What does the donor insemination procedure involve?

Both of you will be advised to have counselling first before undergoing this procedure. This is seen as essential as donor insemination can be a stressful procedure.

Donor insemination procedure for Women

  1. 1. You undergo screening tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and immunity to rubella (german measles). Your hormone levels will also be checked and you will undergo a tubal patency test.

    A tubal patency test is designed to check the health of your fallopian tubes. It involves the insertion of a tube into your cervix followed by the injection of a dye or carbon dioxide gas. This enables the doctor to see if there are any blockages in your tubes.

    Laparoscopy is another option.

  2. The clinic then obtains a suitable donor for you. You are not obliged to accept the donor offered to you, but if you do then you may have to wait for a long period of time before another is offered.

    If donor sperm are in short supply then you will have to wait until suitable sperm are available.

  3. The next step is for you and your partner to agree to the use of donor sperm as well as the disclosure of information. You will both need to sign a consent form to give your permission.
  4. You are then given fertility drugs to stimulate egg production.
  5. The clinic will perform blood and/or urine tests to find out when you are most fertile and possibly an ultrasound scan.
  6. Finally, the donated sperm are inserted into your cervix (neck of the womb) using a technique called intrauterine insemination (IUI).
  7. A week after this you will have a blood test to assess your progesterone levels to see if ovulation has taken place.

Donor insemination procedure for Men

  1. You will undergo testing as well which includes cystic fibrosis screening, chromosome analysis and sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). You will also be asked to produce blood and semen samples for further analysis.
  2. You will be examined by a genito-urinary specialist to ensure that you are not carrying any diseases or infections. 3. You will then be asked to sign a form which allows the clinic to contact your GP to ask him/her about your suitability as a donor.
  3. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the procedure which includes the legal aspects. Make sure you fully understand what the procedure is and your rights (and those of the as yet unborn child) before you sign any forms.
  4. If you are accepted as a donor then you will have to sign forms giving your consent to storage and usage of your sperm.

    Note: information such as your physical appearance, age, height and weight will be kept. This may be used to match your characteristics with the needs of the couple receiving your sperm.

  5. Your details will be held on a register held by HEFA. You do not have any legal or financial obligations towards the unborn child.
  6. You will be asked to donate a sample and will be shown into a private room in the clinic to do so.

Note: you can withdraw your consent to usage of your sperm at any time.

Donor insemination is a good choice if your partner has a low or non existent sperm count or may pass on an inherited disease. It is also an option for those women who don’t have a male partner.

Donor insemination Guide Index:

Infertility Guide

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