FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is Premier Sperm Donors (PSD)?
Premier Sperm Donors is a sperm bank led by Dr. John Jain, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. PSD is known for rigorous donor screening, DNA-verified donors, and inclusive services for all families.
Who can use donor sperm?
Single parents by choice, LGBTQIA+ couples, heterosexual couples experiencing male infertility, or anyone with genetic concerns may benefit from donor sperm.
What makes PSD different from other sperm banks?
PSD is the only sperm bank to DNA-verify its donors through DNA fingerprinting. We offer sperm DNA fragmentation testing and free access to childhood and adult photos.
Donor Information
How are donors selected?
Donors undergo extensive screening including medical history, genetic testing, psychological evaluation, physical exams, and background checks. Less than 2% of applicants are accepted.
What information is included in the donor profile?
– Basic demographics
– Education and occupation
– Genetic and medical history
– Personality traits and interests
– Childhood and adult photos
– Audio/video clips (in select cases)
– Sperm vial availability
What is an identity-release donor?
Identity-release donors agree to be contacted by their donor-conceived child once the child turns 18.
What if the pregnancy wasn’t reported and the child contact PSD once they turn 18?
The child would have to provide recipient’s name, DOB, and donor alias which can then be compared against donor’s donation history for verification.
How often is the donor database updated?
New donors are added every month. Availability is shown in real-time.
Can I talk to a staff member familiar with the donor?
Yes, PSD offers personal assistance from staff who have worked closely with the donors.
Genetic Testing & Counseling
Do PSD donors undergo genetic testing?
Yes, all donors undergo carrier screening for over 500 genes and meet with a certified genetic counselor to evaluate personal and family history for hereditary risks.
What is a genetic carrier?
A carrier has one normal and one abnormal copy of a gene. Carriers typically do not show symptoms.
What should I do if the donor I selected is a carrier of a genetic condition
• What should I do if the donor I selected is a carrier of a genetic condition
Do recipients get genetic counseling?
PSD and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine strongly recommend that all recipients undergo genetic counseling. PSD does not provide this service but can refer recipients to reputable sources.
Does CMV matter when picking a donor?
Yes. Women who are not immune or unsure of their CMV status should choose a CMV-negative donor or consult their provider
What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common virus that can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Congenital CMV infection can cause hearing loss and other long-term health conditions. Since CMV can be transmitted by semen, all sperm donors must be tested for CMV.
What is FDA testing for sperm donors?
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) requires rigorous testing and screening of all sperm donors to protect recipients from infectious diseases.
Why is a donor’s blood type not important?
Blood type is typically not important when choosing a donor except for women who are RH negative. Those women should choose an RH negative donor or seek advice from their healthcare provider before selecting a donor.Â
Can a child inherit the donor’s blood type?
 Blood type inheritance is complex. The child’s blood type may not match the donor or recipient’s blood type.
Quarantine, Vial Types & Insemination
What does “quarantine” mean in sperm donation?
It refers to the storage of donated sperm in a frozen state for at least 6 months before it can be released for use.
Why does the sperm stay in quarantine for 6 months?
To protect recipient health, donors are retested 6 months after the initial donation to confirm they are still free of infectious diseases which may not show up immediately after exposure.
The original semen sample is only released after the donor passes repeat testing 6 months later.
What types of sperm vials are available?
– IUI (washed): For clinic-based intrauterine insemination or home insemination
– ICI (unwashed): For home insemination or clinic-based intrauterine insemination or IVF use after washing.
How much sperm is in a vial?
Most Vials contain either 5 million or 10 million motile sperm. Vials containing 20 million sperm are available for ICI.
Which vial should I use?
– Use IUI vials for both clinic and home insemination
– Use ICI vials only for home insemination
Always consult your medical provider.
Why is tracking the menstrual cycle important for conception?
Because timing is critical, knowing when ovulation occurs helps schedule insemination to maximize the chance of pregnancy.
How can someone tell they are ovulating?
Common methods include:
– Ovulation predictor kits (LH tests)
– Basal body temperature charting
– Cervical mucus changes
These methods help to pinpoint the fertile window
Can I do IUI at home?
No, an IUI must be performed by a medical provider. An IUI-prepared vial can be used for intracervical insemination at home.
Always consult your medical provider.
Home Insemination
Can I do insemination at home?
Yes. Use ICI or IUI vials. Track ovulation with an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) and follow instructions carefully.
What supplies are needed?
Gloves, syringe, paper towels, sperm vial(s), and a comfortable location. Supplies are included with each shipment.
When do I inseminate?
Inseminate twice per cycle:
– First insemination: within 12 hours of a positive LH surge
– Second insemination: 24 hours after the first insemination
What’s the success rate for home insemination?
Inseminate twice per cycle:
– First insemination: within 12 hours of a positive LH surge
– Second insemination: 24 hours after the first insemination
Can I do anything to improve my odds?
Yes. Track ovulation accurately and inseminate twice per cycle as recommended.
Can I store sperm in my freezer?
No. Home freezers will damage sperm. Only use the tank provided.
Clinic Insemination (IUI)
What is IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a procedure where washed sperm is inserted directly into the uterus around ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization.
Who is a good candidate for IUI?
IUI is commonly used for:
– Unexplained infertility
– Mild male factor infertility
– Sperm Donation
– Ovulation issues (typically with ovulation-promoting medication)
Is IUI painful?
Most women experience little to no pain—some report mild cramping similar to a Pap smear or period cramps.
How is IUI performed?
Washed sperm is inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter around the time of. The process takes minutes and requires no anesthesia.
When is IUI done?
IUI is typically performed approximately 24 hours after a positive LH surge or 24- 36 hours after an ovulation trigger shot.
What is the success rate of IUI?
The reported success rates of IUI performed in clinics is 5%–20% per cycle, depending on age and health.
How many IUI cycles should I try?
Many clinics recommend 3–6 cycles before considering more advanced treatments like IVF, especially if pregnancy hasn’t occurred.
What should I do after an IUI procedure?
Most patients can resume normal activities. Light rest is optional. Avoid strenuous activity and wait about two weeks for a pregnancy test.
Are there any risks with IUI?
IUI is low risk. Possible risks include:
– Infection (rare)
– Cramping and/or spotting
– Multiple pregnancy (with fertility meds)
Shipping, Storage & Orders
How do I order sperm from PSD?
1. Create an account
2. Select a donor
3. Add vials to cart
4. Choose insemination method
5. Select shipping or storage
6. Sign forms
7. Pay and confirm your order
Can I order in advance?
Yes. You can schedule delivery up to 30 days ahead to align with ovulation.
When should I place my order?
Place orders well in advance of ovulation. Coordinate with your provider.
What shipping methods are available?
FedEx, local courier, or pickup.
What’s included in the shipment?
A dry shipper tank, sperm vial(s), syringes, instructions, a QR code to the Home Insemination Video, a packing list, and a return label.
Do I need to return the shipping tank?
Yes. Use the provided label to avoid additional fees. Tanks must be returned within 2 days of tank expiration to avoid penalty.
How long does the sperm stay frozen?
The tank keeps vials frozen for at least 7 days. Do not transfer vials to a home freezer.
Can I store vials at PSD?
Yes. Storage options include 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, 1 year, and up to 3 years.
Can I reserve sperm for future use or siblings?
Yes. Vial reservations and long-term storage are available.
Do I need to complete paperwork before ordering?
Yes. Consent forms and payment documents must be completed.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Credit cards, wire transfers, and some insurance/financing options.
Pregnancy, Reporting & Support
How do I report a pregnancy?
Contact PSD directly. A pregnancy outcome form must be submitted within 90 days of thawing a vial.
What if I need to report a medical issue in a donor-conceived child?
Report directly to PSD by phone or email.
Is there a donor sibling registry?
Yes. PSD has a registry to support connections among donor-conceived families.
What are the family unit limits?
PSD limits each donor to 25 family units.
Can my child contact the donor in the future?
Yes. At age 18, the donor-conceived child can contact PSD with identifying information to initiate contact with the donor.
What resources are available for donor-conceived children?
Resources are available through the PSD sibling registry.
DNA FINGER Printing
What is DNA fingerprinting and why is it used?
DNA fingerprinting is a technique that provides a unique profile of a person’s DNA. At PSD, it’s used to confirm the sperm vial you receive matches the donor you selected.
How does DNA fingerprinting benefit recipients?
It guarantees that the sperm you’re purchasing truly comes from the selected donor. It helps to prevent errors, misidentification, or mix-ups in donor identity.