Introduction
Embarking on the journey to parenthood with the help of donor sperm can be a significant and emotional step. Patients choose to use donor sperm for various reasons, including single women wanting to become parents, same-sex couples looking to expand their family, or couples facing male infertility. At Tennessee Fertility Institute, we understand the complexities and emotions involved in this decision, and we strive to make this process as smooth and supportive as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you choose to use donor sperm.
The Process
New Patient Appointment
Your journey begins with a new patient appointment. This is a chance to meet your physician, undergo a preliminary examination, and discuss your family-building goals. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety at this stage. Feel free to ask your physician as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. It can also be helpful to consider which family members, friends, and/or colleagues you might want to share your journey with, as having a support system can be incredibly helpful.
Follow-Up Appointments
Following your new patient appointment, your care team will follow up with next steps and any testing needed. These follow-ups vary depending on the patient’s care plan, but may include meetings with our Senior Embryologist, your Patient Care Coordinator, and/or a Financial Coordinator.
Genetic Screening
Our Senior Embryologist will provide you with a list of TFI-approved sperm banks. Please be aware that genetic testing protocols can vary between donor sperm banks. If you choose to use an anonymous / de-identified sperm donor, genetics counseling with an outside agency is included in your testing services. This ensures that you are well-informed about the genetic aspects of your sperm donor’s profile.
Genetic carrier screening for the patient is also critical for ensuring the egg and sperm source are not positive carriers for the same disease. TFI will review these results before you select a sperm donor.
Donor Sperm Selection
Choosing a sperm donor is a highly personal decision and depends on various factors. Most patients opt for anonymous sperm donors from licensed sperm banks. Occasionally, patients may choose a friend, relative, or acquaintance to donate sperm. This option requires specific FDA testing, legal clearance, and counseling from an approved mental health provider.
When selecting a donor, there are several characteristics you might want to consider:
– Physical Attributes: Many prospective parents look for donors whose physical characteristics match their own or their partner’s. This can include height, weight, hair color, eye color, and complexion.
– Ethnicity and Ancestry: Some parents prefer donors with a specific ethnic background or cultural heritage.
– Educational Background: Information about the donor’s education level, academic achievements, and profession can be important for some parents.
– Personality and Interests: Donor profiles often include personal interests, hobbies, and personality traits, helping you find someone whose values and lifestyle resonate with you.
– Health History: Detailed medical histories of donors are available, including information about their physical and mental health, as well as the health of their immediate family members. This can provide peace of mind regarding potential genetic issues.
– Genetic Screening: Comprehensive genetic testing ensures that the donor does not carry any serious hereditary conditions.
– Identity Release Option: Some donors agree to be contacted by the child once they reach adulthood, while others remain anonymous. Consider which option you are comfortable with.
Your care team will provide a Donor Sperm Handbook to guide you through this selection process, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make an informed choice.
Counseling & Legal Agreements
For those using a known donor, multiple counseling sessions with an outside psychologist are required. These sessions, conducted individually and together, address the implications of the arrangement. Additionally, a notarized legal agreement outlining parenting rights and responsibilities must be created before insemination.
Insemination and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Donor sperm insemination, also known as donor sperm IUI, typically involves the use of fertility medications to increase the number of eggs available for fertilization. This is especially beneficial for women in their late 30s or older or those who have not had success with natural cycle inseminations. The steps for insemination include:
- Ovulation Induction: Fertility medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Monitoring: Through ultrasounds and blood tests, your physician will monitor follicular development.
- Timing: Once the follicles are mature, a trigger shot may be given to induce ovulation.
- Insemination: Sperm is then introduced directly into the uterus via a catheter, a procedure that takes just a few minutes and is typically painless.
- Waiting Period: After insemination, you will enter a two-week waiting period before taking a pregnancy test to determine if the procedure was successful. Your provider may recommend progesterone supplementation (vaginal suppository or oral tablet).
If insemination is unsuccessful or if other fertility factors suggest it, IVF with donor sperm may be recommended. The IVF process involves several detailed steps:
- Ovarian Stimulation: Similar to IUI, fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is more intense than IUI stimulation and monitored closely.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. This is done under sedation and involves using an ultrasound-guided needle.
- Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are then combined with the donor sperm in a laboratory. Fertilization occurs, and the resulting embryos are cultured for several days.
- Genetic Testing (optional): Some patients choose to have genetic testing on the embryos to ensure they are healthy and to select the best embryo(s) for transfer.
- Embryo Transfer: After 3-5 days, one or more healthy embryos are transferred into the uterus. This procedure is similar to IUI and is typically painless.
- Pregnancy Test: About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to determine if the procedure was successful.
Pregnancy Monitoring
After a successful insemination or IVF, you will have one or two visits with your OB/GYN. Once a strong fetal heartbeat is detected, your care will be transferred to your OB/GYN for ongoing monitoring. If you underwent IVF, any remaining embryos can be stored in our lab for future use.
Conclusion
Using donor sperm to build your family is a deeply personal and sometimes complex journey. At Tennessee Fertility Institute, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care and support. From the initial consultation to pregnancy monitoring, we are here to help you every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule an appointment with us today to explore your options. Feel confident in the knowledge that you are in the hands of one of the most experienced teams in the country, dedicated to helping you realize your dream of parenthood.