Fertility options for lesbian couples

Shopping for sperm donors? Here’s what to look for in a sample

For two fertile women, conceiving a child should be a positive experience. Dr. Mark Denker welcomes moms-to-be for consultations that prepare them for what to expect from fertility options for lesbian couples. Having a healthy uterus, regular periods and a plentiful egg supply position you for success.

A quick fertility workup is all that you should need. If one or both partners is over 35 or you have underlying issues such as PCOS, endometriosis or pelvic adhesions, Dr. Denker may suggest more extensive fertility testing.

Assuming all systems are go, and you begin making plans for intrauterine insemination, or IUI, the next step is finding a sperm donor. Get ready to browse the Internet and grab your umbrella, because it’s raining men out there.

Fertility options for lesbian couples always involve donor sperm

Dr. Denker and his kind and compassionate staff will offer guidance and support throughout this journey. We offer tips on what to look for and what to avoid in a sperm bank for anonymous sperm donors.

Do find a sperm bank that is FDA and state-licensed and accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks. Reputable sperm banks require extensive medical and genetic screening, including infectious disease testing with a six-month quarantine period. Complete testing can protect your baby from inheritable genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Do inquire about the sperm bank’s donor ID program. You will want to know what exploratory events may occur when your child turns 18. Some donors may choose to keep the legal doors open for future meetings.

Do ask about the percentage of acceptance. Great donor programs turn away the majority of applicants and only accept the top 1%. You want your agency to be choosy – this is your baby’s DNA, after all!

Do make a wish list. As you explore fertility options for lesbian couples, it’s important to have extensive conversations about traits, physical characteristics and talents that you and your partner value. The mother and the sperm donor each contribute one half of the baby’s genetic makeup, so your choice has a lifelong impact. You may also want to consider using a new feature offered by sperm banks – computer-generated face matching.

Dr. Denker is proud to offer fertility options for lesbian couples, including IUI with donor sperm, IVF with donor sperm and reciprocal IVF. Contact us at Palm Beach Fertility Center to start your family-building journey today!