For those looking for a sperm donor in Arizona, look no further. At Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility in Tucson, AZ, we help walk our patients through the process of selecting a sperm donor. Using a sperm donor is a great option for single women, lesbian couples, or couples with a male partner challenged with male factor infertility. We’ll walk you through our process, so you can feel confident that you have the knowledge you need before you arrive at your appointment.
The Screening Process
We only order from donor agencies that follow a strict screening process for sperm donors. For context, of the numerous sperm donors who enroll in a sperm donation program, only 1% of sperm donations are selected to be stored at the sperm bank. The donor agencies we recommend typically require several screenings and processes to determine donor viability. These include:
- Complete physical examination
- Blood and urine tests for infectious and genetic diseases
- Testing for hemoglobin-related blood disorders
- Specific genetic screening for certain donors based on their ethnicity
- Evaluation of sperm quality
- HIV risk assessment
- Sperm count and post-thaw assessment
- Quarterly testing for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
- Semi-annually updating HIV risk assessment and medical & genetic history
- Annual physical examination
The Selection Process
Choosing a sperm donor is an important decision. But for some, it can also be a difficult decision. Here are some things we’ve learned from helping others along their journey to parenthood.
While selecting the right sperm donor is important, don’t get lost in the details. It’s perfectly fine to have a checklist of qualities and traits that you’d like your donor to possess. However, we urge you to please keep in mind that there is no “perfect donor” who possesses every single trait on your wishlist. Remember that having a child is the end goal, and choosing the sperm donor is just one of the steps in this process. Narrow down your list to absolute must-have requirements and then shortlist the donors who match that criteria.
Don’t just look at physical traits. For example, if you would like to have an athletic child, opt for a sperm donor who is also athletic. Take a look at the potential donor’s medical history. If your family has a history of a specific genetic condition, it might make sense to rule out a donor who has a history of the same genetic condition. Why? Because this will increase the chances that your child will have the same genetic condition.
For many, IQ is important. But, higher education does not necessarily mean greater intelligence. Some donors may have personal, undisclosed reasons for not completing college but may still be very intelligent. An alternative way of measuring intelligence is by reading through a donor’s personal statement. This can also be a great indicator of their personality and help tip the scales in favor of a specific donor if you’re having a difficult time choosing between your shortlist.
Remember:
It’s okay to change sperm donors. Sometimes it takes a few tries before you get the right match, and that’s completely normal.
At Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, we love being able to help people from all backgrounds, regardless of their sexual orientation, achieve their pregnancy goals. Everybody’s situation is uniquely different. With this in mind, we offer many services tailored to meet you where you are, whether that involves searching for a sperm donor, IVF, or egg donation. If you have any additional questions about sperm donation or anything else, feel free to give us a call at (520) 326-0001.
