DISCLAIMER: The following post is not intended to act as medical advice. As always, please consult your doctor with any questions about fertility.
There are many ways to start or grow a family. Sometimes, your journey may involve outside support. This can be in the form of a donor–for sperm, an egg, or an embryo. Utilizing a donor is a great way for families to grow. There are a few different paths to take, depending on your situation and needs. It’s important to be knowledgeable about your options. If your doctor has mentioned a donor, or you simply want to know more, this is the post for you.
Our friends from Michigan Center for Fertility and Women’s Health are here to support you on your fertility journey. You might have caught their Fertility Friday series over on our IG page–quick videos to answer common questions and provide information. Below, they’re sharing about donor sperm, donor eggs, donor embryos, and how to navigate the emotions surrounding utilizing a donor.
Donor Sperm
Donor sperm can be an option for a few different reasons. One reason may be for patients that have severe male factor infertility. For example, a patient with very low or no sperm may utilize a donor sperm sample. In addition, if a patient has a low sperm sample that is suitable for IVF, but does not want to proceed with IVF, they may also opt to use donor sperm.
Another indication for donor sperm is for individuals desiring pregnancy who do not have a male partner. Whether they haven’t met the right person yet or are getting older and now is the time that they’re feeling comfortable with starting a family, donor sperm may be an option for them.
Lastly, same-sex female couples may also use donor sperm to start their family building journey.
Options for Donor Sperm
There are two options for donor sperm: anonymous donor sperm banks as well as known donors. Anonymous sperm banks will screen donors for infectious disease, mental health issues, family history, etc. You do not know these donors, but are able to read over all of their information before choosing one. After selecting a donor, you purchase the sample, and then have it shipped to your facility prior to treatment starting.
The other option would be to use a known donor–someone you know and who would need to be screened by our office following FDA guidelines. The first step is getting a semen analysis to make sure they are an appropriate candidate. If you do proceed with the known donor, there’s a checklist to go through requiring specific labs, a physical, and typically some legal involvement.
Donor Egg
A donor egg may be an option for patients who have exhausted their egg supply due to advanced maternal age, for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, or for those who had medical treatment that may have caused a reduction in ovarian reserve.
Options for Donor Eggs
Similar to donor sperm, there are anonymous and known donor egg options. Anonymous donors are already pre-screened and have a profile available for review with all their information. It includes medical and social history, family history, appearance, etc. If using a known donor egg, the individual would need to be screened just like with a known sperm donor.
Whether stimulating and retrieving the eggs and doing a fresh cycle or purchasing a frozen egg lot (which would then be thawed and fertilized in the laboratory), using a donor egg does require IVF.
Donor Embryo
A donor embryo may be an option for patients if there is a concern with the egg source as well as the sperm source. For example, if a patient is older and has a sub-optimal egg supply and quality, and their partner also has significant male factor, then a donor embryo can be considered.
Donor embryo may be considered in other scenarios as well. For example, donor embryo may be appealing to someone who doesn’t have a partner. If a patient is planning on considering donor egg due to their reserve, and they also need donor sperm, they may be interested in exploring donor embryos as an option.
Navigating the Emotions of Utilizing a Donor
For a lot of people, initially, utilizing a donor is not something they planned to consider. There can be emotions and feelings that come along with the process. It’s a very important part of the journey to make sure it’s an option you are comfortable with before considering moving forward.
We have resources and criteria in our process to make sure any questions or emotions are answered and addressed. Patients who are planning on utilizing a donor in any capacity are required to have a consultation with our therapist. She’s professionally trained in this field and has also had personal experience that can help relate to our patients, which has been tremendously beneficial.
We may recommend setting up a consultation with our team and counselor if you are considering the donor process. Doing so will help you navigate your journey and answer your questions.
It is normal to have questions, thoughts, feelings, and concerns about the processes involved with donor sperm, donor egg, or donor embryo. It’s important to discuss these topics with your medical team, and we are here to help you along the way. Whether you are single, in a same-sex relationship, or have other factors impacting your fertility, utilizing a donor is one way to grow your family.
