Infertility can be defined as the inability of couples to conceive despite having regular unprotected intercourse for one year. Infertility may develop due to many reasons, and sometimes it may occur without any specific cause. Today, infertility can be overcome with certain treatment methods. In women, infertility may arise due to insufficient ovarian reserves, ovarian damage caused by various conditions, or the inability to produce eggs. In men, infertility is often caused by low sperm count, immotility, or the complete absence of sperm in semen. In short, male infertility is defined as the inability of men to become fathers due to certain factors. This condition can have negative psychological and social effects on couples. The underlying causes may be genetic or may develop due to illness or medical treatment. The condition is identified through sperm analysis and can sometimes be treated with medication or IVF. However, in cases where no viable sperm exists, these treatments fail. For couples facing this situation, sperm donation becomes a solution.
What is Sperm Donation?
Sperm donation is a process where, in cases where men have no viable sperm, sperm is selected from a sperm bank based on physical features, ethnicity, and blood type compatibility. The donated sperm is then used to fertilize eggs retrieved from the woman, creating embryos that are transferred to the woman’s uterus.
It is a solution for men who cannot produce sperm due to genetic factors, medical treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), or other reasons.
Who Can Benefit from Sperm Donation?
Men diagnosed with complete absence of viable sperm (azospermia).
Single women who wish to become mothers by choice.
Couples who have tried other treatments without success due to low sperm count, poor quality, or motility.
Men whose infertility cannot be resolved with medication or IVF.
Causes of Male Infertility
Lack of ejaculation (Anejaculation): Caused by conditions like diabetes, spinal cord injuries, or neurological disorders.
Structural abnormalities: Genetic or congenital issues may cause abnormal sperm morphology.
Sperm motility disorders: Immotile sperm prevent conception.
Sperm production disorders: Congenital or acquired issues reduce sperm production.
Low sperm count: A count below 20 million significantly reduces chances of natural conception.
Azoospermia (no sperm production): Often caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, high fever in adolescence, surgery, accidents, or genetics.
How is Sperm Donation Performed?
Before sperm donation, tests are performed to assess sperm presence. If no sperm is detected, surgical methods may be applied, though in some cases, no sperm can be retrieved. In such cases, donor sperm is selected.
Couples are informed about the donor and treatment. If requested, information such as physical features, blood type, and test results may be shared (excluding personal identity details). Consent forms are signed before treatment begins.
Treatment follows the standard IVF protocol:
Ovarian stimulation with medication.
Egg retrieval after 10–12 days.
Fertilization of eggs with donor sperm.
Embryo transfer into the woman’s uterus.
Pregnancy testing after 12–14 days.
If pregnancy occurs, the process continues exactly like a naturally conceived pregnancy.
Why Sperm Donation?
For couples who cannot conceive naturally and for whom IVF and medication have failed, sperm donation provides a real chance at parenthood. While infertility can create psychological and social stress, sperm donation offers hope and a pathway to achieving the dream of having a child. At our center, confidentiality and privacy are strictly respected. Personal information is never disclosed, ensuring couples undergo treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
