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Results to be expected

The results obtained with the use of donor sperm largely depend on the type of treatment provided, the characteristics of the woman receiving the sperm, the protocols used and the expertise of the person performing the sperm preparation. Results can vary enormously depending on all these factors. In this section we aim to provide some guidance for both centres and patients regarding our own protocols and the results we obtain.

Our results show that the preparation of small (0.5 ml) sperm samples by double density gradients (45% and 90%) enables us to select the best spermatozoa and optimises the outcome (see list of publications). Regardless of the percentage of motile sperm after the sample is prepared, the results are optimal providing that the minimum quantities required are obtained.

The samples prepared by the IVI International Sperm Bank are initially designed for two uses: artificial intrauterine insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), based on the minimum quantities required to guarantee good results.

Artificial intrauterine insemination

The expected pregnancy rate (according to our medical and lab protocols) from the use of donor sperm with artificial insemination is approximately 30-35% per attempt, with an accumulated rate of around 75% in 4 consecutive attempts, providing the woman receiving the sample has no gynaecological problems in cycles stimulated with FSH. The age of the mother, together with endometriosis and tubal obstruction, are added problems which reduce the possibilities of achieving pregnancy with artificial insemination (see list of publications).

For this type of treatment, a total of 20 million spermatozoa with good mobility are more than sufficient to recover 2 million to be inseminated.

In our case, 96% of the samples which initially have over 20 million achieve this recovery rate for insemination. The likelihood of achieving pregnancy is at its highest with the insemination of 2 million mobile spermatozoa from a donor.

IVF

The results obtained with donor sperm samples in in vitro fertilisation (according to our lab protocols) are approximately 50% per attempt, in cycles hormonally stimulated with gonadotropins.

For this type of treatment, 10 million spermatozoa with good mobility are usually sufficient, if not excessive, and may require subsequent dilution, depending on each laboratory's criteria, as IVF procedures require much less processing quantity to recover sufficient spermatozoa.

All samples must be prepared in a suitable laboratory, either by density gradients or the swim up technique, although we recommend the former.

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