Behind the Scenes: What Really Happens at a Sperm Bank
Sperm donation may seem like a simple process on the surface: someone donates their sperm, an intended parent chooses them as their donor, they proceed with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), and hopefully become pregnant. However, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes — from screening donors and testing their samples to the science of safely storing donor sperm until ready for use. The behind-the-scenes efforts of reproductive specialists and their teams make sperm banks possible and very successful for many aspiring parents.
The Donor Screening and Testing Process
Not every person interested in donating sperm may be qualified to do so. Before submitting a sample, potential donors must undergo a series of screenings, including a character and personality evaluation, genetic testing, a fertility assessment, a physical exam, and infectious disease testing. Once accepted into the sperm donor program, their health status is continually reassessed. Semen samples from screened sperm donors are quarantined for a minimum of 180 days and released only after re-testing the applicant for infectious diseases. These tests help ensure that only the highest-quality sperm is available for aspiring parents to grow their families.
How Sperm Banks Safely Store Sperm
Sperm is stored in sperm banks through a process called cryopreservation. The prepared samples are put into vials and frozen in liquid nitrogen freezers at extremely low temperatures, allowing them to remain viable indefinitely. Not only do male reproductive health specialists ensure that donor sperm is properly frozen and stored, but they also continuously monitor the storage tanks and have backups in place in case of a power outage or other emergency.
Choosing Your Ideal Sperm Donor
Many sperm banks have easily accessible database systems for intended parents to find their ideal donor. These databases are constantly updated as new samples come in. The process of obtaining donor sperm is straightforward: choose your donor, add their sperm vials to your cart, and pick them up or have them shipped to you. Ovulation is unpredictable, but sperm banks make coordinating pickup or shipment easy, with many offering easy rescheduling and rush appointments.
Learn More About Sperm Banks in California
Sperm banks are operated by reproductive experts who ensure all samples are healthy, properly stored, and safely transported to aspiring parents ready to grow their families. At The Fertility Center of California, we go above and beyond behind the scenes so our patients can choose their ideal sperm donor with confidence. For more information about sperm donation in San Diego or Orange County, request a consultation today.
