Description:

Insemination with donor sperm has been used for many years as a mode of reproduction. Frozen-thawed sperm is placed through a thin catheter into the uterine cavity (see “Inseminations”). Most sperm donations are from anonymous donors. These donors are meticulously screened. The sperm samples are frozen and quarantined for at least six months to prevent transmission of viruses or bacteria to the recipient. The use of fresh donated sperm is discouraged. Oklahoma law specifically designates the sperm recipient and her husband as the legal parents. The sperm donor has no rights or responsibilities to a child so born.

Indications:

If the male partner is unable to produce sperm or if sperm is not available otherwise (e.g. after a vasectomy), donor insemination is indicated. Some practitioners perform donor insemination on single women. Donor sperm may also be used in connection with in-vitro fertilization procedures.

Contraindications, complications, adverse effects:

See “inseminations”. The likelihood of transmitting infections from donated sperm to the recipient is extremely low if frozen sperm from a reputable sperm bank is used.