Fertility Treatments / Donation and Surrogacy / Donor Sperm IUI in Texas

IUI Treatment with Donor Sperm in Texas

At IVFMD, we see many patients who need to start their family using donor sperm. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm is a common treatment option for couples with severe sperm problems, for same-sex couples, and for single women wishing to build a family.

Start with a fertility test.

To optimize the chance of success of IUI with donor sperm, you would first need to undergo fertility testing. The female evaluation usually includes a thorough history and physical exam, diagnostic imaging to check the tubes and ovaries, and assessment of ovarian reserve. These tests can be completed within one cycle. Once you have chosen a sperm donor, you can reserve the sperm samples and have them shipped to our clinics during the first 5 days of your treatment cycle.

To meet with one of our fertility specialists, schedule your initial fertility assessment here.

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Where to Find Donor Sperm

“Known” Sperm Donors

 

Donor sperm can be used from a variety of sources, however for safety reasons, the FDA does not allow the use of fresh donor sperm for IUI. After sperm donation, the sample would have to be frozen and quarantined for at least 6 months to allow sufficient time to test the sperm donors for communicable diseases since the immune system can take up to 6 months to recognize an infection.

At the time of sperm donation, sperm donors are tested for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HIV-1/2, and human T-lymphotrophic virus (HTLV)-I/II, and these tests must be repeated 6 months after sperm donation. All results must be negative before the sperm samples can be released for use.

Designated or “known” sperm donors must go through the same screening process as anonymous donors to comply with FDA regulations. Because of the 6 months quarantine requirement, many recipients prefer to use anonymous donor sperm in order to save time.

 

Anonymous Sperm Donors

You can purchase donor sperm through any of the FDA approved sperm banks. Information on the sperm donors are available for viewing online and can include ethnicity, personal  and family medical history, physical characteristics (height, weight, skin tone, hair texture, eye color), hobbies and interests, education and profession. Some sperm banks may provide pictures, video or audio clips from the donor for additional fees.

Sperm banks also routinely test donors for carrier status of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and others. If birth or genetic defects in the offspring are known, sperm banks are required to notify all recipients who had purchased sperm from the affected donor.

What to Consider When Ordering Donor Sperm

If you’ve chosen to order anonymous sperm from a sperm bank, here are some things to consider:

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Washed or Unwashed Sperm

Washed sperm cost more than unwashed sperm and are best suited for clinics that don’t have the means to prepare sperm for intrauterine insemination (IUI). Washed sperm are frozen twice and may yield fewer motile sperm after the second thaw before IUI.  The costs to prepare washed and unwashed sperm for IUI are the same at IVFMD fertility clinics in Irving, Grapevine and Arlington.

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CMV Status

The FDA requires screening the sperm donor and the recipient for cytomegalovirus (CMV) which can cause birth defects in the developing fetus.  If you are not immune to CMV, you should choose a CMV negative donor in order to minimize the risk of CMV transmission.

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When do I order?

Sperm can be ordered during the first 5 days of the treatment cycle or at the initial baseline sonogram during menses. Waiting until the last minute to order might incur higher shipping cost.

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How many samples do I order?

Sperm are shipped in a cryostorage container filled with liquid nitrogen and transportation cost can add up. To save on the shipping costs, you might want to order up to 3 samples and have the unused ones stored at our facility for a nominal fee.

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Guarantee on Sperm Viability

The chance of pregnancy with IUI using donor sperm is optimized when there are at least 3 million motile sperm after thawing. A refund or credit might be available in cases of poor sperm survivability.

FAQ

  • What are the pregnancy rates of donor sperm IUI cycles?

    Many studies have found that the average live birth rate from donor sperm IUI is about 15% per attempt, varying from 10% per cycle with one dominant follicle to 20% with 2-3 dominant follicles. Success with IUI depends on many factors including the woman’s age and whether there are other infertility factors such as endometriosis, tubal disease, or pelvic adhesions. In general, a cumulative pregnancy rate of about 50-60% is expected after 5 IUI attempts in uncomplicated cases.

  • What happens if IUI is unsuccessful?

    If IUI is unsuccessful, it might make sense to proceed to IVF. Our fertility specialists will work closely with you to determine the appropriate route of care.

     

     

Get started with IVFMD in Texas.

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