These days, there are a number of viable paths to a successful pregnancy. One of the these avenues is donor insemination, which involves injecting donor sperm into the female reproductive system. If you’re interested in this option, take a look at the following frequently asked questions before meeting with a fertility doctor.

What You Should Know About Donor Insemination

Why might I choose this route?

You might choose donor insemination if you’re hoping to conceive a child while single or in a lesbian relationship. Some women also turn to donor insemination if their male partner is infertile, has an STD, or has a disease that may be passed down to the child.

Do I need to test my own fertility first?

While donor insemination takes care of the male aspects of conception, you’ll still need to ensure your female organs are capable of carrying out a pregnancy. Therefore, you should look into basic fertility testing before donor insemination.

Your fertility doctor will check that you’re ovulating regularly, no infections are present, and no scarring—such as from benign cysts—is blocking essential areas of your reproductive system.

How do I find a sperm donor?

While you can choose someone you know, many women turn to a sperm bank database. The database collects sperm samples from men specifically for donor insemination. When searching these databases at your fertility clinic, you’ll have access to the donor’s name, profession, and a picture of them when young. 

What should I consider when choosing?

In some cases, you may also be privy to the donor’s personal information, such as their personality, IQ level, preferences, and pet peeves. While your child won’t be a carbon copy of the donor, you may be interested in seeing what kind of person your child might be. You may also want to use this information to ensure you and your child are alike in some ways or that they look like a natural descendant of you and your partner.

If you’re interested in finding a sperm donor, turn to Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute of Honolulu, HI. They’ve helped individuals and couples conceive since 1985, and they continue to make use of the latest industry advancements like IVF. To learn more about their services, visit the website. You can also call (808) 946-2226 to set up an appointment with a fertility doctor.