Question 1

Why do some clinics hold the sample for ~35 days?

Accepted Answer

It's a safety margin. A 35-day window plus a clean retest covers the detection windows for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, reducing the chance of an undetected infection to a very low level. The FDA doesn't require it for known donors, but many clinics follow the ASRM recommendation.

Question 2

Is donor sperm available immediately, or is there a quarantine?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the clinic. With known donation, your donor is screened fresh for you, and many clinics follow the ASRM best practice of a ~35-day quarantine plus a confirmatory retest before the sample is released — a safety step, not an FDA requirement. Fresh samples may also be an option. We'll set clear timeline expectations for your specific clinic.

Question 3

What is known sperm donation?

Accepted Answer

Known sperm donation means you and the donor are aware of each other's identities. At Ivy Surrogacy, we currently offer known donation only, which provides full transparency and allows for comprehensive screening. Legal agreements are established to clearly define rights and responsibilities for all parties.

Question 4

How long does it take to find and match with a sperm donor?

Accepted Answer

Many Intended Parents find a suitable donor within 1-4 weeks of browsing our database. The overall timeline from selection to sample collection depends on screening and legal processes (typically 4-8 weeks after matching), but our team works to make the process as efficient as possible.

Question 5

What legal agreements are involved in sperm donation?

Accepted Answer

Legal contracts clearly define the rights and responsibilities of all parties. These agreements cover parental rights, donor identity, and financial terms. We recommend working with a reproductive law attorney, and our team can provide referrals.

Question 6

How do I choose the right sperm donor?

Accepted Answer

You can browse donor profiles on our secure portal, filtering by physical characteristics, education, ethnicity, personality traits, and more. Each profile includes photos, a personal bio, and medical history to help you make an informed decision.

Question 7

Can I see photos of the sperm donor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All donor profiles include current photos, childhood photos, and many include a video introduction. These help you get a sense of the donor's appearance, personality, and lifestyle.

Question 8

What information is included in a sperm donor profile?

Accepted Answer

Profiles typically include physical characteristics (height, weight, eye color, hair color), education and career background, personal interests, family medical history, genetic screening results, and photos/videos.

Question 9

Can I choose a donor from a specific ethnic background?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We have a diverse pool of donors from many ethnic backgrounds. You can filter donor profiles by ethnicity, and our team can help you find donors who match your specific preferences.

Question 10

How much does it cost to use a known sperm donor through an agency?

Accepted Answer

The total cost typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. The largest variable is donor compensation, which varies significantly based on the donor's education, physical attributes, and background. Additional costs include agency fees, medical screening, legal fees, and clinic costs. Contact us for a personalized cost estimate.

Question 11

Is sperm donation covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Insurance typically does not cover sperm donor costs or agency fees. However, some employers offer fertility benefits through programs like Progyny or Carrot that may help offset costs. Check out our blog post "Are You Overlooking $50,000 in Surrogacy Fertility Benefits?" for more details on employer fertility benefits.

Question 12

What medical screening does a sperm donor go through?

Accepted Answer

Donors undergo comprehensive screening including physical exams, STD testing, genetic carrier screening, semen analysis, drug screening, and a review of personal and family medical history — all following FDA guidelines. Screening may be arranged near the donor's location for convenience.

Question 13

Can I use donor sperm with IVF or IUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Donor sperm can be used with both IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IUI (intrauterine insemination). Your fertility doctor will recommend the best method based on your individual circumstances.

Question 14

Is sperm donation legal in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sperm donation is fully legal throughout the United States. The process is well-established and regulated by the FDA, with additional professional guidelines from the ASRM.

Question 15

Can LGBTQ+ couples or single parents use a sperm donor?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Sperm donation is available to all Intended Parents regardless of marital status, gender, or sexual orientation. We proudly support LGBTQ+ families and single parents on their family-building journey.

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