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Intrauterine Insemination For Lesbian Couples? 4 Reasons Why A Known Donor Is A Bad Idea

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While it has a lower success rate than IVF (in-vitro fertilization), intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the least expensive and most natural way for a lesbian couple to get pregnant. Therefore, it's also the most popular. The process is quite simple and involves placing sperm in the uterus during the optimal time for conception. The method has a 20 percent success rate. However, the sperm has to come from somewhere. Many couples decide to get sperm from a sperm bank while others think it is better or more special to get sperm from someone they know. The latter is more complicated. Following are four reasons why getting sperm from a known donor is complicated.

Psychiatric Clearance Requirement

If you choose to use the sperm of someone you know, both of you will have to undergo mandatory counseling and psychiatric testing. The testing is intended to uncover your motivation as well as determine if you understand the full emotional and physical implications involved in the process. Psychiatric counseling may also uncover history of mental illness as well as issues with you or your donor's current emotional state. If you choose sperm from a bank, however, you will not have to undergo an evaluation. 

Legal Chain of Custody

Getting sperm from someone you know has many legal implications, and they vary by state. In some states, your partner will be considered to be the legal parent of any child resulting from insemination. In other states, however, the known donor may choose to sue for parental rights. Regardless of the rules in your state, you must make sure that your legal paperwork is in order to avoid problems later on. 

Extended Quarantine Period

All known donor sperm must go into quarantine for six months, unless you sign a legal waiver. The quarantine period allows for HIV testing of the sample. Unknown donor's sperm has to be quarantined as well, but you will be able to choose from samples that have already gone through the process rather than wait six months. 

Emotional Ups and Downs

If you choose a sperm donor that will be in your life after your child is born, you should be prepared for emotional ups and downs. Your donor may have a difficult time dealing with the fact that they have a biological child that's not theirs. Your partner may have feelings of jealousy. All in all, it can be a very emotional experience. 

If you choose to get pregnant using sperm from someone you know, you should be prepared for a more involved process. To learn more, contact a company like Delaware Valley Institute of Fertility.


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