Learn how IVF with donor sperm can help overcome many barriers to parenthood

We all know that you need an egg and sperm to make pregnancy possible. However, sometimes one of these important reproductive materials needs to come from a generous donor. This is true for couples with severe male infertility, single women and lesbian couples who need to rely on sperm donation. To help make parenthood possible, Texas Fertility Center offers IVF with donor sperm. Our Austin infertility doctors provide an overview of this treatment below.

Starting with a quick discussion of how sperm donation works

Before getting started with in vitro fertilization using donor sperm, you need to select a sperm donor. Sperm donors are healthy men who are typically under age 40.

To select a donor for IVF with donor sperm, you have two options. You can use an anonymous donor through a sperm bank or ask someone you know to donate. Regardless of whether the donor is known or anonymous, he must undergo testing for communicable diseases. His sperm must be quarantined for six months before he undergoes a second test. If this test is also negative, his sperm will be available to use.

Many patients decide to go to a sperm bank to find a donor. This is partially because these donors have already undergone the required disease testing and their sperm is ready to use. Sperm banks also perform a semen analysis to assess sperm quality. Not only that, sperm banks allow you to review details about each anonymous donor’s appearance, education, health, hobbies, interests and personality. This information is very helpful when selecting the best donor.

Exploring the process of IVF with donor sperm

When relying on sperm donation, your in vitro fertilization cycle will be just like any other. As a result, you can expect to undergo the following steps.

• First, you (or your female partner) will take medications to stimulate egg production in your ovaries. This step involves several monitoring appointments to determine when the eggs are mature.
• Egg retrieval is next. During a short outpatient procedure, one of our Austin infertility doctors will retrieve the mature eggs from the ovaries. We provide light sedation to keep our patients comfortable for this procedure.
• Our team then moves forward with fertilization in the IVF laboratory. Our embryologists will combine the eggs with the donor sperm and monitor them for fertilization. If desired, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can occur during this stage.
• Finally, one of our Austin infertility doctors will transfer a single embryo to the uterus of the woman who will be carrying the pregnancy. From there, the doctor will monitor her for signs of pregnancy.

IVF with donor sperm is a highly effective fertility treatment that can make the dream of parenthood come true. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about this family-building option or any other treatment at Texas Fertility Center.