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Midwest Reproductive Center

Donor Sperm

Midwest Reproductive Center Explains Donor Sperm Services

When Dr. Dan Gehlbach determines that a low sperm count is preventing pregnancy, he will discuss donor sperm as a possibility for further attempts. Donor sperm has opened the doors to becoming a family for those who previously were unable to conceive. We can provide answers and advice to help you arrive at a decision as you consider donor sperm services.

Midwest Reproductive Center utilizes donor eggs and donor sperm in conjunction with common fertility treatments — intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Supplementing the treatment protocol with donor sperm can greatly increase the chances for success in cases of male infertility. For others, donor sperm may represent the sole opportunity to experience pregnancy.

Dr. Gehlbach answers frequently asked questions about donor sperm

Who uses donor sperm?

Individuals and couples that may consider donor sperm include:

  • Couples with male factor infertility, such as oligospermia (low sperm count) or azospermia (no sperm present)
  • Couples with a known male genetic defect, such as cystic fibrosis or balanced translocation
  • Same-sex couples
  • Single women

Where do I obtain donor sperm?

Sperm from an anonymous donor can be easily obtained from a nationally recognized cryobank, such as Fairfax or California Cryobank. Upon collection, the sperm is cryopreserved, or frozen, and stored with the cryobank until ready for use. You may select a sperm bank from anywhere in the country as long as it follows the guidelines established by the American Association of Tissue Banks.

Planning ahead: A small number of vials (1-3) should be shipped to our lab within a week of the scheduled fertility treatment. On the day of the IUI or IVF retrieval, the vial of sperm will be thawed and prepared as needed.

Reputable sperm banks, regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, make certain that donors are under 40, and undergo screening for communicable diseases and genetic disorders. Patients can search through the pool of donor candidates and provide information to help match a recipient and donor.

Examples of information provided by the donor include: height, weight, eye color, hair color, education level, ancestry, and occasionally childhood photos. Donors are thoroughly tested for infectious diseases to assure safety of the recipient.

What if I want to use a known donor?

The use of a known donor’s sperm is a much longer and detailed process. Please contact our office if you are considering a known donor as an option.

How can I use donor sperm?

Donor sperm can be employed with any fertility procedure to achieve pregnancy, including IVF. One of the more common uses of donor sperm is via intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Dr. Gehlbach can recommend reputable sperm banks, and provide resources to help you research third- party reproduction. Contact the Olathe office of Midwest Reproductive Center for an appointment with a specialist in advanced reproductive technologies and donor services.