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Using Donor Sperm for Fertility

At the Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center, our experienced doctors have used donor sperm in fertility treatment for decades. Donor sperm can help heterosexual couples, lesbian couples and single women achieve pregnancy.

Our reproductive specialists are happy to work with you to find the right sperm donor and help you navigate the fertility treatment process. Whether you use sperm from an anonymous donor or someone you know, this method makes pregnancy possible for many who otherwise could not have a baby.

Using Donor Sperm: Why Choose Us?

When you come to the Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center for our sperm donation program, you will find:

  • An inclusive approach: We support everyone who has reason to choose donor sperm. Heterosexual couples may choose to use donor sperm if the man has sperm-related infertility or a genetic condition he doesn’t want to risk passing to a child. Lesbian couples and single women can use donor sperm in lieu of having a male partner. Our doctors and their teams can help you decide whether donor sperm is the right option for you.
  • Assistance finding a donor: You may choose to use sperm from a known or anonymous donor. We test known donors to ensure that their sperm is viable (healthy and capable of successful fertilization) for insemination. To find an anonymous donor, we can refer you to trusted sperm banks that comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for testing donors and preparing and freezing sperm.
  • Storage options: We can store unused sperm for a short time while you are actively trying to get pregnant. But if you have sperm remaining after you are pregnant, you will need to transfer it to a lab that can store it long term.

Using Donor Sperm: What to Expect

If you are considering using donor sperm to have a baby, you should know about:

  • Fertility treatments used with donor sperm: We can use donor sperm in conjunction with either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
  • Success rates: In women under age 35 with no fertility issues, success rates range from 60 to 80 percent. If you don’t become pregnant after several cycles of treatment, we will provide a thorough evaluation to check for any fertility problems.

Contact Us

To make an appointment with a Washington University fertility and reproductive medicine specialist at the Women & Infants Center, call 855.925.0631.