Donor Sperm and Female Fertility Blog

COVID-19, Vaccines, and Donor Sperm

What We Know (and Why We Don't List Vaccine Status) Every so often, we hear a version of the same question: Can I choose a sperm donor who has not had the COVID-19 vaccine? Understandably, people want clarity on this. COVID-19 remains a sensitive topic for many families, especially when fertility and future pregnancy are involved. Our goal is not to tell anyone what they should believe, but to share what current research and federal regulations actually say. With this information, you and your...

Plastics, Phthalates & Male Fertility: What You Should Know (Without the Panic)

If you've spent any time online lately, you've probably seen the headlines warning about plastics, chemicals, and declining sperm counts. A recent New York Times opinion piece even reignited concerns about whether everyday environmental chemicals, especially phthalates, could be quietly affecting male fertility. (If you're curious, you can read it here: Freeze sperm? Infertility? Chemicals?.) For individuals and couples building their families with donor sperm, these stories naturally raise...

When a Donor Has a Hidden Mutation: What the TP53 Case Means for Safe, Responsible Sperm Donation

When a Donor Has a Hidden Mutation: What the TP53 Case Means for Safe, Responsible Sperm Donation A recent BBC investigation drew international attention to a sperm donor who unknowingly passed on a mutation in the TP53 gene, a key tumor-suppressor gene associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare hereditary cancer disorder. The case has raised understandable questions for intended parents, donor-conceived adults, and clinics. But it also highlights why modern screening protocols and adherence...

“Donor vs. Dad”: Untangling Language, Identity, and the Meaning of Parenthood

Words matter especially when they shape how we understand family, identity, and belonging. For families built through donor conception, the language used to describe a sperm donor can feel surprisingly emotional. Should you say “donor”? “Donor dad”? “Biological father”? Or something else entirely? Parents often ask us: What’s the “right” word? And what will help my child feel secure, loved, and grounded in their story? Let’s talk about why this language can feel complicated, and how families...

The Future of Donor Conception: AI, Genetics, and the Ethics of Choice

Conversations about donor conception have evolved dramatically over the past decade. What once centered mainly on health screenings and basic donor profiles now includes questions about AI tools, expanded genetic testing, and the ethical responsibilities that come with more information than ever before. We see firsthand how quickly the landscape is changing and how overwhelming it can feel for patients who are simply trying to make the best choice for their future family. The good news? With...

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...

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