What You Should Look for in a Sperm Bank

A sperm bank is much more than what we see on television – at least it should be. Whether you’re intending to conceive on your own, with a partner who has ovaries, or with a partner whose sperm you can’t use due to health or genetic reasons, family planning contains many components. Making an informed decision for your fertility journey can be a daunting task; however, arming yourself with knowledge will help you in your search for a high-quality sperm bank.

What Should My Sperm Bank Offer?

There are many things to consider when searching for a sperm bank. Thankfully, much of the legwork can be done from your phone or computer. Look online for larger, reputable facilities in your area that have been around for a while; often, they have the resources to provide much-needed support while you prepare for parenthood. Keep in mind what’s important to you and what resources you know you will use; doing so will help you find the right fit. Here are some factors to keep in mind in your search:

High-Quality Sperm Donors

Although donations are made by volunteers, there are very strict requirements to be accepted as a donor. The screening process for donors includes a medical exam as well as a background check, a personality test, infectious disease testing, and a fertility health test to ensure only the highest-quality donors are selected.

Comprehensive Testing

Genetic tests cover everything from overall sperm health to hereditary conditions the donor may carry. Although by law extensive medical and genetic tests are done on all volunteers, many sperm banks provide additional testing in order to ensure a thoroughly vetted collection of samples. Testing includes:

• Background check

• Keirsey personality assessment

• Infectious diseases

• HIV I / II antibody

• HTLV I / II antibody

• RPR (syphilis)

• Chlamydia (every three months)

• Gonorrhea (every three months)

• CMV (cytomegalovirus) antibody (IgM and IgG)

• Hepatitis B surface antigen

• Hepatitis B core antibody

• Hepatitis C viral antibody

• General wellness

• Complete blood count

• Physical by a medical practitioner

Security and Stability

It’s important to look into the security measures taken at the sperm bank you’re considering. Temperature-controlled storage facilities, 24-hour surveillance, and regular inspections should be part of your sperm bank’s standard operating procedures. Some sperm banks even offer biometric entry (fingerprint scanning) as well as motion detectors around the building.

Laboratory and Facilities

Testing is a good way to get a complete donor profile, but in order to get accurate results, the laboratories used should be up to date. When a sperm bank offers state-of-the-art technology and a high-quality testing protocol, you can be assured the test results shared will be as accurate as possible.

When in Doubt, Ask

If you are unsure where to start your search, it is always a good idea to talk to others who have used a sperm donor in order to better understand the process. Talk to your doctor about your needs and you may be able to work together to find a sperm bank near you that offers a secure and healthy way to start planning the family of your dreams.

To learn more about the sperm bank at the Fertility Center of California, contact us today.