Seattle Sperm Bank is your trusted partner and resource when it comes to donor sperm. We are here every step of the way as your journey into parenthood. Explore our blog for topics from preconception to conception with donor sperm.
Demystifying IUI, ICI, IVI and IVF
Methods of Insemination IUI (Intrauterine): The most common form of artificial insemination. Your doctor (or licensed health care provider) will insert thawed sperm directly into the uterus using a speculum and catheter. Inseminations may be timed based on a woman’s natural cycle, or in conjunction with medications intended to induce ovulation. ICI (Intracervical): Most commonly performed at home, but can also be performed by a licensed care provider. Sperm is inserted into the vagina using a...
What you need to know about Open Identity Donors
Open Identity Donors A new trend is gaining popularity throughout the U.S. and abroad when it comes to choosing a sperm donor for artificial insemination. Whereas most sperm donation used to be completely anonymous, many sperm banks now require some or all of their sperm donors to consent to the release of their identity to children who have reached the age of 18. In fact, in some countries, anonymous donation is no longer permitted. The use of an open identity (or ID release) donor is an...
Sperm Banks, At a Glance
Sperm banks offer a unique level of reproductive freedom to single women and couples, by providing a tremendous amount of choice when it comes to decisions about having children. This brief article addresses some important facts about sperm banks and the role they play in modern reproductive technology. Sperm banking is a not a new technology. Although they are increasing in popularity in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world, sperm banks have been around for almost half a...
Donor Sperm Quality
Donor Sperm Quality: The little cells that make a big difference Written by Charles Muller, PhD HCLD Charles Muller, PhD HCLD is Laboratory Director of Male Fertility Lab at the University of Washington and a key member of the Advisory Board for Seattle Sperm Bank. His research is in fertilization, male reproduction, and prostatitis. Customers focus on the attributes of the donor they select, but the quality of the donor’s sperm cells are equally, if not more, important. Every man may have...
What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus, commonly known as CMV, is a virus that most American adults have been exposed to and have developed immunity to. CMV is a member of the herpes virus family which includes cold sores, chicken pox and infectious mononucleosis (mono). In healthy adults and children, CMV can cause mild cold or flu-like symptoms that may last 1-2 weeks. However, if a woman who has never had CMV becomes exposed during pregancy, there is a small risk the child may develop neurologic abnormalities....
Why Doesn’t ESB-USA Offer A Ben Affleck Look-a-Like Donor?
There are numerous press releases and news reports regarding a competitor sperm bank’s 'Celebrity Look-a-Like' feature. It has been reported that the sperm bank’s #1 demand is for a donor who they claim is a Look-a-Like for the actor Ben Affleck. At Seattle Sperm Bank, we do not claim to have any donors who are Look-a-Likes or clones of Ben Affleck or Keanu Reeves or even Jay Leno. Our donors are terrific men who have made a substantial commitment to help others have a family. They are not a...
Who Pays for Infertility Treatment?
Using IVF, artificial insemination and other forms of assisted reproductive technology to conceive can be very expensive. Artificial insemination (ICI or IUI) with the use of donor sperm can cost anywhere from $500 - $1500/cyle or more. The average cost in the United States for IVF appears to be $13,000 - $15,000 per cycle, or more, depending on the type of treatment, testing, and medications needed. As such, it is important to become familiar with the costs of infertility treatment up front...
What Do I Tell My Child About Sperm Donor 8282?
A recent NY Times article entitled “The Gift of Sperm Donor 8282” tells the story of three single women who, after acquiring sperm from an anonymous donor identified only as Donor 8282, each end up finding mates and getting pregnant – without ever having to use Donor 8282’s sperm. These women will never have to face the issue of what to tell their offspring about the fact of donation. But for many women and couples who do need to rely on donated sperm to get pregnant, the decision about...
Reglera’s 7th Reproductive Compliance Conference | September 19th-20th
I just finished attending Reglera's 7th Reproductive Compliance Conference in Arlington, VA. Two days of going over FDA regulations, current regulatory trends and case studies; and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Day 1: Living Documents Day 1 began with a welcome and introduction from Reglera president, Clay Anselmo. New to this year's conference was the use of Bluetooth clickers for audience quizzes. Clay utilized them right away to get an understanding of the attendees' knowledge...
Donor Sperm Quality: The little cells that make a big difference
Written by Charles Muller, PhD HCLD Charles Muller, PhD HCLD is Laboratory Director of Male Fertility Lab at the University of Washington and a key member of the Advisory Board for Seattle Sperm Bank. His research is in fertilization, male reproduction, and prostatitis. Customers focus on the attributes of the donor they select, but the quality of the donor's sperm cells are equally, if not more, important. Every man may have different quality sperm, due to natural variation. At Seattle...
