The recent news that Chinese scientist He Jiankui has claimed to have created the world’s first genetically edited babies has raised international alarm. Using a gene editing technique called Crispr, the scientist altered the genes of embryos in twin girls before implanting them in the mother, who gave birth in November 2018. Specifically, he altered the genes to be resistant to infection with HIV. So far, no evidence has been offered that the experiment was successful, but it has revived the...

Protecting the privacy and anonymity of our sperm donors is extremely important to Seattle Sperm Bank. This includes men who are open identity (or open ID) donors, which is the option SSB strongly encourages, and which most of our donors currently are. Open ID donors agree to have at least one form of contact with any donation-born offspring once the child turns 18. This initial contact is facilitated by SSB, but what happens beyond that first connection is then up to the donor and the adult...

  One of the best ways to improve your sperm production is also one of the simplest: keep your testicles cool. And the type of underwear you choose plays a major role in this. Thirty years’ worth of studies has shown that chronically elevated scrotal temperatures can negatively affect sperm production. Now, a recent study highlighted in the journal Human Reproduction offers further proof. Published on August 8, 2018, the study focused on the effects of underwear worn by men on sperm...

July 25th marked the 40th birthday of the first “test tube baby,” Louise Brown. In late 1977, Brown was conceived outside the womb using in vitro fertilization (IVF) when scientist Dr. Robert Edwards and gynecologist Dr. Patrick Steptoe united sperm and egg in a petri dish before implanting it in Louise’s mother, Lesley Brown. At the time, the development stoked fears that children born from IVF would be deformed or unhealthy. However, the more than eight million children who have followed...

It was a perfect, sunny afternoon on July 14th and more than 40 donor children and their extended families (140 people in all) gathered at the Seattle Aquarium for the 5th Annual Seattle Sperm Bank Family Picnic. Old friends came together, and new friends were made, as everyone enjoyed a picnic, face-painting, coloring books, and the beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery. SSB Managing Director, Greg Moga, calls the picnic his “favorite day of the year — like New Year's Eve, the 4th of July,...

Leaders from Seattle Sperm Bank are currently in Barcelona, Spain attending the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. At our exhibitor’s booth we are talking with and educating physicians, clinicians, and medical administrators about the benefits of working with SSB to help their patients using donor sperm to conceive. We’re also here to learn. With fertility and reproduction experts from around the world in attendance, it’s a great opportunity to hear...

    For women free of fertility issues, artificial insemination at home can be a reliable and affordable way to start a family. This method offers convenience and comfort since it can be done in your home on your schedule. As with all fertility decisions, choosing at home insemination is a highly personal choice that should always be discussed with your doctor first. At Seattle Sperm Bank (SSB), we only offer at-home insemination shipments after you have discussed this procedure with...