Artificial Insemination Using Donor Sperm

The donor sample used for artificial insemination is by default frozen and quarantined for at least six months. At either end of this six-month period, the sample is tested for HIV, HCV, and HBsAg.

Donor insemination is the use of artificial insemination – typically intrauterine insemination (IUI) – using donor sperm. Natural conception is dependent on having a certain number of moving sperm. If the numbers are too low to even consider insemination using your partner’s sperm, then we will typically recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF), possibly with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If, however, your partner has essentially no sperm or if IVF is not a financially viable option, donor insemination may be offered as an alternative.

The success rate of donor insemination varies according to the patient’s age as well as the presence of other factors influencing fertility (i.e. endometriosis or tubal disease). In an appropriately selected population, the chance of pregnancy simply using donor insemination ranges from 8-15%. The success rate may be higher if other medications are used to stimulate the ovaries. Donor insemination does not increase the risk of birth defects.