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With the help of infertility clinics, couples and single adults have the opportunity to conceive children. If you have decided to become a parent through artificial insemination or an IVF procedure—whether it’s for you or a surrogate—choosing a sperm donation from a known or anonymous individual can be a hard decision to make. To better understand how each option unfolds, below is some helpful information to review. 

Your Guide to Choosing a Sperm Donor

The Difference Between Known & Anonymous Sperm Donors

Artificial InseminationKnown and anonymous sperm donors adhere to a different set of guidelines when chosen for artificial insemination. Anonymous donors’ records are sealed. While the sperm bank provides general facts about the donor to prospective parents—such as their race, religion, family medical history, and education—neither child nor parents will know the donor’s identity.

In contrast, many couples look within their social circle and ask a loved one if they’re willing to be a sperm donor, this is also called directed sperm donation. This pathway allows you a deeper understanding of the father’s personality and physical traits. With known donors, the child has a legal right to know who the donor is after their 18th birthday and the child may maintain a connection with the donor, if desired. Parents who choose known donors often establish documents with a lawyer that states the relationship between the donor and the child.

Additional Factors to Consider Before Choosing Artificial Insemination

It’s important to know that both known and anonymous sperm donors undergo extensive medical exams to ensure good sperm quality. You can rest assured that whether you select a known or anonymous donor,  a thorough medical evaluation to check for STDs, HIV, and genetic disorders is performed. 

Once you’ve selected an anonymous or known sperm donor, the next step is artificial insemination if all your other testing is normal. The timing of insemination is crucial. Your physician will discuss fertility awareness before insemination to ensure you receive the best possible outcome to expand your family. 

 

Diamond Institute for Infertility & Menopause has helped residents throughout New York and New Jersey, embark on their journey to parenthood for over 40 years. If you’re interested in exploring fertility treatments such as artificial insemination or an IVF procedure, call (973) 761-5600 to schedule an appointment. For more information on this dedicated staff and their three state-of-the-art facilities, visit their website. 

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