Sperm donors usually provide detailed information about their medical history, family background, physical traits, level of education, occupation, interests, and any other relevant details for profiling. This information helps people seeking donors make informed decisions and find a donor who matches their preferences and needs.
Fertility treatments with donor sperm
An effective solution for different paths to motherhood
Fertility treatments with donor sperm are an effective option for single women who wish to become mothers, heterosexual couples with difficulties conceiving, and lesbian couples who need a sperm donor.
In this process, donor sperm is used to fertilise the egg. At Fertility Madrid, we perform sperm selection using ZyMōt™ microfluidics, a method that allows us to select motile sperm with a lower percentage of double-strand DNA fragmentation.
Our gynaecologists will explain in detail the different fertility treatments available and help you choose the one most suitable for you.
Who is eligible for fertility treatments with donor sperm?
These treatments provide viable options for building a family in different circumstances. They are suitable for couples in which the man has poor sperm quality or carries a genetic disease that cannot be screened for in the embryos.
They are also indicated in cases of previous fertilisation failure with partner sperm, poor embryo quality, or repeated implantation failures where a male factor is suspected as the main cause. In addition, they are a viable option for women without a partner or lesbian women who wish to conceive. These treatments help overcome reproductive barriers and increase the chances of having a child.
Fertility treatment with donated sperm is used in the following procedures:
Artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID)
A treatment that places donor sperm directly into the woman’s uterus near the time of ovulation.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF/ICSI)
An assisted reproduction treatment in which an egg is fertilised outside the body in the laboratory using donor sperm through intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
ROPA method
It allows lesbian couples to take full part in the pregnancy process. In this method, one woman acts as the egg donor while the other receives the embryos to carry the pregnancy. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor sperm is carried out, allowing both women to share the role of parenthood. This approach not only strengthens the bond between the couple but also gives them the opportunity to be fully involved in the creation and gestation of their child.
If you need more information or guidance, one of our gynaecologists will be happy to answer all your questions about the options that may be suitable for you.
Success rates of fertility treatments with donor sperm and what makes us unique
At Fertility Madrid, we have more than 8 years of experience in assisted reproduction, with a team of highly qualified professionals.
Our gynaecologists and embryologists will accompany you throughout the entire process with continuous monitoring and personalised care, giving you the confidence and peace of mind you need when starting your treatment.
Our gynaecologists and embryologists will accompany you throughout the entire process with continuous monitoring and personalised care, giving you the confidence and peace of mind you need when starting your treatment.
In addition, we have an emotional support unit, with a coach who will help you express and manage your feelings, providing continuous support from the start of your treatment.
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as GERI incubators, which are essential for maintaining an optimal environment for the embryo while it is cultured outside the uterus. These incubators allow real-time evaluation of each embryo’s viability and are equipped with high-resolution cameras that capture continuous images (time-lapse) for more detailed assessment.
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as GERI incubators, which are essential for maintaining an optimal environment for the embryo while it is cultured outside the uterus. These incubators allow real-time evaluation of each embryo’s viability and are equipped with high-resolution cameras that capture continuous images (time-lapse) for more detailed assessment.
IUI success rate with donor sperm / IVF success rate with donor sperm
Thanks to the advanced technology of our embryology laboratory, at Fertility Madrid we achieve a high success rate above the national average (SEF data).
We have state-of-the-art innovations in assisted reproduction, such as GERI Time Lapse incubators. This embryo culture system significantly improves pregnancy and implantation rates.
At Fertility Madrid, we not only incorporate the most advanced technology to maximise the effectiveness of our treatments, but also to ensure sample traceability, minimise the possibility of errors, and give you the peace of mind you need.
For this reason, we have integrated Gidget, an electronic traceability system that identifies all the elements involved in assisted reproduction treatment through a unique code.
IVF with donor sperm
The process of IVF with donor sperm is very similar to the traditional IVF cycle, with the main difference being that instead of fertilising the woman’s eggs with her partner’s sperm, donor sperm is used. The treatment begins with egg retrieval through follicular puncture. These eggs are fertilised in the Fertility Madrid laboratory with sperm from anonymous donors, following strict selection protocols. During IVF with donor sperm, the patient undergoes ovarian stimulation treatment to allow the maturation of the oocytes.
After retrieval, the eggs are combined with donor sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus for implantation. An IVF cycle usually lasts around six weeks, although this timeframe can vary depending on the individual and is often influenced by menstrual cycles.
You can explore the different stages of IVF treatment with donor sperm.
After retrieval, the eggs are combined with donor sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus for implantation. An IVF cycle usually lasts around six weeks, although this timeframe can vary depending on the individual and is often influenced by menstrual cycles.
You can explore the different stages of IVF treatment with donor sperm.
Preparatory phase
In this first phase, the gynaecologist will explain the process in detail, as well as provide specialised advice and appropriate medical evaluations for the patient. In addition, various gynaecological tests and analyses will be carried out, and our psychologist will always be available for support. Finally, women undergoing the treatment, and couples, will be informed about the social, ethical, and legal implications of receiving donor sperm.
Sperm selection
Our specialists will determine which sperm are most suitable using microfluidic technology called ZyMōt™. With this system, we are able to recover sperm with better motility as well as those with lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In short, we achieve improved selection of the sperm that will be used in the corresponding assisted reproduction technique.
Sample analysis
From the donor bank semen, sperm are meticulously selected to ensure their viability and quality. The selection is based on your phenotype (hair, eye, and skin colour, height, blood type). The gynaecologist chooses the most suitable sperm so that the future newborn has the closest possible physical resemblance to their parents.
Embryo transfer
During the transfer, we use one embryo or, at most and always with approval and with full awareness of the risks that a twin pregnancy may pose to the mother-to-be, two embryos. High-quality embryos should also be frozen. The procedure is painless and does not require anaesthesia. Some women may experience mild discomfort or cramping during or after the transfer. Once the patient has rested for a few minutes, she can resume her daily activities and even return home the same day.
Post-implantation monitoring / Pregnancy test
Two to three weeks after the insemination, the clinic’s specialists will schedule an appointment for our patient to take a pregnancy test.
Insemination treatments with donor sperm
Artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID) is an assisted reproduction technique that uses sperm from sperm banks to carry out the insemination. This technique involves placing the sperm inside the woman’s uterus to increase the number of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes, thereby improving the chances of fertilisation. This procedure, performed at Fertility Madrid, is virtually painless. It is important to note that donor selection is based on the recipient’s physical and genetic characteristics, ensuring the best possible compatibility.
Una vez elegido al donante y acordado el día de la inseminación, el semen donado se descongelará y analizará para detectar posibles daños por congelación o descongelación. Si el semen descongelado cumple con los requisitos, puede utilizarse para la inseminación.
Frequently asked questions
What information is available from a sperm donor for profiling?
What are the risks of using donor sperm?
There is no risk in using donor sperm. The sample undergoes thorough testing in a laboratory to rule out any infection, including diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmitted infections.
Do sperm donors undergo genetic testing?
Yes, sperm donors undergo rigorous genetic testing to ensure the quality and safety of the sperm. These tests identify any genetic abnormalities and ensure that the donor meets strict selection criteria. In addition, sperm selection is carried out using ZyMōt™ microfluidic technology. If the patient requests it, genetic matching with the donor can be performed through a blood test.
Donors are also selected according to blood group and Rh factor, aiming for compatibility and avoiding mismatches in race, skin colour, hair, and eye colour.
Can I know a sperm donor’s educational background?
No, under Spanish law it is not possible to know the identity of the donor or the person receiving the donation. This includes personal details such as the donor’s educational background.
How can I find donor sperm for AID?
At Fertility Madrid, our specialists will take care of selecting the most suitable sperm for you, according to your race, skin colour, hair and eye colour, as well as your blood group. They will choose a donor based on your physical and genetic characteristics.
Is IVF with donor sperm suitable for everyone?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor sperm can be a suitable option for many people, including heterosexual couples with male fertility problems, lesbian couples, and single women who wish to have children. However, the suitability of the treatment must be assessed by one of our fertility specialists.
Can I undergo insemination with donor sperm without medication?
Yes, it is possible to undergo insemination with donor sperm without medication, especially if there are no known ovulation problems. However, the use of fertility medication can increase the chances of success of the procedure.
Can I use the same sperm donor if I want my child to have siblings?
Yes, you can choose to use the same sperm donor if you want your children to share the same genetic origin and be biological siblings. It is advisable to discuss this option with Fertility Madrid to ensure the donor’s availability.