Typically, fertility treatment with donor sperm 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.
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.
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 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.
Choose a donor in our free donor search
If you are in the process of choosing a donor for fertility treatment, we can recommend visiting our free donor search, which contains both sperm donors and egg donors. If you are about to choose a sperm donor, then follow the link to our guide on the subject or if you need an egg donor, then follow the link to our guide on how to choose an egg donor.
We hope the above information helps you reach your final decision and thank you for considering Cryos and our donors for your future family.