Donor Sperm and Female Fertility Blog

The Luteal Phase Explained And Why It Matters To Fertility

Learning about the luteal phase in your cycle is a powerful step, whether you are trying to conceive or simply want to understand your body. The luteal phase refers to the period after ovulation until menses, when your body prepares for potential implantation and pregnancy. So, a healthy luteal phase is key to achieving a successful pregnancy. In fact, luteal phase defects are one of the common reasons for infertility and miscarriage. In this blog, we will talk about what the luteal phase is,...

Why Male-Factor Infertility Needs More Attention

When infertility is discussed, the conversation often centers on women. But in reality, male-factor infertility plays a significant role in nearly half of all cases. At Seattle Sperm Bank, we believe it’s time to shine a brighter light on men’s reproductive health, with accuracy, empathy, and action. Understanding the Scope of the Issue The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines male-factor infertility as “the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular,...

The Ethics of Sperm Banking: What We Do (and Don’t) Believe In

When people think about sperm banking, the conversation often gets pulled in two directions: the deeply personal hopes of families who turn to it as part of their path to parenthood, and the ethical questions raised by using donor gametes in the first place. At Seattle Sperm Bank, we believe those two conversations belong together. The science and logistics matter, but so do the values, compassion, and ethical frameworks that guide every step of our work. Ethics, for us, isn’t an afterthought....

Why Choosing a Sperm Donor Isn’t “Playing God.” It’s Planning For Parenthood.

When people hear about sperm donation, one critique often surfaces: “Isn’t this just playing God?” We hear this question not as criticism, but as an opportunity to explain what donor conception really is, and what it isn’t. The truth is that choosing a sperm donor is not about unnaturally controlling life. It’s about providing safe, medically responsible options for people who need them. It’s about giving families the chance to plan for a child with care, intention, and love. Far from being...

Timing is Everything: How to Plan Insemination Around Your Cycle

For many people starting their fertility journey, home insemination is a low-cost, non-invasive first step to becoming a parent. This method involves placing sperm samples into the vagina using a syringe and can be done privately at home. Before performing home insemination, it’s helpful to understand a few key biological facts: Sperm can live up to 5 days inside a woman’s body when fertile-quality cervical mucus is present. An egg can only live up to 24 hours after ovulation So, it is very...

Beyond the Headlines: What the Media Gets Wrong About Sperm Banks

When sperm banks make the news, it’s often because of a sensational headline, stories about “super donors” fathering dozens of children, legal disputes over donor anonymity, or extreme cases that, while real, are far from the norm. These stories generate clicks, but they don’t reflect the reality of modern sperm banks like Seattle Sperm Bank. In truth, today’s sperm donation process is guided by science, ethics, and a deep commitment to the families and individuals who rely on it. Let’s go...

Sperm Racing: When Sperm Donation Meets the Starting Line

Let's get real, sperm racing sounds like something between a biology experiment and a biology joke. But it's real, kind of serious, and surprisingly revealing about male fertility. In April 2025, Sperm Racing, a bold new startup backed by young tech investors, hosted what was billed as the world's first microscopic sperm race, turning sperm motility into a spectator sport. While the concept may sound unconventional, it highlights something reproductive health experts have been advocating for...

Reframing the Narrative: The Positive Side of Sperm Donation

When people hear the phrase "sperm donation," the reactions are often mixed. From outdated jokes to media misrepresentations, donor conception can be shrouded in stigma and misinformation. But here's the truth: sperm donation is a vital and often beautiful part of modern family building. For thousands of families, it's not just a process; it's a path to parenthood, a gift of hope, and a deeply personal choice filled with love. At Seattle Sperm Bank, we're not just a leading sperm donor...

A Wake-Up Call for Global Sperm Donor Regulation: What the European Donor Case Teaches Us

A recent case in Europe has reignited concern over sperm donor regulation, and for good reason. Between 2008 and 2015, a man unknowingly carrying a rare, cancer-causing genetic mutation donated sperm that was used to conceive at least 67 children across eight countries. Of those children, 23 inherited the mutation, and at least 10 have already been diagnosed with cancer, including leukemia, lymphomas, and brain tumors. The case, presented by biologist Edwige Kasper at the 2025 European Society...

Why Sperm Donor Age Guidelines Matter: A Response to Recent Studies on Sperm and IVF Outcomes

Two recent headlines about sperm donor age and fertility outcomes have made waves in the reproductive health space. According to a Daily Mail article, new research presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 2025 meeting found that sperm from men over 45 was linked to higher miscarriage rates, even when paired with donor eggs from young women. Meanwhile, STAT News cited the same research, emphasizing that while female age remains the most prominent factor in...

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