How Do I Utilize Donor Sperm During Treatment?

For individuals and couples looking to build their family, donor sperm is a valuable option that provides a path to parenthood. Whether you're considering using donor sperm due to male infertility, as a same-sex female couple, or as a single parent by choice, understanding the process is key. In this guide, Boston IVF fertility specialists Jill Attaman, MD and Nina Resetkova, MD, MBA share expert insights on the different ways to use donor sperm, how much to purchase, and the treatment options available.

Types of Donor Sperm Options
There are two main sources for donor sperm:

• Directed Donor Sperm: This is when an individual personally knows a sperm donor (such as a friend or relative) who wishes to donate sperm for their fertility journey. In this case, there is a structured process to ensure both legal parentage and the health of the sperm. This involves medical screening, legal agreements, and FDA-mandated testing.
• Sperm Bank Donors: Many patients opt to purchase donor sperm from a certified sperm bank. These banks rigorously screen donors for genetic conditions, infectious diseases, and overall sperm health. They also provide detailed profiles, including physical characteristics, medical history, and even personality traits or donor essays, helping intended parents choose the best match.

How Many Vials of Donor Sperm Do You Need?
One of the most common questions about using donor sperm is how much to purchase. The recommended number of vials depends on your family-building goals:

• For IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Most people who conceive with IUI do so within two to four cycles. It is generally recommended to purchase two to four vials per intended pregnancy.
• For IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): IVF requires less sperm per cycle, as a single vial can often be divided into multiple uses with the help of advanced fertility techniques like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
• For Future Sibling Planning: If you want future children who are genetically related, purchasing extra sperm from the same donor is advised. This ensures that you have access to the same donor sperm for future pregnancies.

Understanding the Treatment Process
IUI with Donor Sperm

The most common treatment using donor sperm is intrauterine insemination (IUI), a straightforward procedure where washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus.

• Success Rates: Many individuals conceive within two to four IUIs, though some may conceive on their first attempt.
• Each IUI cycle typically requires one full vial of sperm to maximize success.

IVF with Donor Sperm

In cases where IUI is not successful or there are additional fertility concerns, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an alternative.

• IVF allows for sperm conservation, as a single vial can be used for multiple eggs via ICSI, a process where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
• IVF is more complex and costly than IUI but provides higher success rates in certain cases.

Planning for Success
To optimize your fertility treatment with donor sperm, consider the following:

• Purchase enough sperm upfront to allow for multiple IUI attempts and future siblings.
• Discuss your options with a fertility specialist to determine whether IUI or IVF is the best approach for your situation.
• Work with a trusted sperm bank or ensure legal and medical protocols are followed for directed donations.