Over 13% of our clients are heterosexual couples experiencing problems with male infertility. Using a sperm donor may be a good solution if your infertility problems remain unresolved by medical professionals.
What is infertility?
Infertility occurs when a couple has tried to get pregnant for a year without success. It can be caused by problems with the sperm quality and/or the woman’s reproductive system. Some of the most common causes for female infertility are the absence of ovulation, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or endometriosis. The most common cause for male infertility is an inability to produce healthy sperm to fertilize the egg. This can be due to physical, hereditary, or hormone problems, and lifestyle or environmental factors.
If you are suffering from infertility, we can recommend you follow the link to our blog post Tips on how to cope with male infertility.
Male infertility
There are several reasons why a man can experience infertility. Having a low sperm count, abnormal sperm cells, or a complete lack of sperm cells (azoospermia) are some of the factors that play a big role with infertility. A low sperm count, or a complete lack of sperm cells can be influenced by factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, a genetic condition, a hormonal disorder, cancer/medical treatment, or a blockage caused by previous infection. Abnormal sperm cells can be caused by infection or abnormal testicles (americanpregnancy.org). In order to know the exact reason for the infertility problem, the man should undergo a complete medical examination.
How is infertility experienced?
Having infertility problems can be difficult for a couple to handle regardless of the reason. Some people describe that they feel lonely during the process, because there is a tendency for people to avoid talking to others about these issues. In the TED talk below, you can listen to Camille Preston talk about how she and her husband dealt with an uncontrollable challenge. She also shares how good friends became important to overcome the infertility struggle.
Donor sperm for fertility treatment
If the reason for infertility is sperm quality, using donor sperm may be a good solution. By using donor sperm as a couple, you will both be able to have the parental rights of your child, and the child will be genetically related to the woman carrying the pregnancy.
As a couple you will raise the child with love and care. At Cryos we believe that love makes a family and the fact the father of the child is unable to share the same genes means little to the child you bring into the world. Your child will be your child regardless of the fact they were conceived with help from a donor.
Using donor sperm – What to consider
If you have decided to use donor sperm for fertility treatments, there are some things to consider. You need to decide if you want a sperm donor with a Basic or an Extended Donor Profile. Would you like to know only basic details such as hair color, eye color and blood type? Or is it important for you to know more about the donor’s education, interests and personality? Pictures of the sperm donor as an adult?
You should also decide if you want to use an ID Release or a Non-ID Release sperm donor. In this process, you must consider if it is important to you that your child will have the possibility to contact the donor as an adult. If you would like to see photos of the sperm donor as an adult you will need to choose a Non-ID Release (non-anonymous donor). ID Release sperm donors' (anonymous donors) identities will be hidden forever.
You can get more information about what to consider when choosing a sperm donor here.
Success stories from couples with donor children
We receive letters and e-mails from couples who have had help to overcome male infertility by using donor sperm. Below, you can read some of these heartfelt messages.
My husband and I have waited so long to be able to have a baby and thanks to Cryos, we were able to! Despite all the side effects, being pregnant was an incredible experience and I am so thankful. Our little Louis is now 4 1/2 months old, and I still can't believe it. I love my life! Thank you to all the donors who make this possible.
BenedicteUK
Words cannot describe the pride, joy and love we feel since our baby boy came into our live in August 2016. The unconditional love we feel holding this tiny, dependent person who already has his own character, is so much greater than life itself! We will always be thankful to our donor. Not knowing us, but to be so unselfish to make sure we (and others) are able to welcome the greatest gift of life. Making sure to thoroughly describe himself and his relatives so we know just a bit, being able to be honest to our newborn when he starts asking questions in a few years’ time. And last but not least the great guidance from Cryos to make it all possible! Thank you to you all.
AnnaThe Netherlands
We got a beautiful son thanks to Cryos and the donor who made it possible for us to have a family to love. Thanks to all!
Anonymous
You can read more success stories from happy parents to donor-conceived children here.
Connect with others who experience infertility problems
It can be comforting to share thoughts and experiences with people in the same situation as you. We encourage you to join our private Facebook group Family Dreams Cryos USA, where the members can talk about fertility treatment, donor sperm and all related topics on the journey towards parenthood. The Facebook group is a nice and friendly place to connect with like-minded people. You can also find other relevant groups online, where you can talk about your potential concerns and experiences with infertility.