For many couples who struggle with infertility, the use of a sperm donor is an appealing solution. However, the process of finding a sperm donor can be a difficult one.
The easiest way to find a sperm donor is to use a sperm bank. In terms of disease, this process is extremely safe. According to FDA law, sperm banks must screen out donors who have diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, STDs, and genetic diseases. In addition, sperm banks must hold all specimens for six full months, after which a second blood test will be run on the donor to guarantee that the specimens are disease free. In many instances, a woman is more likely to know for certainty the health status of the sperm donor than a potential sexual partner!
However, the anonymity involved in using a sperm donor is a concern for many couples. Sperm banks generally will provide a limited amount of basic information abut a donor. Some sperm banks will use a matching process by which the staff attempts to match physical characteristics of the father with physical characteristics of the donor. OF course, not all bank provides this service, and many will charge for this service.
A couple may wish to consider the variety of services available from specific sperm banks. For example, some banks offer a matching process by which the staff attempts to match physical characteristics of the father with physical characteristics of the donor. OF course, not all bank provides this service, and many will charge for this service.
The best approach is to start by getting the literature or brochures from several sperm banks. By comparing this information side-by-side, you may be able to notice any number of differences between banks on matters such as policies, number of donors, testing, and the amount of donor information that the bank will release to you.
After you have chosen two or three sperm banks that meet your requirements, you should ask to begin looking at actual donor profiles. You may find soon that you prefer a specific bank because they include the information that interests you the most. Remember here that some banks reveal very little information to you, while others may release more. Some banks have both long and short donor profiles, and will charge you extra for the long profiles. Here, your budgeting process may also help you decide.
Another option is the use of a private donor. Should you choose this option, many sperm banks will perform the same rigorous testing for disease that takes place with an anonymous donor. Some couples choose to ask a relative of the father-to-be to provide the sperm, so that the child will genetically be closer to the father. There are also services that will match couples looking for a sperm donor with potential donors in a more personal, face-to-face type of situation.
