What is a sperm donor?
A sperm donor is a person who donates sperm to help others build their families.
TL;DR
- Conceiving a child with the help of a sperm donor is a way to build your family.
- Can be done with someone you know or through a sperm bank.
Where do you find a sperm donor?
A lot of the time, you find a sperm donor via a sperm bank. Ask your fertility clinic (or us!) for recommendations. Donors from sperm banks go through medical, genetic and psychological screening, give a complete medical and family history, and waive their parental rights. You can also use someone you know—but they’ll still need to be screened and sign legal agreements.
Between 1996 and 2014, the number of IVF cycles using donor sperm in the U.S. approximately tripled, demonstrating both an increased accessibility and acceptance of donor sperm in fertility treatments.
What are sperm donor criteria? How do you choose a sperm donor?
Choosing your sperm donor is a big decision! Beyond the required screenings, it’s a personal choice. You may have preferences around race, education, or background—but keep in mind, more filters can mean fewer options. This is a personal process and one you have to feel comfortable in.
What is the IVF process with sperm donation?
If you’re getting sperm from a sperm bank, the frozen sperm will need to be thawed to mix with the egg. Other than that, the IVF process is the same, whether with your eggs or donor eggs. However, if you’re working with a known donor, you might use fresh sperm to fertilize the eggs.
- IVF looks the same, no matter where (or who) the sperm comes from.
- Sperm may be fresh or frozen, depending on where it’s from.
We’re now preparing to meet our baby boy—a dream we thought was out of reach. The Sunfish team and our doctor were with us every step.
How much does a sperm donor cost? Does insurance cover a sperm donor?
A vial of sperm from a sperm bank can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000 (source), plus shipping, storage, and screening for known donors. Some people choose to purchase multiple vials, especially if they want to have multiple kids who are genetically related.
- Sperm donation has varied costs, depending on a lot of factors.
- Sperm donors usually aren’t covered by insurance.
- We can help you cover costs or find a donor agency!
What are the IVF success rates with a sperm donor?
Research has shown use of frozen donor sperm does not reduce success rate compared to using fresh, autologous sperm (your own sperm). But just like any IVF cycle, success is determined by a number of factors including the age of the intended mother or egg donor at time of retrieval and underlying fertility issues.
- Success depends on multiple factors, including age and embryo quality.
- Using screened sperm from a reputable source is a strong start.
Read real success stories from Solo Moms by Choice who’ve been there
When should I consider a sperm donor?
Sperm donation is a great option for single women, LGBTQIA+ couples, trans and nonbinary people, and couples navigating male-factor infertility or genetic concerns.
- No matter the reason, using a sperm donor can be a great option.
- And no matter the DNA, that baby is your baby.
The cost of decline in male infertility
