
You feel like now is the right time to build your own family. You dream of having your kids and sharing moments with them. For some reasons, you may have to consider using a sperm donor: being single, in a same-sex relationship or needing a little help to conceive. It is a valuable method; many people have succeeded in getting pregnant using a donor sperm.
Donation of sperm is done by men who want to help others to get pregnant. The sperm is collected and kept in a sperm bank. It is frozen and stored in a nitrogen tank at -196 C. You have no interactions with the donor; the sperm donor giving and the person receiving the donation are kept anonymous. In Australia, all sperm donors must make their identity available to the children conceived from their donation when the child turns 18 years of age. You will find different types of donor sperm and be able to choose the one based on medical history, physical characteristics, education and more. This post will tell you what to expect while pregnant with a donor sperm.
Choosing a Fertility Clinic
You may just want to start your maternity journey or have been in this situation for a while. Anyhow, a consultation with a fertility specialist is a must to start the procedure. The specialist will evaluate your case and fertility. The doctor will then give their authorisation to begin the process. The clinic you choose is important; check out their references and make sure you feel comfortable both in the clinic and with your doctor.
They will explain the expected process clearly, with a timeline, examination, and legal and ethical considerations. Communication is a must; feel free to ask anything to your specialist.
Insemination or IVF
There are different types of fertility treatment, and they will help you to choose the right one for you after all exams. The three types you will find are:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): The donor sperm is injected into the uterus of the carrying person during their fertile window. It can be done with or without fertility medications.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): The mother's eggs are retrieved and fertilised with donor sperm in a laboratory. They will grow, and when they reach the embryonic stage, they will be implanted in the uterus. This will involve fertility medication for the carrying person before and after the implantation. It is usually recommended for couples after one year of trying without success. It is a long, expensive, invasive process but also the most successful.
- Intracervical Insemination (ICI): the sperm is deposited in the vagina near the cervix by a syringe or a cup and hopefully travels to the uterus to fertilise the egg. That is the fastest and cheapest option with no pain or discomfort.
Find a Suitable Sperm Donor.
Your clinic will direct you to a sperm bank, and then you will choose your donor based on different criteria such as medical history, physical characteristics and education. Target aspects that may be essential to you, but remember that you are selecting your future child's genetics!
Treatment Time
After these steps, it is time for insemination or IVF. Your doctor will determine when the time is right after monitoring your menstrual cycle to get the best timing of the fertility window. Ultrasound can be performed to help the integrity and increase your chance of conceiving. After that, you will have to wait until it is time for a pregnancy test by urine or blood. If the treatment is positive and you are pregnant, you will have a follow-up in the clinic during your pregnancy.