Typically, fertility treatment with donor gametes starts with an in-depth conversation with a fertility doctor about the different treatment options. Once you know which treatment type you are going to have, the donor selection process can begin.
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a donor. Therefore, we have gathered some questions that you can ask yourself to make the process easier.
Should your future child be able to contact the donor?
If you choose a Non-ID Release Donor, the identity of the donor will remain confidential. If you choose an ID Release Donor, the child will have the opportunity to get information about the donor’s identity when the child becomes an adult– in most countries at the age of 18.
The choice between a Non-ID Release and an ID Release Donor is highly individual and complex and there can be different reasons for choosing one or the other. Before choosing, we recommend you read more about donor anonymity here.
How much do you want to know about the donor?
Would you like to know as much as possible about the donor, or do you prefer to only know the basic information? This consideration will help you to choose between an Extended Profile and a Basic Profile. An Extended Profile contains a lot of personal information including a large question-and-answer section, a written message, multiple baby photos and possibly adult photos, and an audio clip with the donor’s voice. A donor with a Basic Profile only provides you with essential information such as ethnicity, physical characteristics, medical information, and education/job.
Follow the links to read about sperm donor profiles or egg donor profiles.
Extra tips before ordering
- In the end, you only need one donor, but it can be a good idea to narrow down your search to 3-5 donors and mark them as a ‘Favorite’ in the Donor Search. This is helpful in case your number one donor is sold out before you are ready to order.
- Once you are ready to place your order online, we recommend that you consider making a reservation for extra gamete straws. This is to ensure that you have enough for your entire fertility treatment – and for future siblings. Reservations are held at Cryos and can always be sold back to us.
- If you are an international customer, we also recommend that you check the legislation in your country of treatment, since some countries only permit treatment with certain types of donors (Non-ID Release or ID Release). Your clinic or healthcare professional will be able to advise you on this. You can also contact Cryos Customer Care who will be happy to assist you.
Should your donor be exclusive?
If you would like a donor that is new and exclusive only to you, consider choosing an Exclusive Donor. With donor exclusivity, it will only be you and your spouse who will be able to have a child with that donor’s gametes.
Read more about Donor Exclusivity here.
Further inspiration on choosing a donor
There are similarities when choosing a sperm and an egg donor, but each process also contains different steps, which you should be aware of. As a result, we have created two guides on how to choose a sperm donor and how to choose an egg donor. Follow the links for inspiration and guidance on your journey. You are also welcome to contact our Customer Care Team if you have any questions about choosing a donor.
Ready to choose a donor
Create an account to get free access to see all our Donor Profiles. Use the different filters to narrow down your search results and choose a donor that feels just right to you. Click on the buttons below to enter our free donor searches.