Donor Insemination

Donor insemination has been practiced for over one hundred years. Prior to the late 1980’s, insemination using donor sperm was performed using fresh samples. Now, all semen samples must be frozen and quarantined for a six month period of time prior to use. According to Canadian Health Regulations, men providing sperm for donation must be screened for all infections, including Hepatitis B and C, HIV (AIDS), syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has lowered the need for donor insemination. However, for men that present with total azoospermia (complete absence of sperm), donor insemination is a viable option. Men with poor semen parameters or high DNA fragmentation may also require donor insemination.

Donor insemination is extremely safe, and offers a viable option for single or gay women that desire to achieve a pregnancy. Over the years, it has proven to be a very successful program and parent satisfaction is extremely high.

Similar to surrogacy and egg donation, insemination using donor sperm must follow the new guidelines set by Health Canada in March, 2004. Information about this Canadian legislation can be viewed by logging on to: www.parl.gc.ca