Donor insemination involves performing an Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) procedure using donor sperm from an accredited sperm bank. Indications for donor sperm include:
- Azoospermia
- Severe male factor infertility in cases where a couple chooses not to undergo IVF/ICSI
- Desire to avoid transmission of a genetically based disease (where a couple chooses not to consider doing PGD)
- Assisting same-sex female couples to conceive
Prior to undergoing treatment, your physician will recommend a comprehensive fertility evaluation in order to detect any other factors. Prior to commencing treatment, in accordance with American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines, the couple is required to visit with a reproductive psychologist to discuss any relevant issues to this therapy. The decision to use donor sperm requires careful and in-depth thought. We hope the following information will help increase your understanding of the donor insemination process.
Preparing for Insemination
Timing of the insemination will be related to timing of your ovulation. We will develop an appropriate treatment plan and help you through the insemination process when the time is right.
Several factors are important when choosing the right sperm donor for you. We will guide you to a reputable accredited sperm bank. By using a certified sperm bank, we are able to ensure that the proper testing of the donors has occurred and complete medical and family histories are obtained. These sperm banks are certified by the FDA, and have a wide variety of donors available, including different ethnic backgrounds, where you can purchase the sample. We will instruct you on how to have the donor sperm shipped to our laboratory. Your selected specimen is then shipped to our office as a vial of frozen sperm several days prior to your expected date of insemination.
Insemination Day
Once the chosen sperm is thawed, it is ready for insemination. The insemination can be accomplished quickly and is typically a straightforward painless process during which a small gentle catheter is inserted through the cervix into the entry of the uterus. The sperm is then placed into the uterine cavity. Mild cramping and light spotting is not uncommon. You will be able to resume most normal activities after the procedure is completed. Please refrain from engaging in significant cardiovascular exercise or other exertion until cleared by your physician.
What To Expect Next
We will draw blood for a pregnancy test 16-20 days after insemination, assuming no menstrual period occurs. Once pregnancy has been confirmed, you will then be scheduled for an ultrasound about five to six weeks after insemination.