Seattle Sperm Bank is your trusted partner and resource when it comes to donor sperm. We are here every step of the way as your journey into parenthood. Explore our blog for topics from preconception to conception with donor sperm.
Books About LGBTQ+ Family Planning For Kids And Parents
We often get asked if we have any book recommendations for family planning or books for kids about LGBTQ families, so we made a list of a few of our favorites. No matter what kind of family you are (or are thinking about having!), all these books have something interesting to offer. Check them out below: LGBTQ+ Family Planning Books For Kids Mommy, Momma, and Me: A sweet rhyming book about a baby doing everyday things with their two moms. The simple pictures and words would make this a great...
Should I get genetic testing done on myself before conceiving?
You may be looking for a sperm donor or an egg donor and notice that the donor has been tested for a panel of genetic conditions. You may also notice that a donor is a carrier of a specific genetic condition, and feel uncertain about what that means, or if you should be concerned. We get questions surrounding genetic carrier status daily, especially whether we think it’s medically necessary for our clients to have genetic testing done on themselves as part of their pre-conception journey. We...
How and Why to Test Male Fertility
About two million men are diagnosed with infertility each year in the U.S. Yet when a couple is having trouble conceiving, treatment efforts often focus solely on the woman’s fertility. While this can be a good place to start, it’s important to know that male infertility is the root cause of the problem in about 30% of cases, according to multiple studies. So whether you’re looking to start or add to your own family or are interested in becoming a sperm donor, there are good reasons for men to...
Causes of Male Infertility: Facts vs. Myths
Many factors affect male fertility including age, genetics, hormone imbalances, and the presence of an illness or a chronic sexual transmitted disease. These factors, or a combination, can contribute to low sperm count, poor motility (how well sperm can move), abnormal sperm size or shape, and other problems. Some of these issues are beyond your control. Others, however, can be influenced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But first, let’s address five common myths about male infertility:...
Pride 2019
From all of us at Seattle Sperm Bank and our associate labs, we want to wish you and your family a happy Pride 2019. SSB is honored to be a part of so many LGBTQ+ families’ journey to parenthood, and we love helping every step of the way. From answering your initial questions to getting pictures of your new little ones in the mail, we truly enjoy being part of this process with you. This June commemorates the 50th anniversary of the riot that broke out at The Stonewall Inn in Manhattan,...
How Much Donor Sperm Do I Need to Conceive?
You’ve chosen your sperm donor and are ready to begin your first insemination attempt. Now what? First, you want to ensure there are enough samples of your chosen donor to help you conceive. Although Seattle Sperm Bank only works with donors who commit to donating at least once per week, we cannot guarantee units will remain available for as long as it takes for you to conceive. To avoid running out, reserving units is critical. So before starting treatment, we strongly encourage you to...
New Lab Opening In San Diego!
Seattle Sperm Bank (SSB) is happy to announce the opening of our 3rd laboratory location in La Jolla, California. SSB also operates the Phoenix Sperm Bank, located in Tempe, AZ. Our third location in La Jolla will operate as San Diego Sperm Bank. The new lab is located at The Campus on Villa La Jolla, close to UC San Diego, and the UCSD School of Medicine. Since we opened our doors in 2008, we have focused on being the industry’s best value on high-quality, Open ID donor vials, while providing...
How Seattle Sperm Bank Manages Donor Family Limits
At Seattle Sperm Bank, we understand that donor family limits are one of your primary concerns when considering using a sperm donor. Understandably, it may be overwhelming to consider how many possible half-siblings your child or children may have as a result of being conceived using donor sperm. SSB wants to be as transparent as possible regarding how we set and manage family limits. Seattle Sperm Bank's Family Limit Policy When we opened in 2008, SSB set a nationwide family limit of...
5 Things to Know Before Choosing Donor Sperm to Conceive
Using donor sperm to conceive is a viable and proven option for single women, lesbian couples, and other couples experiencing either male or female infertility issues. Once you decide this is the right method for you, the next step is choosing a sperm bank to partner with. Below are five things to know before you do. Select the Right Sperm Bank for Your Family There are significant differences between the major sperm banks and fertility clinics in the U.S., so it’s wise to research and...
How to Find Your Ideal Sperm Donor
Once you decide to use donor sperm to conceive, the next step is choosing the right donor. This important process may feel overwhelming at first since there are hundreds of quality donors available. To help put you at ease and give you a place to start, we suggest you begin by thinking about what’s most important to you. Consider the physical and psychological characteristics you value and that you’d like to pass along to your children, including intelligence, sense of humor, and other...
