Practical considerations for donor selection
Donor availability and timing
We are pleased to offer our patients immediate access to an extensive database of clinic sperm donors with no wait time. However, if you have very specific selection criteria, it may be some time before your ideal donor becomes available. If you haven’t been able to find a donor that fits your criteria for some time, your counsellor can support you with strategies for reconsidering your priorities and broadening your requirements.
New sperm donors are added to our database every couple of weeks. Your donor coordinator can notify you if a donor matching your desired traits becomes available.
If you are using a known sperm donor, he will need to freeze his sperm sample three months prior to you commencing your treatment cycle. All donor sperm must serve a three month quarantine period.
Multiple treatment cycles
The stock at our local Genea sperm donor program is closely managed to ensure you have the option of purchasing additional vials from the same donor if required for multiple treatment cycles or if planning for future siblings from the same donor.
If your ideal donor match is from one of our international sperm bank providers, your fertility specialist will give you guidance on how many vials of sperm you should purchase to ensure you have enough for your current treatment and future family plans.
Geographic and logistical factors
Not typically front-of-mind when browsing donor profiles, some additional factors you may want to consider include:
- You may need to travel interstate to access treatment with your preferred donor to work around state-specific family limits
- If your preferred donor match is via Seattle Sperm Bank or The World Egg and Sperm Bank, these donors are only available through Genea Fertility in Adelaide
- Not all donor sperm are suitable for all forms of treatment; if being able to consider a certain type of treatment is important to you, this can influence your donor selection
Emotional considerations in donor selection
Choosing a sperm donor involves important emotional considerations that go beyond practical factors. It's natural to have complex feelings about this decision, and taking time to process these emotions is an important part of the selection process.
Topics to address:
- Processing feelings about using donor sperm
- Involving partners in decision-making
- Considering future conversations with children
- Managing expectations and hopes
- Dealing with decision-making pressure
Get on the same page as your partner
If you’re undergoing fertility treatment as a couple, one of the most important things you can do is to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your priorities in a donor. This approach ensures you are both on the same page with your selection criteria and can help to strengthen your relationship during what can be a stressful time.
Give yourself space to process thoughts and emotions
Growing your family through donor sperm can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. If you are looking to become a first-time parent, the idea may be even more overwhelming. It is not uncommon to experience doubt about whether you’re doing the right thing or decision-making anxiety when choosing a donor.
Choosing a sperm donor is a significant decision. Avoid making any rushed or pressured decisions; seek input from those you trust and you know will offer unbiased support.
Check your expectations
It’s one thing to have a long wishlist of donor characteristics but another to be able to find a suitable donor. This can lead to disappointment and anxiety. Ask a trusted support person for a sense check on your selection criteria or a second opinion if you’ve been unable to find your donor match for some time. Our counsellors and your donor coordinator are also here to support you with your selection.
FAQs
Common donor selection mistakes to avoid
It can be easy to lose perspective during the donor selection process - assessing donor profiles may feel like clicking through an online dating website or important factors may become overshadowed by more trivial details.
Our donor team at Genea are experts at helping individuals and couples navigate the donor selection process and are here to help you avoid these common mistakes.
Making Your Final Decision
The importance of listening to your gut instincts when finalising your donor selection cannot be overstated. If you find yourself constantly returning to a certain donor profile, even if he doesn’t fulfil all your selection criteria, this is likely an indication that this donor may be the right match.
Experiencing uncertainty and decision-related anxiety is not uncommon, even after selecting your donor. Your counsellor, donor coordinator, and trusted family and friends are available for support, to confirm your choice, and help you to move forward with confidence.
