CNY requires donor sperm specimens to be in our lab (at the location that your retrieval or insemination will take place at) prior to starting your treatment cycle. You will want to ensure the sperm bank you have chosen is approved by New York State. Once you have chosen a bank and a donor, you will work with the bank to send the appropriate releases over to CNY so that the specimen can be shipped.
It is best to know your CMV (cytomegalovirus) status prior to ordering donor sperm to ensure you are ordering the best “fit” for you. Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a member of the herpes virus family that includes cold sores, chicken pox, and infectious mononucleosis. It is a common virus that affects 50 to 85% percent of American adults. There is currently no vaccine for CMV. Donor eggs have no risk of passing CMV through an egg, however there is a slight risk of passing CMV through the sperm. If you have been tested and found positive for CMV you may select a sperm donor who is CMV positive. If you do not know your CMV status you should either get tested or select a sperm donor that is CMV negative.
It is best to have complete genetic carrier screening so that you can ensure the donor you select is not a “carrier in common” with you. If you and your donor are carriers of the same genetic mutation, you have a 25% chance of having a child affected with this condition.
You will need to order IUI prepared sperm. The sample can be washed or unwashed. 1 vial will complete 1 IUI cycle. Many clients will order multiple vials of their chosen sperm donor to ensure there is enough for future cycles to complete their family, but this is entirely up to you!
