Everything you should know about donor conception
Donor conception means having a child with help from a donor. On this page, we introduce you to the concept of donor conception, including the process, the different options, and what it means to be a parent to a donor-conceived child.
What is donor conception?
Donor conception is the conception of a child using sperm or an egg from a donor. The conception occurs through fertility treatments like home insemination or IVF. The process of donor conception generally consists of these three steps:
- Step 1: A man or a woman completes a thorough screening process and donates sperm or eggs to a gamete bank.
- Step 2: The donor gametes are frozen and stored until an individual or couple chooses the donor and makes an order of the donor gametes.
- Step 3: Once the recipient is ready, treatment with donor gametes is completed, hopefully resulting in a pregnancy.
Struggling to get pregnant?
If you have had unsuccessful fertility treatment using your own sperm or eggs, it may be worth considering other options, like using a donor. Contact us to learn more about the process and how to get started.
Different types of donor conception
In general, there are two types of donor conception: conception with donor sperm and conception with donor eggs. It is also possible to receive treatment with a double donation to fulfil your dreams of a child. In double donation, you use both donor sperm and donor eggs.
Relevant articles about donor conception
Who are the parents of a donor-conceived child?
The parent(s) of a donor-conceived child are the people who raise it. Parenthood is defined by the love, support, and care you invest in a child - not genetics. However, in terms of treatment with donor gametes, you should be aware of any legal actions you may need to take to be considered the legal parent to your child. In some cases, for example, the non-bio mom in lesbian couples has to take legal action to be considered the children's mother.
What is it like to be donor-conceived?
Donor-conceived people are no different from others. According to studies, donor-conceived people are generally doing well and experience the same problems or joys as others. We have talked to Kiara, who was donor-conceived and considered being donor-conceived as her superpower. Follow the link to read her story.
Kiara's story and why she feels being donor-conceived is her superpower
When to tell a child they are donor-conceived?
In general, studies recommend telling your children about donor conception from an early age. Children can comprehend more than you think, which is why we recommend introducing donor conception to your child as early as possible. Try to make it a natural part of their journey to show them how lucky they are to be a part of a family that wanted them so badly that they went through fertility treatment to fulfill their dream.
Cryos is here for you
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us. Our Customer Care Team is ready to help you via phone at +1 (407) 203 1175, via e-mail at [email protected], or via live chat on our website.