Sperm donation, which is also known as third-party reproduction, is a common infertility treatment. Donors provide their sperm, and it can be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive a child. Although every journey to parenthood is different, there are several reasons couples select this option to start a family.

Why Would We Need a Sperm Donor?

1. Male Infertility

If a man has a low or nonexistent sperm count, getting pregnant will be difficult for the couple. Sperm count can be affected by genetic factors, an autoimmune disease, and a previous illness. In other cases, some men aren’t born with functioning reproductive organs. Although there are treatments to improve sperm count, using a donor is a viable option if they’re ineffective.

2. Non-Traditional Family

Sperm donation is an attractive option for many lesbian couples who wish to start a family. Donated sperm makes it possible for couples to conceive via reciprocal IVF. During this process, the egg of one partner is fertilized by the donor sperm, and the resulting embryo is carried by the other woman.

3. Genetic Factors

Some men have a genetic condition or are at a high risk of passing on the genes for dangerous diseases. For example, a man with a known history of cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or a heart condition may not want to pass their health concern onto their child. Fortunately, donors are screened to ensure there’s a lower risk of a baby being born with an inherited condition.

If you want to use a sperm donor to have a baby, contact the compassionate team at IVF HAWAII in Honolulu. These professionals will create a personalized treatment plan to increase your odds of conception so that you can start a family. They have the highest IVF success rate in the state and also offer IUI treatments. Learn more about what to expect online, or call (808) 538-6655 to schedule a consultation.