User login
male fertility, SpermCenter
How can I tell if a sperm bank is accredited?
You can tell if a sperm bank is accredited, and by whom, by checking out SpermCenter's fertility professional listings: http://www.spermcenter.com/sperm_bank_listings. All banks list their accreditations on their websites as well, if they have any, but that will take you more time than just checking out our search. From there you can explore more about the bank in which you're interested.
California Sperm Banks
Lately we have received several queries about California sperm banks. There are several sperm banks in California:
Sperm Banks in Melbourne Australia
We recently received a question about sperm banks in Melbourne, Australia. While some areas of Australia allow clinics to import sperm to the U.S., others are more strict, so your best option is to call a local fertility clinic and ask them how everything works.
That said, Australia also offers sperm donors, but the waiting lists may be very long for potential parents due to recent regulations that 1) don't allow donors in Australia to be compensated and 2) don't allow sperm donors to be anonymous.
Will My Insurance Pay for My Semen Specimens?
Unfortunately, many insurance companies view fertility as an "elective" procedure, and not a "disease" of the reproductive system; thus, they may not offer coverage.
In the past, fertility services were not covered by insurance plans; however, we are slowly seeing a positive swing upward in the coverage of these services by some companies.
How Many Vials Come From One Sperm Donation?
It depends on the particular donation. Some men may produce 1 or 2 vials with one donation; others might produce 3 or 4, or even more.
There are a number of factors that influence this, the most significant being how long the sperm donor remains abstinent before donating. Abstinence can make a big difference in the quantity of semen produced in one donation.
This is why sperm banks usually ask their donors to abstain for a few days, at minimum, before they donate.
Is Donor Insemination Going Mainstream?
Not quite yet, but we do seem to be in the midst of a small cultural revolution: figuring out just what defines a family and exploring alternatives than the traditional nuclear family.
A spate of movies centered on donor insemination, either via sperm donors from a sperm bank or via a known donor, have captured the attention of mainstream producers, directors, actors and moviegoers.
California Passes Prop 8, Allowing Same-Sex Couples to Wed
California state recently passed Prop 8, which made same-sex marriage legal. Prop 8 was previously passed, then overturned. Now, it is in effect once more.
Prop 8 is an important step in the lives of many of California's same-sex couples and we want to wish you all the best in your future endeavors to build a family.
Jessica Shatuck and The Seductive Sperm Donor
Jessica Shattuck's review of the Kids Are All Right for the Daily Beast is insightful and interesting; she explores the idea of the "seductive" sperm donor and our movie image vs reality.
This article is enjoyable and articulate, so do check it out if you have a chance. Here is an excerpt:
The Switch, Starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman
Check out the trailer for Jennifer Aniston's new movie "The Switch, " also starring Jason Bateman. The story centers on a woman who chooses to use a known sperm donor, but before she can inseminate herself, her best friend replaces the specimen with his own.
How Do Sperm Banks Test Donors for HPV?
Sperm banks often differ in the kinds of tests they use, but in general, sperm banks screen all their sperm donors to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases like Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through eliminating donors with known risk factors from their program.
Sperm donors also receive physicals, with particular attention paid to the genital area for evidence of HPV infection.
AddToAny
The Fertipedia!
Find out everything you want to know about fertility and donor insemination (also called artificial insemination). Check out our glossary or information like choosing a Reproductive Endocrinologist, choosing donor sperm, choosing a sperm bank and much more!
Sample Search
Check out our free membership and paid community membership options.