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.