The perfect match: Tips for choosing a sperm donor

For couples and individuals exploring options to conceive a baby, choosing a sperm donor is sometimes an unexpectedly challenging part of the process. Depending on the situation, donor sperm may provide the best option for success. The team at our Northern Louisiana fertility center would like to extend our support as you navigate the selection process.

Do I need donor sperm?

With traditional conception methods, a man and a woman have intercourse, and a pregnancy results. In some cases, the conventional approach isn’t an option, and that’s where donor sperm comes into play. Same-sex lesbian couples, single women who want to have a child, and couples facing certain male factor infertility concerns will all need to consider using donor sperm.

Helpful hints for choosing a sperm donor

Your family-planning visions may not have included the use of donor sperm, but it may just be the key to making your dreams for a baby come true. While choosing a sperm donor can feel like a daunting task, we can offer guidance to make the process easier.

We recommend that our patients weigh the following points as they determine how to select a sperm donor.

• Focus on your top priorities. As you prepare for choosing a sperm donor, think about what matters most to you and your partner. Characteristics such as physical attributes, education, occupation, ethnicity and personality traits are all factors that can help narrow down the options.
• Look at genetics and medical history. Because the sperm donor will pass DNA on to your child, pay careful attention to medical history and any related health records to ensure that you can make the most informed decision possible.
• Consider known vs. anonymous donors. Weigh the pros and cons of an anonymous donor, instead of a friend or relative as the sperm donor. This decision can have a lasting impact on future plans and family dynamics.
• Access available resources and materials. Sperm banks and fertility clinics maintain larger databases of information about sperm donors and the donor screening process. Understanding these procedures can help set your mind at ease.

When you are trying to conceive and hitting roadblocks along the way, you may feel discouraged. Our Northern Louisiana fertility center team wants to make your path to parenthood as stress-free as possible. Contact our office for more information about infertility treatment, including using donor sperm, or to schedule an appointment.