Donor Sperm for Male Infertility

Sperm donation is a family building option. 

For most couples, their first choice is to have children that come from the union of both partners’ genes. When male infertility keeps that from happening, it is normal for couples to feel upset, sad, and nervous about not being able to have children the way they had imagined. Fertility treatment can help couples to conceive, but doesn’t always succeed.  Another option for building a family is with the help of a sperm donor.  

Having a baby using donor sperm provides couples with the opportunity to have a child who is genetically connected to the mother and the opportunity to be pregnant, give birth, and breastfeed. Before proceeding, it is important for couples to learn about sperm donation, review both partners' thoughts and feelings, and consider together the future implications.

Our goal at UCSF CRH is to support you through the stages of male infertility treatment, and sperm donation if appropriate. This can include counseling regarding: 

• Choosing between a known sperm donor and a donor from a sperm bank
• Screening and sperm banking for a known donor
• Identifying FDA approved anonymous sperm donor banks 
• Legal considerations
• Financial considerations
• Psychological support, if desired

 Additional Resources

• Resolve, The National Fertility Association
• The Donor Conception Network 
• The Donor Sibling Registry