Prior to the sperm donation, an extensive counseling session is carried out. After this the couple (might be a heterosexual or lesbian) or the single woman is made to sign a consent form that she is willingly undergoing this treatment and is fully aware of all the possible risks. The sperms are already obtained from the donor and are kept in the sperm bank.

Sperm Donation Procedure 

Then a series of treatment procedures are carried out on woman which is as follows.   

Testing of Fallopian Tube - The process commences with the testing of the fallopian tubes of the woman. The physician requires at least one of the fallopian tubes to be in a properly functioning state. This can be determined by the performance of either Hysterosalpingogram or Laparoscopy.

Administration of Fertility Drugs - This is followed by the administration of a series of fertility drugs in order to trigger the ovulation process. Regular vaginal ultrasound scans are performed starting from the eleventh day of the treatment cycle. This is to track the manner in which the evolution of the egg is going on. It also helps to ascertain the exact time when the rapidly maturing follicle would burst.

Insemination of Frozen Sperm - As said earlier, insemination is carried with frozen sperm. The one that is elected from the sperm bank is supposed to be the best match with the physical traits of the husband or according to the liking of the woman. The factors that are usually considered are height, build, hair, eyes and skin color and ethnic origins along with the Rh factor and blood group determination. Now a rechecking of the sperm sample is done under the microscope to ensure that the sperm is actively motile.

The donor sperm is injected into the cervix of the woman with the help of a plastic catheter after appropriate sterilisation. After this process the woman is made to rest for about ten minutes. The husband is allowed to stay with his wife during this insemination and at times, he is even asked to conduct the insemination so that he can ‘feel’ involved. Medically there is no problem if the couple wishes to have sex soon after the process.

Awaiting the News of Pregnancy - After the insemination is over, there is a two week waiting period to ascertain that the procedure has been successful. It is indeed a stressful period with the woman and couple as there is a lot of anticipation, the woman has to cope with menstruation and desperation and eventually she is blessed with the happy news of pregnancy. 

Chances of pregnancy are pretty decent with sperm donation. But is the woman has a history of endometriosis, tubal infection or irregular menstrual cycles, they can negatively impact a successful insemination. For a woman aged 25 years, there is 60% chance of her getting pregnant, while if she happens to be around 38 years; the chances fall to 20%. To attain a successful pregnancy with sperm donation, approximately six treatment cycles are required. And not to forget a healthy dose of patience!

After the woman gets pregnant, the situation is akin to any other normal pregnancy. This means that there is the risk of miscarriage and possible birth defects too. The couple can remain assured that in the birth certificate of the child, only the name of them will be recorded as parents. With sperm donation, utmost confidentiality is maintained and secrecy is maintained regarding the identity of the patient and the donor. It is solely the discretion of the parents to make the child aware of the circumstances of his birth. Doctors and counselors advise to maintain this secrecy and it is the parents who need to bear the burden of secrecy throughout their lives.