Discussion » Questions » Pregnancy » Do sperm banks allow the woman to preselect the characteristics of the donor whose sperm she would receive?

Do sperm banks allow the woman to preselect the characteristics of the donor whose sperm she would receive?

Posted - February 26, 2019

Responses


  • 4624
    To a degree, yes - though the laws vary in different countries.

    Where we live, the sperm donor also gives the following detail:
    photo, age, height, weight,
    ethnic origin, education, and work.
    Their health history is asked and their semen checked to exclude any genetic abnormalities or diseases.

    I know because I was with my husband many years ago when he decided to donate.

      February 26, 2019 5:57 PM MST
    3

  • My question was prompted by a fanciful thought of getting pregnant by an unknown man during blindfolded sex. Of course I don't go for that lifestyle, so the nearest fantasy is to be made pregnant by an unknown sperm donor, but one whom I would be told something about on the lines you've mentioned.
      February 26, 2019 6:17 PM MST
    2

  • 4624
    I have a fanciful notion that you live in India.
    If that's the case, what would the reactions of your husband, relatives and neighbours be?

    One way that lesbians sometimes choose to get pregnant is to choose a trusted male friend,
    ask him to donate his sperm.
    With everyone nearby so there are no time lags, he does it into a condom, gives it to one of the women and she uses a syringe (without a needle) to fire it up into her beloved.
      February 26, 2019 6:31 PM MST
    2

  • Yes, I do live in India, am childless and never married. I have very understanding parents who have stood by me through my relationship upheavals, though let me clarify I'm by no means promiscuous. I live in Gujarat in a very conservative (upper) middle class society. My very few relations have been very supportive too, but I can't say the same for most of my parents' circle. I've lived on my own in a separate flat since I was 24, though I'm close enough to them should they have an emergency. I'm very close especially to my mother with whom I share my most intimate secrets. I know I can do the same with my father too if need be, but somehow haven't gotten myself to do it except in a couple of instances. Both my parents are mygems, and they've always considered me as their gem  My name, Neelam, means sapphire in Gujarati. I dread the day they won't be around. My father is 74 and my mother 69, closer to 70. 
      February 26, 2019 6:51 PM MST
    1

  • 4624
    To a degree, yes - though the laws vary in different countries.

    Where we live, the sperm donor also gives the following detail:
    photo, age, height, weight,
    ethnic origin, education, and work.
    Their health history is asked and their semen checked to exclude any genetic abnormalities or diseases.

    I know because I was with my husband many years ago when he decided to donate.

      February 26, 2019 5:57 PM MST
    3

  • 5835
    Sperm banks have not discussed their policies with me.
      February 26, 2019 6:58 PM MST
    1

  • 53509
      Yes, I believe so.

    ~
      February 26, 2019 9:25 PM MST
    1