Donor sperm insemination is an option to achieve pregnancy in a number of circumstances.

Single women, lesbian couples, heterosexual couples in which the male has azoospermia (complete absence of sperm in the semen) and LGBTQ+ couples can all use donor sperm to achieve pregnancy. Once it has been determined that donor sperm is needed, the Park Avenue Fertility staff assists patients in choosing a sperm bank and explains the process fully. We make sure all questions are answered and patients are comfortable with the process. Donor sperm is selected based on physical attributes such as eye and hair color, height, race, and ethnicity. After selection, the donor sperm is shipped to PAF and stored frozen in liquid nitrogen until it is used.

Potential sperm donors are tested extensively by the sperm banks, which have to follow strict standards. These tests screen for infectious diseases and certain hereditary diseases to assure that the donated sperm is safe to use.

Donor insemination for single women

If a single women wishes to conceive, she will first undergo a diagnostic evaluation to assure she is able to carry a pregnancy. Depending on her needs, she will then undergo either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor sperm.

Donor insemination for lesbian couples

For lesbian couples, the partner who intends to carry the pregnancy undergoes diagnostic evaluation and subsequently utilizes donor sperm in conjunction with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. Sometimes, one partner provides the eggs and the other partner carries the pregnancy, once an embryo is created using donor sperm.

Donor insemination for male infertility

Male infertility is a common reason that heterosexual couples use donor insemination to conceive. Male infertility can be congenital (present since birth), injury related, or voluntary (vasectomy). At Park Avenue Fertility, a semen analysis is performed on the male partners of our female patients, to evaluate male fertility. If it is determined that male infertility is contributing to the couple’s infertility, donor sperm can be an option. Once the woman has been evaluated to determine any female fertility issues, the couple chooses donor sperm which matches their preferences. The donor sperm is then used in conjunction with either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve pregnancy.

Donor insemination for LGBTQ+ couples

Depending on their situation and family needs, a LGTBQ+ couple can use donor insemination, alone or in conjunction with donor egg and/or a surrogate, to start or grown their family. The person who will carry the pregnancy first undergoes a diagnostic evaluation. Next, the couple chooses donor sperm that matches their preferences. Then, depending on specific needs, either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to achieve pregnancy.

Want more information about donor insemination at Park Avenue Fertility?

The team at Park Avenue Fertility knows that together we can help you grow your family. For more information, or to schedule a consult, please do not hesitate to contact us.

To learn more about Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), the most common method used when donor sperm is selected, please click here.