Donor sperm can be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for a variety of different reasons that may differ for each patient. When using donor sperm, you may elect to use a directed (known) sperm donor such as a friend or family member, or, more commonly, an anonymous donor from a sperm bank.
Is Donor Sperm Right for You?
Patients and couples may opt to use donor sperm for a variety of reasons, including:
- Male-factor infertility – Low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or no viable sperm
- Single parents by choice
- LGBTQIA+ family building – including lesbian couples and other patients without a male partner
- Genetic conditions a patient wants to avoid passing on to their children
- Other infertility diagnoses
Anonymous vs. Directed (Known) Sperm Donors
Most patients work with an anonymous donor through a sperm bank, choosing from a bank’s screened donor profiles. However, some patients may instead use a directed (known) donor, who is often a friend, family member, or someone else they already know.
Sperm Donor Screening Requirements
The FDA requires strict screening for ANYONE using donor sperm to reduce the risk of transmitting communicable disease and ensure high-quality care for recipients of donated tissue. Semen from reputable sperm banks undergoes rigorous screening for sexually transmitted infections, along with a physical exam and donor health-risk questionnaire reviewed by trained personnel. Samples are then frozen and quarantined for six months, and trained personnel retest the donor before releasing the sample for use.
With directed sperm donors, recipients must work with their physician to understand all testing requirements the donor needs to meet in order to use them as their sperm donor. Because a known donor arrangement involves an ongoing personal relationship, we require independent legal counsel and a written agreement between the parties, along with psychological consultation, in addition to the required medical screening.
Contact us to discuss what’s involved before moving forward with either option.
Donor Sperm Banks
While we are unable to guarantee the quality of any sperm received from sperm banks, the list below represents some of the sperm banks with which we have worked successfully in the past and are popular amongst patients of FIH.
- California Cryobank www.cryobank.com
- Xytex Cryo International Sperm Bank www.xytex.com
- NW Cryobank www.nwcryobank.com
- Fairfax Cryobank www.fairfaxcryobank.com
- Cryogenic Laboratories www.cryolab.com
- Seattle Sperm Bank www.seattlespermbank.com
- Cryos International Sperm and Egg Banks usa.cryosinternational.com
Types of Donor Sperm Samples
Donor semen must be processed, or “washed,” to separate the seminal plasma from the sperm before insemination.
- Washed (IUI) samples are processed by the sperm bank and contain no semen. In general, we recommend purchasing and using washed (processed) samples.
- Unwashed (ICI) samples contain semen and must be washed by our lab on the day of your insemination.
- ART samples are now being offered by some sperm banks, with lower total motile sperm, and may be used only with IVF.
How to Order & Ship Donor Sperm
Please coordinate shipping donor sperm specimens with our office, as we must arrange this ahead of time and ensure all documentation is completed before accepting any deliveries. Patients must be established with the Fertility Institute of Hawaii for us to receive any specimens on your behalf.
Please contact us via Klara text message at 808-855-6932 to discuss with our shipping team.
FAQs
Can donor sperm be used for both IUI and IVF?
Yes. Donor sperm can be used for both treatment types, and our team can help you decide which option would best fit your fertility goals.
Do you have donor sperm available on-site?
We are able to store sperm on-site through the Sperm Bank of Hawaii; however, we do not provide anonymous sperm donors for patients to use. However, we work with many mainland US sperm banks, so you have a wide range of donors to choose from.
How do I get started?
Contact our office before purchasing any donor sperm. We’ll walk you through your options and next steps.
Established Patients
If you are already a patient of FIH, please use the purple Klara message button in the bottom right corner of your screen or text 808-855-6932 directly for the quickest support.
New Patients
If you are new to our practice, you can use the contact form to request a consultation or ask about treatment options.
