Q.
I’m looking for some guidance on how to choose and buy donor sperm. Any tips?
A.
When it comes to selecting a sperm bank (you might find our New Patient Guides helpful for recommendations) and picking a donor, you’re going to have a lot of choices. Most people have specific preferences for physical traits, intelligence, or athletic skills in a donor, and sperm banks typically offer a diverse range of donors to fit those needs. They also ensure that donors are healthy and free of diseases, plus they provide sperm of good quality, although some banks might have better samples than others.
Keep in mind that it’s essential to consider sperm quality as a priority. Ideally, you want to choose a donor whose sperm count is high and has good motility. Motility indicates how many sperm are active and alive. Unfortunately, many samples contain a lot of dead sperm, and the freezing process typically decreases the count. After thawing, most banks guarantee that at least 35-40% of the sperm will still be alive, but it’s wise to look for samples that maintain a motility rate of 50% or higher. To figure out the total number of viable sperm, simply multiply the sperm count by the motility percentage. We generally aim for at least 20 million live sperm, but more is always better, especially if you’re considering intrauterine insemination (IUI) since the sperm can be quickly attacked by white blood cells in the body.
Once you’ve selected your donor and are satisfied with the sperm quality, your next decision will be whether to buy processed or unprocessed sperm. Fresh sperm that hasn’t been processed is usually cheaper and can be used for at-home insemination. This type of sample is known as Intra Cervical Insemination (ICI) prepared, which is basically neat semen with a cryoprotectant added. In contrast, sperm prepared for IUI has the dead sperm and seminal fluid removed before freezing, and this type is typically used if a physician is performing the insemination since placing ICI sperm directly into the uterus could cause contractions and interfere with the sperm’s journey to the egg.
For IVF, we usually recommend purchasing ICI prepared sperm. It tends to be less expensive, and our lab will process it regardless of whether it’s ICI or IUI prepared. If a sample thaws with fewer live sperm than the bank guarantees (which can happen), we can provide a report for a refund, although the bank’s liability is limited to the price of the sample. To avoid issues, it’s a good idea to buy more than one vial and to select sperm frozen on different dates. This way, you minimize the risk of getting subpar sperm on insemination day. Couples going through IVF should always have at least two vials on hand, even if usually only one is needed. If you have any remaining sperm after your cycle, you can keep it stored, but you’ll incur an annual storage fee. Remember, the same donor might not be available later, so if you plan to have multiple children that are genetically related, consider stockpiling some sperm from your chosen donor.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this post on how to use an insemination kit. And if you’re curious about the IVF process, this resource is excellent for understanding pregnancy and home insemination. Also, don’t miss out on our blog about introducing effective fertility methods here.
In summary, buying donor sperm involves careful consideration of sperm quality, choosing between processed and unprocessed options, and making sure to have enough vials on hand. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.