Are you thinking of using a sperm donor for conception? This can be a life-changing path because it could give you options for growing your family that you may not have had. Let’s imagine that you decided to go ahead with finding a sperm donor but are curious about the process. Here’s a look at what you can expect when using a sperm donor for conception.
Take Your Time to Find the Right Donor
It goes without saying that you want to find the right donor for your family. There are a lot of donors out there, so you have plenty of options. Take your time to make sure that you get it right! You’ll want to browse plenty of profiles, and consider information such as:
- Medical history
- Physical characteristics l
- Education and background
- Personal interests and hobbies
- Family health history
- Personality traits
Keep in mind that we prescreen all our donors, so you can know exactly what to expect. We deny potential donors for a variety of reasons, as well. We want to provide you with quality donors so you can have peace of mind knowing you have made the best choice.
Know What to Expect Medically and Legally
Before moving forward with donor sperm, there are a few important medical and legal aspects to consider. You need to know what to expect!
Medical Screening for Recipients
If you are undergoing fertility treatment at a clinic, you may need to undergo:
- Hormone level testing to assess your ovarian reserve
- Ultrasounds to check the health of your uterus and ovaries
- Infectious disease screening
- Fertility counseling to determine the best method for conception
Your doctor will help you determine whether you are a good candidate for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), depending on your health and fertility status. Be sure to check with your doctor even before you begin the process of looking for donor sperm. You just want to make sure everything is okay.
Legal Considerations
Make sure you understand the legalities of using donor sperm and be sure to read all paperwork. Understand, also, when it might be okay for you to contact the donor. Each sperm bank has different rules. Here’s a rundown of our process as well as more information about our early disclosure program. You need to have all the information before you make a choice
Know How to Handle Your Emptions
Sure, this the process of using donor sperm is a medical one. However, there are real emotions involved with this process that shouldn’t be ignored. Heere’s a look at some of them:
- Excitement and hope. Many people feel hopeful and excited about finally being able to conceive.
- Grief or uncertainty. If using donor sperm was not your first choice, you might experience grief over not having a biological connection to the child’s other parent.
- Craving support. Consider speaking with a counselor or joining support groups for individuals who have used donor sperm.
Are you thinking of going down this path? Talk to your doctor first. Then, feel free to contact us for more information!