Lately we have received several queries about California sperm banks. There are several sperm banks in California:
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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:
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.
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.
Audio interviews are another important piece of donor information that should be considered when you're trying to decide on a sperm donor.
They often have little bits and pieces that you won't get anywhere else: discussions about current relationships with parents and family members, anecdotes, childhood memories and much more.
Hearing a sperm donor's voice and how he speaks can give you a better idea of his personality and round out your impression of his character.
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!
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