In this friendly chat, we dive into the essentials of frozen sperm with Arjun Patel, the CEO of Cryobank USA. Their mission is to help individuals and couples build joyful families by delivering top-notch reproductive products. They are dedicated to elevating industry standards in donor recruitment, screening, storage, and distribution while ensuring a secure and welcoming atmosphere for both donors and clients.
Q: What steps does a sperm donor go through at Cryobank USA?
Arjun: We adhere to rigorous FDA guidelines for donor screening, which includes a five-step process:
- Initial application to filter basic requirements.
- Semen analysis to ensure good sperm counts and compatibility with our program.
- Review of family medical history and contract signing, where all relevant medical history is submitted for evaluation.
- A meeting with our doctor for an in-depth review, including mental health assessments, physical exams, blood tests, and discussions about medical background.
- The doctor evaluates the findings and decides whether to approve or disqualify the donor.
Q: How do you ensure the quality of frozen sperm samples?
Arjun: Our laboratory follows CLIA regulations and is inspected every two years. For freezing, we set a minimum motility rate and sperm count. If a sample falls short, we classify it accordingly, ensuring every vial serves a purpose. For instance, IUI vials must have at least 12.5 million motile cells, while lower counts will be labeled as IUI-ART or IUI-IVF, depending on the count.
Q: How often can a donor contribute?
Arjun: Donors can participate up to three times a week for about a year, with the average being around five to six visits monthly. This doesn’t change across state lines.
Q: What’s something you’d like people to know about sperm donation?
Arjun: Many think finding donors is easy, but it’s quite challenging. We receive around 500 applications monthly but accept only 1-5 as they must meet all criteria. Donors are essentially employees, and we want them to represent our company well.
Q: What’s a common misconception about sperm banks?
Arjun: A big myth is that we accept anyone. That’s definitely not true! Our donors go through five rounds of screenings, and once they’re in the program, we maintain contact for ten years to keep their medical info updated.
Q: How much sperm does your lab process annually?
Arjun: In 2021, we processed 3,357 vials of donor sperm.
Q: How should someone prepare to use frozen sperm?
Arjun: It’s crucial to order your sperm early, as we offer 90 days of free storage. Planning is key since donor sperm isn’t in unlimited supply. Timing for insemination is also vital; I recommend using ovulation predictor kits to identify your fertile days.
Q: How many babies are conceived each year using frozen sperm?
Arjun: It’s estimated that there are between 30,000 and 60,000 births globally from donor sperm each year.
Q: What are the costs for freezing sperm from a known donor?
Arjun: Pricing varies. For a sexually intimate partner, it’s about $220 for a single collection. For non-intimate partners, costs start at $1,400 due to more extensive screening.
Q: Any final thoughts about sperm banks?
Arjun: Sperm banks aren’t like what you see in movies. We screen extensively, so you won’t find a line of applicants waiting at our facility.
Q: What’s the best way to use frozen sperm with an insemination kit?
Arjun: For at-home insemination, using two vials per cycle is ideal. Let the vials thaw for about 15 minutes, then pour the contents into the provided cup. Also, tracking ovulation with tools like the Mosie Baby Ovulation Tests can really help.
In summary, understanding the frozen sperm process is vital for those considering it for home insemination. With strict donor screening and quality control, Cryobank USA aims to provide a reliable source for hopeful parents. For more insights, check out this fabulous resource on Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and consider visiting other informative blog posts like the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit for your journey.