Donor Sperm Treatment

There is no wrong way to have a child — whether you need donor tissue such as egg or sperm, a surrogate, IVF, or adoption. In the end, it is your child and you just might need some help to get there. How you raise the child will ultimately be up to you.

How does sperm donation work?

Choose a donor — an anonymous or known sperm donor may be used. The donor is selected from a sperm donor agency; we recommend contacting Androcryos to select a donor.
Donor assessment — the donor undergoes strict medical screening, including medical history and disease checks.
Sperm delivery — the selected sperm is delivered to the clinic for your treatment.
Artificial insemination or IVF — the insemination can take place by artificial insemination (IUI) or through IVF.

Considerations when using donor sperm

Using a sperm donor is a big step in any potential parent’s life. It is important to be informed before making such a decision and to consider all the factors relating to using donor sperm: donor selection, where our advised sperm bank, Androcryos, will help you choose; donor siblings; and the choice of disclosure, which is an important decision for both the family and the child. We will be there for guidance and support as you make it.

When is Donor Sperm Needed?

Donor sperm provides a path to parenthood when a male partner's sperm cannot be used or when there is no male partner. Common indications include:

Severe male factor infertility — Azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate) where surgical sperm retrieval is unsuccessful
Genetic conditions — Male partner carries a serious genetic condition that cannot be screened with PGD
Single women — Women choosing to become mothers without a partner
Same-sex female couples — Lesbian couples building their family
Failed surgical sperm retrieval — When testicular biopsy yields no viable sperm
Repeated IVF failure with male factor — When sperm quality is persistently inadequate despite ICSI

Sperm Bank Sourcing

We source donor sperm from registered, SASREG-compliant South African sperm banks. These banks maintain strict quality standards and comprehensive screening protocols. We can assist you in selecting appropriate donors based on:

Physical characteristics (height, build, colouring)
Blood group
Educational background and occupation
Ethnic background
Medical and family history

Donor Screening Process

All sperm donors undergo rigorous screening before their samples are released for use:

Medical screening — Complete physical examination and health assessment
Infectious disease testing — HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, CMV, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia
Genetic testing — Karyotype analysis, cystic fibrosis carrier screening
Semen analysis — Only donors with excellent semen parameters are accepted
Psychological assessment — Mental health evaluation and counselling
Family history — Three-generation family medical history review
Quarantine period — Samples are quarantined for 6 months with repeat infectious disease testing before release

IUI vs IVF with Donor Sperm

Donor Sperm IUI

The simplest and most affordable option. Thawed donor sperm is inseminated directly into the uterus during ovulation. Suitable when the female partner has:

Open fallopian tubes
Regular ovulation (or responds to ovulation induction)
Good ovarian reserve
No significant endometriosis

Success rates: approximately 15-20% per cycle, with cumulative rates of 40-50% over 4-6 cycles.

Donor Sperm IVF

Recommended when there are additional female factors, or after unsuccessful IUI cycles. IVF with donor sperm achieves higher per-cycle success rates (40-50% for women under 35) and may be the preferred first option for women over 37 where time is important.

Related Resources

FAQ

Donor Sperm FAQ

Is donor sperm anonymous in South Africa?

Yes, sperm donation is anonymous by law. Recipients cannot identify the donor, and donor-conceived children cannot access donor identity information.

Can I choose the donor myself?

Yes, you can review non-identifying donor profiles and select based on physical characteristics, interests, education, and blood group.

How many children can one donor father?

South African regulations limit the number of offspring per donor to prevent consanguinity issues. Sperm banks track and enforce these limits.

Do I need counselling before using donor sperm?

Yes, independent counselling is recommended (and often required) to discuss the emotional, social, and ethical aspects of using donor gametes.

What about legal parentage?

Under South African law, the birth mother and her consenting partner (if any) are the legal parents of a child conceived with donor sperm. The donor has no legal rights or responsibilities.