Using Donor Sperm

What is next when deciding to use donor sperm?

Individuals and couples choose to use donor sperm for many unique reasons. At CFI, we are here to help support you through this journey and provide you with reliable and compassionate guidance. This process can feel overwhelming when determining where to begin, but here you will find a checklist and guide for all of the to-do’s prior to beginning your family building journey.

A few things that need to be done in preparation for finding the right sperm donor for you and your growing family:

Begin researching sperm banks

• We can provide sperm bank recommendations, but the most important factor is that you choose the company that best fits your wants and needs.
  • Seattle Sperm Bank, Fairfax Cryobank, Midwest Sperm Bank

Transvaginal ultrasound: This will likely take place during your appointment today. The purpose is to assess the uterus, ovaries, and follicle (structure(s) that hold an egg) count.

Lab testing (required)

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG: This blood draw will determine if you have ever been exposed to the CMV virus in the past. CMV is a part of the family of viruses that cause chicken pox, cold sores, and infectious mononucleosis. Up to 85% of the US population has been exposed to this virus at some point in their lives, even if the person was asymptomatic. If you have not been exposed to CMV (your test is negative) then you will need to choose a donor who is also CMV negative to help decrease the theoretical risk of fetal harm. If you are CMV positive then the sperm donor can be CMV positive or negative without increased risk to the fetus.
• Genetic Carrier Screening (Natera or SEMA): This blood draw will assess for 274 autosomal recessive disorders that a person may carry silently, The importance of this test is to assure that if the recipient is positive for any of the disorders tested then the donor will need to be negative for the disorder to avoid the chance of an infant being born with that specific genetic disorder. Please note, you may not be tested for all disorders that the donor is tested for and vice versa.
• Other labs: Your provider will discuss with you if any additional lab tests are needed to assure a complete and comprehensive work up.

Other testing: Your provider will let you know what other diagnostic testing may be necessary in order to optimize your chances of conception. Two types of tests that may be required are a hysterosalpingography (HSG) and a saline infused sonohysterogram (SHG).

• HSG: “X-ray dye test” is used to assess uterine contour and patency of the fallopian tubes
• SHG: “Water ultrasound” is used to assess the uterine cavity for anything that may inhibit embryo implantation such as polyps, fibroids, or adhesions

Testing is complete!

Next steps:

Order donor sperm: Once all testing is complete and you and your provider have reviewed your results then it is time for you to order your preferred donor sperm! You will have the sperm shipped to our Charlotte office. Shipping usually take +/- 2 days.

• Charlotte address: 2614 7th Street, Suite C. Charlotte, NC 29710
• Quantity to order:
  • IUI 2-3 vials (“IUI ready” or “Washed”)
  • IVF 1 vial (“ART” or “IUI ready”)

You’re ready!

• Email with the first day of your menstrual cycle (treatmentstart@cfi.clinic). At this time, a registered nurse will help you schedule an appointment that aligns with your next steps of treatment

Using known donor sperm:  At CFI, we do allow known donor sperm but it needs to be processed and properly quarantined at an approved sperm donation facility. After quarantine and FDA clearance, the sperm will be shipped to CFI.

CFI is committed to supporting your family-building journey so please reach out to one of our highly trained staff members or one of our providers if you have any questions or concerns.