Donor Sperm Insemination (DI)
what is donor sperm insemination (di)?
Donor insemination (DI) is often called “artificial insemination.” It is a term describing a process of placing frozen/thawed sperm from a donor into a woman’s uterus at the time of ovulation.
who is di for?
Donor insemination is an option for women who wish to become pregnant but:
- Are single or part of a same-sex couple
- Have a partner with male factor infertility that cannot be treated
- Have a partner who is a carrier of an undesirable hereditary disease
where does di sperm come from?
Donor sperm is obtained from reputable sperm banks. Rigorous screening is performed on each donor, according to Health Canada guidelines, before collecting and freezing the sperm. The screening process includes:
- A thorough family history for several generations
- Complete medical and social history
- Screening for genetic disorders and transmissible diseases such as HIV
Potential donors are not accepted if abnormalities are detected in any of the screening tests. Each frozen specimen is “quarantined” and only released for use if the donor remains free of HIV and other infectious illnesses six months later.
how do you select a donor?
We have biographical descriptions of each donor for you to review. You may choose a donor based on racial or ethnic background, or on certain physical characteristics and/or social characteristics that you find important.
how is di done?
First we do a thorough workup to rule out any obvious fertility problems. Then we ask you to determine the time of ovulation by checking your urine at mid-cycle with an ovulation predictor kit. When the monitoring indicates that you are about to ovulate, you will return to the clinic the following day for your insemination. At Genesis we do inseminations seven days a week.
If you do not ovulate regularly or if your cycles are very unpredictable, we may ask you to take a medication such as clomiphene citrate to regulate ovulation. The actual insemination is only slightly more complicated than having a Pap test done. It takes less than five minutes and should be simple and painless.
The sperm is thawed in our laboratory, processed, and loaded into a small syringe attached to a narrow tube, or catheter. The catheter is passed through the cervix and the sperm is injected slowly into the uterus.
Afterward, you can return to whatever activities you had planned for the day. Your partner is welcome to be present during the insemination.
how successful is di?
About 15% of women under 40 years of age conceive from each DI cycle. Approximately 50% to 60% are pregnant after six months of inseminations.
If you have not become pregnant after the first six cycles, we may suggest that you have additional infertility investigations (such as a laparoscopy). We may then prescribe fertility medications or suggest IVF in order to help you conceive.
is di safe?
DI is a very safe procedure, especially when no medications are used. Once you become pregnant, your pregnancy is exactly the same as one that occurs naturally in a woman of your age. There is no increased risk of miscarriage or congenital abnormalities beyond what would be expected for women in your age group.
what are the legal implications of di?
A child born through DI is considered to be the legal child of the mother and her partner (if applicable).
confidentiality
DI is a highly confidential process. You do not need to disclose your participation in DI to anyone. It is up to you whether you discuss DI with your family, your friends, or the children which may result. Your counselor will discuss this and other concerns with you before treatment starts.
what about future pregnancies?
Many DI participants choose to use the same donor for a second, or even third pregnancy. Some same-sex couples choose to use the same donor for pregnancies in both partners.
If you are considering these options, you may purchase extra samples which we will keep frozen at Genesis until they are ready to be used. We do not limit the number of pregnancies that you may attempt with DI. However, there are strict limits on the number of families from each donor.
what about the orientation?
We require that all DI recipients (and their partners if applicable) see our counselor before starting their treatment cycles. You have a one hour counseling session included as part of your orientation, and additional sessions are available on a fee-for-service basis. This is not a screening test to determine your eligibility, but rather, a way to help you become emotionally and socially prepared for the DI process. You will start your treatment once you and your counselor are comfortable that you have considered the various emotional, social, and ethical issues associated with DI. As well, you will spend time with a nurse to become familiar with the cycle protocol.
what is the cost of di?
Your initial orientation will cost $250, which includes a consultation with one of our nurses to discuss donor selection, cycle monitoring, and cycle costs, plus approximately $125 for a session with one of our counselors.
There is a fee for each frozen specimen (unit) purchased and the subsequent preparation of the specimen for insemination, as well as an annual storage fee. Please see our current price list for more details.
optimizing your chances
- Weight: It is important to be at a healthy weight for your height. Women with a body mass index under 19 or over 32 have a lower chance of getting pregnant and an increased risk of miscarriage.
- Smoking: Women who smoke have a lower chance of becoming pregnant and a higher rate of miscarriage.
- Supplements: We recommend that you take a multivitamin containing folic acid (0.4 to 1.0 mg daily). This B vitamin reduces the risk of some serious defects of the brain and spinal cord in the fetus. You should start taking it a few weeks before your treatment begins.
Genesis Fertility Centre is one of the largest IVF programs in Canada, and our success rates are among the best in the country. We have been at the forefront of reproductive medicine since 1995, helping thousands of couples achieve their dream of having a baby.
Whether you have just discovered that you have a fertility problem or have been struggling for years, Genesis Fertility Centre offers you a unique blend of patient-centered care and state-of-the-art reproductive technology. At your first visit your physician will carefully assess you and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to give you the best chance of conceiving.
costs
Infertility consultations and most tests are covered by MSP.
confidentiality
All services are provided in a completely discreet and confidential environment.