Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — August 2025.
Everyone’s path to family building is different. For some, donor sperm plays an important role. Donor insemination is a safe, common treatment that can help many people conceive — including single people who don’t produce sperm, couples where both partners have ovaries and a uterus, and couples facing male factor infertility.
Donor sperm can be either “anonymous” or “directed.” Anonymous donors are usually chosen through a sperm bank. Directed donors are people you know, such as a friend or relative.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding which option is right for you.
Insemination options
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
IUI is the most common type of donor insemination and is performed in a fertility clinic. This method has the highest chance of success because it bypasses the vagina and cervical mucus, where many sperm are lost before reaching the egg.
Your doctor may recommend tracking ovulation with ultrasounds and bloodwork or with at-home urine tests. You may also take fertility medicine to trigger ovulation so the insemination can be done at the right time.
The donor sperm is thawed and washed to remove extra fluid and non-moving sperm. A thin, flexible catheter is then passed through your cervix into your uterus to place the sperm near the fallopian tubes, increasing the chance of fertilization.
Intracervical insemination (ICI)
ICI is less common than IUI and places sperm closer to the cervix.
- A needleless syringe is inserted into your vagina until the tip is near the cervix, then the sperm is released.
- Another option is a cervical cap filled with sperm, which stays in place for four to six hours.
- ICI can be done with washed or unwashed sperm.
- It is often done at home with an insemination kit but can also be performed in a clinic.
Intravaginal insemination (IVI)
IVI is the least common type of insemination. It works best if you ovulate regularly and the sperm sample is healthy — meaning it has a high count, good movement (motility), and normal shape (morphology).
Unwashed sperm can be used, but success rates may be lower because the extra fluid and non-moving sperm can slow down healthy sperm. IVI is usually done at home with an insemination kit. The best timing is during your fertile window — the five days before and the day of ovulation.
Sperm is placed into the vagina with a syringe.
Before starting treatment
Before you begin, your doctor will likely recommend:
- A full medical evaluation to confirm you are healthy enough to carry a pregnancy.
- Preconception genetic carrier screening to see if you carry inherited conditions that could be passed to a child. This helps ensure you don’t choose a donor with the same conditions as you.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing to check your immunity status. Many people have been exposed to CMV without knowing it — it mimics the flu. There is a small risk that the virus can be present in semen and become active after insemination. If you are not immune and contract CMV during pregnancy, it can pose risks for the baby. In that case, using a CMV-negative donor is recommended.
Anonymous donors chosen through a sperm bank must meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. This includes infectious disease testing, six months of sperm quarantine, and repeat testing before samples are released. Directed donors also need testing, but their quarantine period may be shorter.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends at least a 35-day sperm quarantine followed by repeat testing. Some clinics may have stricter policies.
Legal considerations
The legal side of donor insemination can be complex, but there are ways to protect yourself and your family. Because laws vary by state, it’s best to consult a reproductive or family law attorney.
Directed (known) donors
If you’re using a known donor, such as a friend or relative, it’s important to have a written agreement in place before conception. This agreement should outline expectations around contact and state that the donor gives up parental rights and responsibilities.
Anonymous donors
When you use donor sperm from a licensed sperm bank or fertility clinic, legal protections are generally stronger. In many states, donors are automatically excluded from parentage if the insemination takes place in a licensed setting and follows required protocols.
Parental recognition
The parent carrying the pregnancy is usually recognized as the legal parent. If you are not the genetic or gestational parent, you may need additional steps, such as second-parent adoption or a pre-birth parentage order, to ensure full and permanent parental rights.
State differences
Family law is not the same everywhere. Some states automatically protect intended parents, while others require formal agreements or court actions. Laws may also change quickly, especially around donor anonymity and genetic testing.
Donor anonymity
An anonymous donation can take different forms. Some donors prefer no contact, while others may allow contact at any time or when the child reaches a certain age. Keep in mind that anonymity can never be fully guaranteed. At-home DNA testing may make it possible to discover a donor’s identity. It is important to be prepared for that if you take this path.
If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or lawyer for guidance.