Donor Sperm 2

For many of our patients and couples, not being able to conceive is a challenging obstacle. At Elite IVF Solutions, we offer “Third-Party Reproduction” solutions for those individuals and couples who may benefit from donor assistance.

 “Third-Party Reproduction,” according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, refers to the use of eggs, sperm or embryos that have been donated by a third person (donor) to enable an infertile individual or couple to become parent(s). The use of donor eggs, sperm or embryos can then be used in ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedures such as IUI and IVF. “Third-Party Reproduction” also includes surrogacy with a gestational carrier.

Sperm Donation

 Sperm donation is when a male voluntarily gives his sperm in the hopes of helping a woman or couple to become pregnant by way of IUI or IVF. Just as in egg donation, sperm donation can be done anonymously or as a directed (known) donor.

 Anonymous Sperm Donation

 Elite IVF Solutions assists couples with selecting anonymous donor sperm from sperm banks that are accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Such accreditation assures us that these banks meet specific minimal standards for disease screening and semen quality.

Choosing to use donor sperm is a deeply personal decision, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions and feelings about it. If you decide to use anonymous donor sperm, it means the sperm comes from a man whose personal identity is not shared with you or your child.

How the process works:

Careful Screening – All donors go through extensive medical checks. They’re tested for infectious diseases, screened for genetic conditions, and their family health history is reviewed. Only a small number of applicants meet these standards.

Choosing a Donor – You’ll be able to look through detailed, non-identifying profiles. These often include physical traits, hobbies, interests, and sometimes even childhood photos. You can choose someone who feels like a good match for your values or your vision of your future family.

Safety and Preparation – The sperm is frozen, stored, and quarantined for a set period. It’s tested again before being released, ensuring it is safe for use.

Transport to the Clinic – You will make arrangements directly with the Sperm Bank to have the sperm sample(s) delivered to EIS. We can only accept deliveries of frozen sperm on certain days of the week, so it is very important to speak with an EIS team member before initiating a delivery. Some Sperm Banks require a form to be completed and signed by Dr Lindheim before they will ship a sample. 

Treatment – Once we receive the sperm, it can then be used for a procedure such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), depending on your treatment plan. We require that frozen sperm samples be delivered and in storage at EIS before you start your treatment cycle.

What “anonymous” means:

You won’t know the donor’s name or contact details, and they won’t know yours.

In most cases, the donor will not have ongoing involvement.

Some families prefer this option for privacy and emotional simplicity.

Things to keep in mind:

Laws and policies about donor anonymity vary depending on where you live.

Even with anonymous donation, some children may later choose to seek information through DNA testing services—something to be aware of as part of future conversations.

You’re not alone in this process. The team at EIS along with our affiliated professionals, and the sperm bank team are there to guide you, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your decision.

Known Sperm Donation

Known or directed sperm donation is reserved for those individuals or couples selecting a family member or friend to be their sperm donor. We follow the guidelines of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) as well as FDA regulations for directed sperm donation. We select only those men as donors who have passed appropriate physical, genetic and psychological screening.

Known sperm donation is a bit different from using an anonymous donor from a sperm bank because it involves extra steps to protect everyone’s rights, health, and understanding.

Here’s how it typically works:

Initial Conversation and Agreement - You and the donor have open, honest discussions about your hopes, boundaries, and expectations.

You’ll talk about things like: Will the donor be involved in the child’s life? How will you explain the donation to the child in the future?

It’s helpful to write down your agreement early on, even before legal paperwork.

Legal Counseling and Contracts - Both you and the donor will usually meet with lawyers who specialize in reproductive law.

This is to make sure everyone understands their rights and responsibilities (for example, the donor will typically give up parental rights).

A legal contract is signed before any medical steps happen.

EIS clinical staff members can assist with referrals to reproductive law specialists, as needed.

Medical Screening - The donor has a medical check-up and detailed blood and urine tests to screen for infections (like HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea) and some genetic conditions.

This protects your health and helps avoid passing on certain inherited conditions.

If something shows up, a doctor will explain your options.

Counseling - Meeting with a mental health provider who specializes in reproductive counseling is required for both you and the donor.

This gives everyone space to think through the emotional aspects and long-term impact.

Sperm Collection and Storage - The donor provides sperm samples at the clinic.

The samples are frozen (cryopreserved) and stored for a period — six months is the standard — before use, so that repeat testing can confirm they are free from infections.

Treatment Process - When you’re ready, the frozen sperm is thawed and used in your fertility treatment, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The medical team follows the same safety standards as with anonymous donor sperm.

Key Takeaways

• Known sperm donation involves legal, medical, and emotional preparation — not just the donation itself.
• Having clear agreements and professional guidance helps prevent misunderstandings later.
• The EIS clinical team will guide you step-by-step so you feel informed and supported.