Donor Sperm
Sperm Donation and IUI
Most patients attempting to conceive with donor sperm will begin with intrauterine insemination (IUI). Particularly if the patient is younger and ovulating regularly, we will use a vaginal scans to determine follicle growth and induce ovulation , at about 24 to 36 hrs later we thaw the sperm and inseminate accordingly.
What to expect from the donor insemination procedure
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is most commonly done in our clinic, as the chances of successful conception are higher if timing of exposure to sperm is controlled, and if sperm is placed in higher numbers closer to the egg(s).
On the day of the procedure, the laboratory thaws the vial(s) of sperm, performs a count and evaluates the percentage of motile (normal, forward moving) sperm in the specimen to ensure the best possible results.
Risks associated with donor insemination
Risks of donor insemination are the same as the risks for any type of intrauterine insemination, which include infection, uterine cramping, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. The chances of infection are exceedingly low. Cramping is unusual and if present, very mild.
Sperm Donation and IVF
If multiple IUI attempts have not been successful in achieving a pregnancy or if other female factors exist, IVF with sperm donation may be recommended. When a frozen sperm specimen is thawed, the embryologists will analyze the specimen. If the concentration and/or motility of sperm are low, the embryologist may recommend thawing a second vial or may decide to perform ICSI and inject sperm directly into the eggs.
Donor sperm may also be used as a backup in cases of very severe male factor infertility. In such cases, a urologist will first try to recover sperm surgically from the testicle(s) of the male partner. In rare cases where the sperm recovered is insufficient to inseminate the partner's eggs, we may recommend that donor sperm be available as a back up.