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.
4 Common Signs of Female Infertility You May be Overlooking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of women experience infertility. The CDC defines infertility as not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying, or six months if the woman is 35 or older. To make matters worse, many women don’t realize they have infertility issues until after they have been trying to conceive for multiple months. So by the time they consult a fertility specialist, precious time has been lost, which can further affect your...
To Fertility and Beyond: Storing Sperm in Space May Be Possible
In June of 2019, a team of scientists released the results of a test designed to answer a remarkable question: Can frozen sperm cells be safely sent to space for future use? The results, as presented at the 35th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Vienna, suggests that such storage is theoretically possible. To test this theory, no sperm samples were actually launched into orbit like microscopic Buzz Aldrins. Instead, engineers put 10 healthy frozen...
Books About LGBTQ+ Family Planning For Kids And Parents
We often get asked if we have any book recommendations for family planning or books for kids about LGBTQ families, so we made a list of a few of our favorites. No matter what kind of family you are (or are thinking about having!), all these books have something interesting to offer. Check them out below: LGBTQ+ Family Planning Books For Kids Mommy, Momma, and Me: A sweet rhyming book about a baby doing everyday things with their two moms. The simple pictures and words would make this a great...
Should I get genetic testing done on myself before conceiving?
You may be looking for a sperm donor or an egg donor and notice that the donor has been tested for a panel of genetic conditions. You may also notice that a donor is a carrier of a specific genetic condition, and feel uncertain about what that means, or if you should be concerned. We get questions surrounding genetic carrier status daily, especially whether we think it’s medically necessary for our clients to have genetic testing done on themselves as part of their pre-conception journey. We...
How and Why to Test Male Fertility
About two million men are diagnosed with infertility each year in the U.S. Yet when a couple is having trouble conceiving, treatment efforts often focus solely on the woman’s fertility. While this can be a good place to start, it’s important to know that male infertility is the root cause of the problem in about 30% of cases, according to multiple studies. So whether you’re looking to start or add to your own family or are interested in becoming a sperm donor, there are good reasons for men to...
Causes of Male Infertility: Facts vs. Myths
Many factors affect male fertility including age, genetics, hormone imbalances, and the presence of an illness or a chronic sexual transmitted disease. These factors, or a combination, can contribute to low sperm count, poor motility (how well sperm can move), abnormal sperm size or shape, and other problems. Some of these issues are beyond your control. Others, however, can be influenced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But first, let’s address five common myths about male infertility:...
Pride 2019
From all of us at Seattle Sperm Bank and our associate labs, we want to wish you and your family a happy Pride 2019. SSB is honored to be a part of so many LGBTQ+ families’ journey to parenthood, and we love helping every step of the way. From answering your initial questions to getting pictures of your new little ones in the mail, we truly enjoy being part of this process with you. This June commemorates the 50th anniversary of the riot that broke out at The Stonewall Inn in Manhattan,...
How Much Donor Sperm Do I Need to Conceive?
You’ve chosen your sperm donor and are ready to begin your first insemination attempt. Now what? First, you want to ensure there are enough samples of your chosen donor to help you conceive. Although Seattle Sperm Bank only works with donors who commit to donating at least once per week, we cannot guarantee units will remain available for as long as it takes for you to conceive. To avoid running out, reserving units is critical. So before starting treatment, we strongly encourage you to...
New Lab Opening In San Diego!
Seattle Sperm Bank (SSB) is happy to announce the opening of our 3rd laboratory location in La Jolla, California. SSB also operates the Phoenix Sperm Bank, located in Tempe, AZ. Our third location in La Jolla will operate as San Diego Sperm Bank. The new lab is located at The Campus on Villa La Jolla, close to UC San Diego, and the UCSD School of Medicine. Since we opened our doors in 2008, we have focused on being the industry’s best value on high-quality, Open ID donor vials, while providing...
How Seattle Sperm Bank Manages Donor Family Limits
At Seattle Sperm Bank, we understand that donor family limits are one of your primary concerns when considering using a sperm donor. Understandably, it may be overwhelming to consider how many possible half-siblings your child or children may have as a result of being conceived using donor sperm. SSB wants to be as transparent as possible regarding how we set and manage family limits. Seattle Sperm Bank's Family Limit Policy When we opened in 2008, SSB set a nationwide family limit of...
