FCC Fertility Blog

Sperm donation has made it possible for countless individuals and couples to realize their dreams of having a child. However, there is growing concern about how the knowledge of being a donor-conceived person may impact the emotional and mental wellness of these children when they are older. While these donor-conceived children generally seem to lead normal lives, these outcomes may depend on certain factors.   

Despite the many advances, cancer remains a leading healthcare concern, including testicular cancer. Fortunately, testicular cancer is highly treatable, even if it spreads.  It’s vital to monitor your testicles regularly for any tell-tale signs and alert your doctor of any changes. 

One in every six heterosexual couples trying to conceive is impacted by infertility, and at least half the time, a male factor is a contributing cause. While fertility treatment allows individuals and couples to achieve parenthood, multiple attempts may be needed, even as the costs mount. You want to ensure you’ve chosen a high-quality sperm bank, one experienced in testing and diagnosing male infertility.

As Hollywood would have you believe, donating sperm is simple and quick. But in reality, sperm donation is a lengthy, involved process, with strict medical requirements, and those for lifestyle. While donating is a beneficial act, very few candidates are accepted into sperm donor programs. These guidelines protect the health and safety of potential recipients and their future children. To ensure your physical and mental health, you’ll undergo multiple screenings for infectious and genetic diseases.

When going through fertility treatment, men and their partners need to know they’re ready and able to conceive. About 15% of US couples have trouble conceiving, and over 50 percent of the time, it’s due to a male infertility issue. As multiple factors can pose harm to male fertility health, it’s important to regularly visit your doctor.

For 70 years, freezing sperm, also known as sperm banking or cryopreservation, has allowed many individuals and couples to safely and effectively enhance their fertility. Sperm can be thawed for assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Did you know?: Research shows that from 1973-2011, the average sperm count in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand dropped by 59.3%.

When an infertility diagnosis is presented to a patient, oftentimes it comes as a shock. This is true for both male and female patients, especially if they are not aware of any specific reason (like an underlying condition or injury) to which their infertility can be attributed. Even though our general understanding and knowledge of fertility have come a long way in the last few decades, there is still a much longer path ahead. For men, this reality can hit especially close to home. 

When it comes to men’s sexual health, conversations are typically focused on the use of contraceptive protection during sexual encounters. While using protection is 100% necessary for many men, there’s a bit more to consider. Sexual health issues aren’t just embarrassing – they can also have long-lasting effects on your overall health or fertility.

Although sperm donation is predominantly a positive and effective way for many individuals and couples to have a child, there have been more than a few negative stories about it over the past few years. These stories don’t necessarily reflect the reality of what using a sperm donor is like for most people, but are often considered to be more interesting and click-worthy. While controversy certainly makes for a good headline, these stories can make it difficult for some people to feel like they can trust the sperm donation process.