Artificial insemination using donor sperm is most commonly done because a fertility problem exists due to a male factor (severe abnormality of sperm). Lesbian couples and single women may also request artificial insemination using donor sperm.

The natural cycle of the woman can be followed with ultrasound and blood tests to check when ovulation occurs or stimulation can be given to grow eggs.

The sperm donor is selected prior to starting the treatment cycle. Information on the donors age, physical characteristics, occupation, medical / family history, hobbies and personality can be used to help choose an appropriate donor.

All donors complete a questionnaire to ensure they have no history of genetic disease or illness that may influence future offspring. In addition they must have a good semen analysis so that the sperm function will still be good after freezing and thawing prior to insemination. The donors all have the following blood tests performed – HIV, RPR (for syphilis) and Hepatitis B and C serology. The sperm is cryopreserved (frozen) for 6 months and then the HIV test is repeated. The sperm can only be used after 6 months to ensure the donor is not in the window period of HIV infection.

Sperm donation in South Africa is anonymous and therefore the identity of the donor is legally protected. In the United Kingdom children born following sperm donation may be entitled to find out the identity of the donor, this is not the case in South Africa.

The treatment is started in the first 3 days of the period and medications may be given to stimulate eggs to grow.

These medications may include tablets containing clomiphene citrate eg. Clomid, Serophene, Fertimed, Clomihexal or fertility injections containing FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) eg Gonal F, Pergonal, Menogon. These are all used to stimulate the growth of eggs (oocytes). The follicles containing eggs can be seen on ultrasound scan. Monitoring of the treatment cycles using blood tests and ultrasound scans is usually starting on day 10 – 12 of the cycle.

Ovulation may be triggered by using an injection called HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) eg Ovidrel, Profasi, Choragon. This is used 36 hours prior to artificial insemination.

The procedure of artificial insemination is performed in the doctors rooms. This procedure is similar to a routine gynaecological examination for a PAP smear. A speculum is inserted to visualize the cervix and a tiny flexible plastic tube is inserted into the uterine cavity in order to insert the prepared semen sample.

A pregnancy test can be performed 14 days after the procedure to check whether it has been successful.