For a single woman or a lesbian couple, using donor sperm is common and, depending on age, generally gives good results. This option is also sometimes considered for severe cases of male infertility that could not be corrected by in vitro fertilization. Donor sperm can therefore be used in both IVF and artificial insemination.
Our medical team will support you throughout this important step of managing donor sperm. Our medical secretary will present the catalogs of banks accredited by Health Canada, help you review them, and advise you to make your choice. She will also handle the ordering process with the bank, according to your instructions.
Depending on the bank chosen, you can select the donor based on the following criteria
You'll also receive support from the psychologist in your decision-making. She'll guide you through your thinking and understanding of other criteria that will be important when your child is an adult.
We work with 2 sperm banks, recommended by the Quebec and Canadian governments:
Health Canada oversees the quality of sperm from these banks and therefore assumes responsibility for it.
We do not perform sperm donations from known donors because, according to Health Canada guidelines, the use of donor sperm is prohibited if the sperm has not been pre-treated and quarantined for at least 6 months.
Sperm from banks is generally available quickly. You should always ensure that the sample has been received by Fertilys before beginning your treatment cycle.