Sperm donation is among the most popular fertility treatments for couples and women unable to conceive. It may be their only hope to have a child that is biologically related to them. But like any medical procedure, sperm donation comes with a number of potential risks.
What Is Sperm Donation?
Sperm donation is the process of a man donating his sperm to a fertility clinic or sperm bank to fertilize an egg. They will implant the egg into the woman’s uterus to become pregnant through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). These procedures are called artificial insemination.
IUI is less invasive and less expensive compared to IVF. It involves placing the sperm directly into the woman’s uterus using a small catheter. IVF, on the other hand, is a more complex and costly procedure. It involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries of the woman who wants to become pregnant and fertilizing them with the donor sperm in a lab. The fertilized eggs are then implanted into the uterus.
In the UK, the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) states that the artificial insemination success rates per individual cycle are between 15.8% for women under 35, 11% for women aged 35 to 39, and 4.7% for women aged 40 to 42. Half of the women undergoing IUI generally become pregnant over the first six cycles.
Potential Risks of Sperm Donation to the Mother and the Baby
Though sperm donation is generally safe, there are a few potential risks that should be considered before undergoing treatment:
1. Infection
Minimal infection risk is associated with any medical procedure, including sperm donation. Unfortunately, infectious agents can present in a man’s semen that can be passed on to the woman. These include HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis.
To reduce the risk of infection, fertility clinics test donors for these diseases before sperm donation. The sperm is also quarantined for a while before it is used in treatment to detect any infections. However, there is still a minimal risk that an infection could be present and not seen by these tests.
2. Allergic Reaction
Another potential risk associated with sperm donation is an allergic reaction to the donor sperm. This is usually only a concern for women who have a history of allergies or sensitivities. A woman can experience an allergic reaction to the proteins in the donor sperm or to the substances used to clean and prepare the sperm.
Fertility clinics typically screen donors for a variety of allergies prior to sperm donation. They also prepare the sperm to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. However, it is still possible for a woman to have an allergic reaction to donor sperm.
That’s why choosing a reputable sperm bank or fertility clinic with proven records of success (such as this sperm donation in Yorkshire clinic) significantly reduces these risks.
3. Genetic Disorder Risk to the Baby
There is also a minimal risk that the baby could be born with a genetic disorder if the father carries a genetic disease. Fertility clinics must screen donors for genetic diseases before sperm donation.
Also, note that in some cases, the baby will be genetically related to the donor, not the mother. This means that the child will inherit the donor’s physical characteristics, not the mother’s.
4. Risk of Multiple Births
Another potential risk associated with sperm donation is the increased chance of multiple births. This is because fertility treatments like IUI and IVF often result in more than one embryo implantation. In some cases, this may be the desired effect, but it can also lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of multiple births with a fertility specialist before undergoing treatment.
5. Emotional Challenges
It is possible that sperm donor children could have questions about their identity and family history later in life. They may feel a sense of loss or confusion if they do not know anything about their father.
On the other hand, the partners of the recipients may also feel left out or jealous if the child or children are not genetically related to them. If you and your partner are considering this treatment, ensure to discuss the potential emotional challenges with a therapist or counselor before undergoing treatment.
Final Words
Donating sperm can be a rewarding experience, but it is also essential to consider the potential risks before deciding. These risks should be discussed with a fertility specialist to ensure that you make the best decision for yourself and your family.
Remember, sperm donation is generally safe, but a few potential risks should be considered before treatment.
