sperm donor process?

[bit-by-babybug]

I am a single woman (no hubby or boyfriend) currently considering AI using donor sperm from Fairfax Cryobank. I am a bit confused about the actual process and I'm hoping you all can help me. I have only been doing research for a week.

Once I contact a physician about ICI or IUI, what exactly happens? I know the physician must register with the sperm bank but I read on one forum that counseling was required before the sperm can be shipped to your doctor. Another woman posted she had to meet with a social worker before shipment could take place. Are counseling and meeting with a social worker mandatory for all situations? Do all physicians and/or sperm banks require these two things be completed before insemination?

If all donor sperm recipients are required to receive counseling and meet with a social worker, what are the reasons for this?

Thank you in advance for any information you can share.

[50/50]

I think it varies about counseling requirements per RE. Two of my 3 RE's required we see a therapist before we proceed but another did not. The last sperm bank I used was Calif Cryobank and they did not require me to see a counselor they just needed my RE's signature. I've never heard about having to see a social worker before?

I think the reason for seeing a therapist before proceeding is to let you know your options and to see if you are good canidate to proceed. Our therapist just gave us the run down on what our disclosing options are blah blah blah and wanted to see if we were mentally stable (i guess?) then she wrote a letter of recommendation to our RE and we were good to go.

Good luck to you!

[RiTay]

I used fairfax cryobank as well (I am in a same-sex relationship). All my OB and RE (I used both at seperate times) had to do was register. No counseling was needed. Unless they changed their rules in the past 9 months I would say that you probably don't need counseling unless your doctor requires.

I am currently 6 months pregnant using fairfax, and was very happy with the way they ran things. I had no problems with them, and the sperm was always great quality. Good luck! I also know of a single woman who used fairfax and had great results! She has a little girl now!

Keep us posted!

Gwen

[txblue]

I spoke with them last month and the rules haven't changed. My RE was already registered, so all I had to do was choose a donor and call to order. I ended up filling out paperwork and using another bank because they had my favorite donor, but Fairfax seems so easy and the woman who helped me could not have been nicer! We will definitely consider them in the future if necessary.

I've never heard of sperm banks requiring counseling, only the RE. My RE asked how long we have been together and something along the lines of "are you two sure you're ready for this?" but did not require a counseling session. I do have a SMC friend who used a different RE and she had to see a counselor once, but she said they just asked a few questions and it was not a big deal at all.

[bit-by-babybug]

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences. I can't wait to get started!