Read on for everything you need to know about using a sperm donor and how to find one.
Using A Sperm Donor: Choosing A Donor Source
When using a sperm donor, individuals can work with a sperm bank or find a biological male, such as a brother or friend, who wants to help build a family. There are benefits and drawbacks to each option, but we generally encourage intended parents to source donor sperm from an official gamete bank.
Some future parents are attracted to the idea of using a friend or family member as their sperm donor due to the emotional connection. However, this route can lead to legal and emotional complications, including:
- Future custody lawsuits or parental rights issues
- Suing for child support in the future
- The child’s pain during a custody battle between their parents and their sperm donor
Finding an anonymous donor may lead to scams or getting poor quality sperm. To avoid scams and un-reputable donation sources, we advise against placing local or online ads, posting in online forums, or working with any facility that does not openly advertise how it screens donors.
Working with a reputable sperm bank is the safest. The most reliable way to ensure you receive high-quality donor gametes without the risk of legal troubles. Sperm banks such as The World Egg and Sperm Bank run thorough screenings on donors, including genetic testing and complete personal and family medical history. Donors must waive their legal rights to the child, ensuring there are no future complications. We also provide details and photos of your donor options, as many future parents prefer to choose a sperm donor who looks like them.
Fresh Vs. Frozen Sperm
Fresh sperm is collected from a semen sample that the donor provides at a fertility clinic for immediate use, while frozen sperm has been collected and cryogenically preserved for later use.
To freeze sperm in a process known as vitrification. A semen sample is collected from a donor and analyzed for sperm shape, movement, and overall health. It is then placed into small vials filled with cryopreservation fluids, which protect them from harm during the rapid freezing process. The vials are cooled and stored at -196 degrees Celsius.
Many people assume that fresh sperm is always higher quality than frozen sperm. However, when the freezing process is done properly, using frozen sperm can be just as effective.
How To Choose A Sperm Donor
You’ll first need to decide whether to ask someone you know or work with a professional sperm bank.
It’s essential to remember that the donor sperm will contribute to the future child’s genetic makeup. This means that your donor should be thoroughly tested for any genetic abnormalities that could be inherited.
Many future parents will choose a donor who looks similar to themselves to feel connected with their child. Many also look at a potential donor’s religion, hobbies, and lifestyle so they feel a kinship with the donor. Others consider a potential donor’s education level and athleticism.
However, genetics are not everything. Nurture is just as important as the genetic makeup of your child. When future parents provide a nurturing home that fosters personal growth, their child will have a greater potential to live well.
Process To Receive
To receive donor sperm, work with an organization that is focused solely on providing high-quality sperm for you to start your family. While your fertility clinic may be experts on providing IVF, inseminations, fertility counseling, and other treatments, it might not be well-practiced at retrieving and preserving sperm.
After you choose a sperm bank and select a donor, the sperm bank will work with your fertility clinic to deliver frozen sperm that has been properly packaged, shipped, and monitored for any temperature variations. Sperm must consistently remain at low temperatures, or it will no longer be viable for fertility treatments. If sperm is warmed before it’s time to use, the number of living cells will rapidly drop off.
When future parents are ready, the donor sperm is then carefully thawed and used for IVF, ICSI, or IUI.
Find High-Quality Donor Sperm At The World Egg and Sperm Bank
Our andrologists at The World Egg and Sperm Bank take a unique approach to providing high-quality sperm that puts us ahead of other sperm banks. We focus solely on retrieving, freezing, and transporting sperm using the most advanced cryopreservation methods and technology available.
We purify our sperm using a gradient column, which acts almost as a sieve to remove bacteria, debris, and low-motility sperm. Our next-generation cryopreservation medium maintains semen function and DNA integrity while maintaining a stable environment for storage.
If you’re planning on sperm donation for your fertility needs, contact The World Egg and Sperm Bank for a no-commitment consultation where our experienced client representatives can discuss your particular needs and walk you through the process. You can also browse our list of current sperm donors. We look forward to hearing from you!
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