Who May Benefit from Donor Sperm
Donor sperm may be recommended for:
- Male factor infertility, including low or absent sperm count
- Single women pursuing pregnancy
- Same-sex female couples
- Patients seeking to avoid passing on genetic conditions
Your physician will help determine whether donor sperm is appropriate based on your medical history and fertility evaluation.
Treatment Options Using Donor Sperm
IUI with Donor Sperm
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often the first step in treatment. During IUI, prepared donor sperm is placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation to increase the likelihood of fertilization.
IUI is less invasive than IVF and may be recommended for patients with no additional fertility concerns.
IVF with Donor Sperm
In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended when higher success rates are needed or when other fertility factors are involved. Eggs are retrieved and fertilized with donor sperm in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.
The Donor Sperm Process
- Initial consultation and fertility testing
- Selection of a sperm donor
- Coordination with a sperm bank
- Shipment and preparation of donor sperm
- Treatment cycle (IUI or IVF)
- Pregnancy testing and follow-up
Choosing a Sperm Donor
Selecting a sperm donor is a personal decision that involves medical, genetic, and personal considerations.
Patients typically choose between:
- Anonymous donors, selected through licensed sperm banks
- Known donors, such as a friend or acquaintance, who require additional medical and legal screening
Donor profiles often include physical characteristics, medical history, education, and in some cases, audio interviews or childhood photos.
Many patients find that working through PREG’s partnership with Fairfax Cryobank provides a more streamlined and supported experience than navigating sperm banks independently.
Fairfax Cryobank
PREG partners with Fairfax Cryobank to provide patients with a reliable, efficient, and clinically coordinated approach to donor sperm.
Rather than navigating sperm banks independently, this partnership allows for a more guided and integrated experience from donor selection through treatment.
What this means for PREG patients:
- Extensive donor selection
Access to a large and diverse donor database, with detailed profiles including physical characteristics, medical and genetic history, and personal background information. - High screening standards
All donors undergo comprehensive medical, genetic, and infectious disease screening in accordance with FDA requirements and industry best practices. - Seamless clinical coordination
Once a donor is selected, our team works directly with Fairfax Cryobank to manage timing, shipping, and specimen handling aligned with your treatment cycle. - Reduced delays
Integrated coordination helps minimize logistical barriers, allowing for a more efficient transition from donor selection to IUI or IVF. - Expert guidance throughout the process
Our clinical team helps you evaluate donor profiles and make informed decisions that align with your medical plan and personal preferences. - Complimentary donor search access
PREG patients receive 90 days of full access to the Fairfax Cryobank donor database at no cost (a $149 value). This includes the ability to view expanded donor profiles and adult photos, giving you the time and visibility needed to make a confident, informed decision. - Free shipping
Donor sperm is shipped directly to PREG with no additional cost to you (a $340 value), ensuring secure and timely delivery aligned with your treatment schedule. - Included storage for added flexibility
Patients receive up to six months of complimentary storage for donor sperm vials (a $280 value), allowing you to plan your treatment timeline with greater flexibility and peace of mind.
Choosing an Egg Donor
Selecting an egg donor is a highly personal decision. Patients typically review detailed donor profiles that may include:
- Physical characteristics
- Medical and genetic history
- Educational background
- Personal essays or audio interviews
Many patients prioritize different factors, and there is no single “right” choice. Our team helps guide you through this process so you can make a decision that aligns with your preferences and treatment plan.
Accessing Donor Eggs Through Our Partnership
PREG partners with Fairfax EggBank to provide a streamlined and reliable approach to donor egg treatment.
This partnership allows patients to move efficiently from donor selection to treatment while maintaining high clinical standards.
What this means for PREG patients:
- Extensive donor availability
Access a large and diverse pool of pre-screened egg donors, with detailed and transparent donor profiles. - High-quality frozen egg technology
Frozen donor eggs are vitrified using advanced techniques that preserve egg quality and support strong IVF outcomes. - Predictable and efficient timelines
Because donor eggs are already retrieved and stored, patients can often begin treatment sooner without the need to coordinate a fresh donor cycle. - Simplified coordination
Our team works directly with Fairfax EggBank to manage logistics, helping ensure proper handling and timing for your IVF cycle. - Flexible program options
Fairfax EggBank offers structured programs designed to provide greater predictability in outcomes and cost planning, including multi-egg lot options and refund programs in certain cases. - Guidance throughout the process
PREG’s clinical team supports you in evaluating donors and aligning your selection with your treatment plan.
Safety and Screening
Regardless of the selected cryobank, donor sperm used in treatment meets strict regulatory standards. Donors undergo:
- Infectious disease screening in accordance with FDA guidelines
- Genetic carrier screening
- Comprehensive medical and family history review
These protocols are designed to ensure safety and reduce risk for both patients and future children.
Cost Considerations
The total cost of donor sperm treatment varies depending on the treatment approach and donor selection.
Typical cost components include:
- Donor sperm specimens (often ranging from approximately $900–$1,500 per vial through sperm banks such as Fairfax Cryobank)
- Shipping and storage fees
- Fertility treatment costs (IUI or IVF)
For detailed pricing related to treatment, please refer to your care team or visit the IUI and IVF pages.
Getting Started
The first step is a consultation with a PREG physician to review your fertility history and discuss your options.
From there, we help coordinate every step of the process, including donor selection and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How successful is IUI with donor sperm?
Success rates vary by age and health factors but are often higher than IUI using partner sperm when male factor infertility is present.
Can I choose specific traits in a sperm donor?
Yes. Sperm banks provide detailed donor profiles including physical traits, education, and medical history.
Is donor sperm safe?
Yes. Donors are screened for infectious diseases, genetic conditions, and medical history in accordance with FDA regulations.
What is the difference between anonymous and known donors?
Anonymous donors are selected through sperm banks, while known donors are personally identified individuals who undergo additional screening and legal processes.
How much does donor sperm cost?
Donor sperm typically costs between $900 and $1,500 per vial, not including treatment or storage fees.
