Who needs donor sperm for fertility treatment?

Donor sperm is used by couples with severe male factor infertility (no sperm or very poor sperm quality), single women choosing motherhood, same-sex female couples, couples at risk of transmitting genetic diseases, and those with unsuccessful vasectomy reversals.

How do I choose a sperm donor?

You can select from FDA-approved sperm banks that provide detailed donor profiles including physical characteristics, education, medical history, and sometimes photos or audio interviews. Consider factors like ethnicity, height, eye/hair color, blood type, education level, and family medical history. Some banks offer identity-release donors who agree to contact when the child turns 18.

Yes, donor sperm from reputable banks is very safe. All donors undergo extensive screening including genetic testing, infectious disease testing (HIV, hepatitis, STDs), psychological evaluation, and detailed medical history review. Sperm is quarantined for 6 months and retested before release per FDA guidelines.

What are the success rates with donor sperm?

Success rates depend on the woman's age and treatment type. With IUI and donor sperm, success rates are 15-20% per cycle for women under 35. IVF with donor sperm has higher success rates of 50-60% per cycle for women under 35. Most successful pregnancies occur within 3-4 IUI cycles or 1-2 IVF cycles.

Can I use a known sperm donor?

Yes, you can use a known donor (friend or family member), but they must undergo the same FDA-required testing and screening as anonymous donors. This includes infectious disease testing, genetic screening, and psychological counseling. Legal agreements are strongly recommended to clarify parental rights and responsibilities.

How much does donor sperm cost?

Donor sperm typically costs $500-$1,000 per vial from sperm banks, plus shipping and storage fees. You'll also need to factor in treatment costs (IUI or IVF). Many banks offer multi-vial discounts for purchasing multiple samples from the same donor for siblings. Insurance may cover the treatment but rarely covers the sperm itself.

Donor Sperm Options in Houston

Helping couples, single women, and LGBTQ+ families grow with confidence.

At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), we provide compassionate, personalized fertility care for anyone needing donor sperm to achieve pregnancy. Whether you're a couple facing severe male factor infertility, a single woman choosing motherhood, or a same-sex couple building a family, we'll guide you through every step of the process.

FAMILY BUILDING OPTIONS

Who Uses Donor Sperm?

Donor sperm is an option for:

Male factor infertility (low sperm count, motility, or no sperm production)
Genetic concerns where using a partner's sperm may pass on an inherited condition
Single women by choice who are ready to start a family
Lesbian couples who want to conceive using donor sperm

No matter your situation, our team provides inclusive, judgment-free care and helps you create the best family-building plan for your needs.

THE DONOR SPERM JOURNEY

How Does the Donor Sperm Process Work?

A comprehensive guide to building your family with donor sperm

Consultation & Fertility Evaluation

Your fertility specialist will discuss your goals, health history, and treatment options (IUI or IVF with donor sperm).

Donor Selection

Choose from FDA-approved sperm banks with fully screened donors
Select based on physical traits, education, background, and health history
Option to use a known donor if cleared

Treatment Plan

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) for less invasive treatment
IVF with Donor Sperm for higher success rates or when more control over embryo selection is needed

Cycle Monitoring & Procedure

We'll time ovulation precisely for IUI or IVF for the best chance of a successful pregnancy.

TREATMENT COMPARISON

IUI vs IVF With Donor Sperm – Which Is Right for Me?

Compare your fertility treatment options to make the best choice for your journey:

Medical consultation comparing IUI and IVF treatment options

IUI with Donor Sperm

Simple, in-office procedure
More affordable, minimal medication
Works well for women under 35 with good ovarian reserve

IVF with Donor Sperm

Higher success rates per cycle
Allows for genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A)
Option for embryo freezing for future family planning
Preferred for women over 35 or those with additional fertility factors

Your fertility specialist will recommend the best approach based on your age, ovarian reserve, and family-building goals.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

How Are Donors Screened?

We only work with FDA-approved sperm banks that thoroughly screen all donors for:

Genetic conditions
Infectious diseases
Medical and family history
Physical health and lifestyle factors

You'll have access to detailed donor profiles, including childhood/adult photos (when available) and background information.

FAMILY BUILDING OPTIONS

Donor Sperm for LGBTQ+ Family Building

We provide comprehensive donor sperm options to help LGBTQ+ individuals and couples build their families with personalized care and support:

For Lesbian Couples: Donor sperm opens multiple paths to parenthood:
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): One partner carries the pregnancy using carefully selected donor sperm
- Reciprocal IVF: One partner provides the eggs while the other partner carries the pregnancy, creating a beautiful shared journey to parenthood
For Single Women: Donor sperm combined with IUI or IVF empowers you to start your family on your own terms, with complete control over your timeline and choices

Ready to explore your family building options? Visit our LGBTQ+ Family Building page to discover all available paths to parenthood and learn how we can support your unique journey.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE

Extra Support for
Donor Sperm Patients

At AFCT, we make the donor sperm process simple and stress-free with additional support tailored to your unique journey.

Short-Term Storage Options

If you're using a known donor or shipping from an external sperm bank, we can safely store donor sperm at our on-site IVF lab

Seamless Coordination

Our team works with FDA-approved sperm banks, your chosen donor, and Omni Med Laboratory to ensure proper handling and secure transportation

Step-by-Step Guidance

We'll help you navigate paperwork, legal considerations, and timing so everything is ready for your treatment cycle

This added support ensures your donor sperm is handled with the highest level of care and security. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, making your fertility journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Ready to Begin Your Donor Sperm Journey?

At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas, we make the donor sperm process clear. Whether you're selecting a trusted sperm bank donor or working with a known donor, our team will guide you through your journey.

Request Your Donor Sperm Consultation

EXPLORE More

Causes of Infertility Ovulation Induction Donor Sperm Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) LGBTQ + Family Planning What is IVF

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Donor Sperm Options in Houston

Who Uses Donor Sperm?