Donor Sperm

An anonymous sperm donor refers to an individual who donates sperm to a fertility clinic or sperm bank with the intention of helping others achieve pregnancy. Typically, recipients receive information about the donor’s physical characteristics, medical history, education, and sometimes personal interests, but specific details that could reveal the donor’s identity are intentionally withheld. The anonymity aspect is designed to protect the privacy of both the donor and the recipients, providing a degree of separation in the donor-conception process.

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) refers to the assessment of a donor’s genes for autosomal recessive mutations that, if shared by the sperm recipient, may lead to a disease in any offspring. ECS allows intended parents to make informed decisions, minimizing the risk of inherited conditions and promoting the health of any future offspring conceived using the donor sperm.

A known sperm donor is an individual who willingly provides sperm to assist others in achieving pregnancy, and unlike an anonymous donor, their identity is disclosed to the intended parents. This type of donor can be a friend or someone the recipients personally know. The transparency in a known sperm donation arrangement allows for a more direct connection between the donor and the intended parents, fostering open communication.

Considering blood type in the context of donor sperm involves awareness of the donor’s blood type and the potential for Rh incompatibility between the donor and the intended parent. Rh incompatibility can lead to complications in pregnancy, so understanding both the donor’s and the recipient’s Rh status is crucial. This information allows for informed choices in selecting donor sperm to minimize the risk of Rh-related issues during the pregnancy and ensure a healthier reproductive process.

An accredited cryobank has undergone a rigorous process to obtain accreditation, ensuring it meets industry standards and ethical guidelines for sperm donation and storage. This credentialing process involves thorough assessments of the facility’s practices, adherence to quality control measures, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Choosing a credentialed cryobank provides assurance to prospective parents regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of the donor sperm, as well as the overall integrity of the reproductive services offered by the institution.

Cryostorage refers to the freezing and long-term storage of sperm samples in a controlled environment, typically within a cryobank or fertility clinic. Sperm is stored in ultra-low temperatures of liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees Celsius or -321 degrees Fahrenheit) effectively halting the biological processes, maintaining the viability of the sperm cells over an extended period. In the context of donor sperm, cryostorage allows for the preservation of sperm from donors for an extended period and ensures flexibility in when it is used.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that is screened for in sperm donors. While CMV itself doesn’t usually cause significant issues in healthy adults, it can pose significant risks if acquired during pregnancy, potentially severely affecting the developing fetus. Donor sperm banks screen for CMV to minimize the risk of transmission and help ensure the safety of the assisted reproductive process. It is the policy of MFC to only use CMV negative sperm if the recipient is positive to past CMV infection.

The type of sperm preparation needed depends on the treatment chosen (IUI or IVF). IVF is less restrictive (as less sperm is needed) and essentially any prep will work. For IUI it is important to distinguish between washed and unwashed semen (aka ICI). Washed refers to the process of isolating high-quality motile sperm away from seminal fluid, non-moving sperm and other debris. For IUI we advise targeting 10 million post wash motile sperm which means the target pre-wash amount is 20 million (roughly 50% are lost in the wash). We advise paying attention to how much volume is in a purchased vial as the volume affects the amount. (1 ml vs ½ ml vial)The specific sperm preparation method should be discussed with your providers.

When considering donor sperm, it’s crucial to review comprehensive medical information provided by the sperm bank. This information should include the donor’s genetic screening results, family medical history, and any relevant personal health details. Evaluating this medical information helps prospective parents make informed decisions, ensuring compatibility and minimizing the risk of hereditary conditions in the assisted reproductive process. In depth genetic counseling is available through our local Amy Vance at (415) 819-9402.

The number of vials to purchase depends on various factors, including the desired number of children, the chosen method of assisted reproduction, and potential future family planning. It is generally recommended to consider purchasing an adequate supply, considering the success rates of the chosen pr
ocedure and the potential need for additional attempts. Also limited future inventory can be an issue especially if hoping for a donor-matched future sibling.

Anonymous sperm donors undergo thorough screening processes to ensure the quality and safety of donated sperm. The screening typically includes comprehensive medical examinations, genetic testing, and assessments of the donor’s reproductive health. Additionally, donors provide detailed personal information, enabling fertility clinics or sperm banks to offer recipients insights into the donor’s physical characteristics, education, and interests while maintaining the donor’s anonymity.

In the donor selection process, it’s essential to prioritize key medical factors. Look for comprehensive genetic screening results to assess the risk of hereditary conditions, review the donor’s family medical history for any significant health trends, and consider the donor’s overall reproductive health. Additionally, pay attention to any disclosed personal health information to make an informed decision that aligns with your reproductive goals and minimizes potential health risks in the donor selection process.