Talking about sperm donation

Posted on March 14, 2012 by admin

Blog written by Laboratory Staff CD

A few weeks ago I attended my husband’s office holiday party, and while chatting with a large group of my husband’s coworkers the question of what I do came up. Sometimes I will tell people I work in a research lab to avoid some of the embarrassing questions that always come up when talking about my job, but tonight I was feeling chatty so I said worked in a cryobank.

Of course everyone quickly realized that meant “Sperm Bank”. As usual there were lots of giggles and a few outrageous questions, but for the most part everyone was really curious and surprised to hear about all the rigorous testing and high standards we require for donors. I answered the serious questions and laughed off the silly ones, and after a while the conversation moved on.

About a week ago, my husband told me that a female coworker had stopped him in the hall. This coworker had been at the party with her husband and had overheard the conversation about my job. She told him that they had been trying to get pregnant for a while and had been recently been diagnosed with Male Factor Infertility. Their doctor had told them that using donor sperm might be their best chance for a pregnancy, but her husband refused to even consider it. Like most people, he associated the sperm banks with the unregulated, “walk in off the street and get paid” image portrayed on TV and in the movies and he did not trust the industry to help them.

She went on to say that her husband had been surprised to hear what I had to say about my job, and a few days after the party had finally consented to take a look at some sperm bank information. She wasn’t sure if he was willing to use donor sperm yet, but at least now he was considering it an option. She thanked my husband for bringing me to the party and credited me with helping her husband see past his prejudice against semen donation.

My husband said he was a little taken aback that this woman told him something so personal, but apparently by talking about it openly at the party we had helped her and her husband feel more comfortable about the whole subject. It also surprised both of us that our random conversation at a party had been so helpful to them. I never thought simply talking about my job might have such an effect on people’s lives, and it was good to hear that even though most people were laughing, someone was really listening and learning.

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How much do I need?

Posted on March 7, 2012 by admin

Blog written by CLI Director of Operations Michelle Ottey, PhD.

So often in life we are told that more is better. Sometimes there is a sufficient number or size but because of the “bigger is better” philosophy we overlook this. Who hasn’t gotten the large popcorn for only 75 cents more at the movies even though the medium would have been more than enough?

Sperm banks offer donor sperm with variable volumes, cell counts, and motilities. These variables are dependant on the sperm bank and the prep type (IUI, ICI, IVF). The decision of what is in the vial must be made with careful consideration for the needs of the patient to achieve pregnancy. Studies have demonstrated that when it comes to pregnancy rates, more sperm is not necessarily better. There is an observed plateau in pregnancy rates once the number of sperm in an insemination dose reaches 10 million. (Van Voorhis et al, 2001) & (Cressman et al, 1996).

The bottom line in terms of count is increasing sperm numbers beyond 10 million per dose does not have an appreciable impact on pregnancy rates.

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Get out in the Sun!

Posted on February 27, 2012 by admin

Blog written by CLI Compliance Officer Amy Erickson Hagen

We know the sun is good for our emotional wellbeing but can it also affect fertility? New research says yes! According to Austrian physicians Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch and Elisabeth Lerchbaum vitamin D plays a role in human fertility. Deficiency of vitamin D can cause infertility among women and men. They found that low levels of vitamin D often lead to too much testosterone, which therefore could increase the risk of infertility among women. Also, when men are given extra vitamin D they produce more testosterone subsequently affecting the semen quality.

Researchers said, “It may not be that controlling vitamin D is the ultimate answer to fertility problems but it could be a very cheap and simple solution at least in some cases.”

Sources of Vitamin D:

• Fatty fish species, such as:

• Catfish, 85 g (3 oz) provides 425 IU (5 IU/g)

• Salmon, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz) provides 360 IU (3.6 IU/g)

• Mackerel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), 345 IU (3.45 IU/g)

• Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 50 g (1.75 oz), 250 IU (5 IU/g)

• Tuna, canned in oil, 100 g (3.5 oz), 235 IU (2.35 IU/g)

• Eel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), 200 IU (2.00 IU/g)

• A whole egg provides 20 IU if egg weighs 60 g (0.333 IU/g)

• Beef liver, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), provides 15 IU (0.15 IU/g)

• Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, 1 Tbs. (15 ml) provides 1360 IU (90.6 IU/ml)

• UV-irradiated mushrooms and yeast are the only known vegan significant sources of vitamin D from food sources. Exposure of portabella mushrooms to UV provides an increase of vitamin D content in an 100-g portion (grilled) from about 14 IU (0.14 IU/g non-exposed) to about 500 IU (5 IU/g exposed to UV light).

Getting out in the sun can have multiple effects to fight off those “I want to a baby blues.”

See the article here: http://www.eje-online.org/content/early/2012/01/24/EJE-11-0984.full.pdf+html

Sources: Wikipedia

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Who says the Nuclear Family Framework is the Best for Raising Children?

Posted on February 14, 2012 by admin

Blog written by DA

There is much controversy over whether or not it is in a child’s best interest to be raised in a two parent household? Who is to say that a child who develops with heterosexual parents will end up better off than a child who grows up in a household with same sex parents. In all actuality, there is no equation that has been formulated that can predict the type of person a child become based on parentage. There have been children who grew up in poverty to become wealthy, and children who have grown up with same sex parents who grow to become heterosexual individuals.

Concerns of donor anonymity and the mental well being of offspring is also highly debatable. There are millions of children in the US and the world who have no knowledge of one or both parents due to a myriad of reasons, but still are able to function in society. No doubt the road for these individuals is challenging, but it is nonetheless a reality. So what makes donor anonymity any worse for child than being given up for adoption or losing a parent at an early age?

Ultimately, the person a child develops into is dependent on not whether parents are same sex, heterosexual, or single parents, but what is more important is whether or not the child receives the love, attention, and resources he or she requires to become a functioning member of society.

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Infertility Experiences

Posted on February 6, 2012 by admin

Blog written by CLI Director of Operations Michelle Ottey, PhD.

My blog posts are most frequently written from an educational standpoint; the purpose of which is to help inform our patients about the process of choosing a sperm donor. Today I would like to write from a more personal perspective.

I’m in my mid-30s, and I can’t believe how many of my peers are experiencing issues with their fertility. Of my closest friends three have had to utilize artificial reproductive technology (ART) to build their families. Two others have had challenges but eventually were able to conceive naturally. Growing up this is not something that you hear about. In college, sitting around talking about our lives we never talked about the possibility of infertility. Several of my friends were shocked to find that they were not able to conceive naturally.

It is really inspiring to see the growth of online and in person communities supporting women who are dealing with either social or medical infertility. Everyone’s journey is so unique, but the presence of a community of like-minded individuals who experience similar challenges can be an essential resource.

I think it also helps that fertility has been more present in social media and pop culture. Even half-hour sitcoms have dealt with the issue. Bringing these concerns to the forefront, making them part of our social discussions can only help.

I’ve seen my friends build beautiful families using ART. It has been incredible to be able to be a resource for them to answer technical questions and even in one case to provide services.

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Where does your candidate stand? Are there bills being proposed that would affect me?

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

Blog written by Compliance Officer Amy Erickson Hagen

Does my vote for president really effect my fertility treatment and decisions? Yes, it may! Be educated on where your candidate stands on issues related to health care. To be perfectly honest politics are not something I enjoy reading about or listening to on the news. However I do find it important to vote and choose issues important to me to review as I determine who I will be voting for in any election. Health care, specifically fertility, is one of great importance to me personally and professionally.

Where do you go to get information on current legislative issues or view points of candidates? Resolve and ASRM are National Infertility Associations and have lobbyists on your side working at the capital. They also keep track of various state legislative initiatives all of which can be viewed at http://www.resolve.org/get-involved/legislative-issues.html. If politics is something you enjoy or want to be more involved with Resolve also has a need for advocates.

If you are like me you find watching the news depressing and time is very limited. So use of websites like www.yourcandidatesyourhealth.org/ or www.issues2000.org can be very helpful in determining what candidates opinions align with yours.

Yesterday, ASRM released a bulletin that Gingrich calls for Commission to study ethics of in vitro fertilization (IVF). They go on to summarize by saying, On the eve of the Florida primary, Republican Presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich called for the creation of a commission to study the ethics of in vitro fertilization. Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, he called for a ban on embryonic stem cell research. He followed that up with his remarks about IVF. According to the Washington Post, Gingrich was expressing concern about the excess embryos created in the IVF process and said, “I believe life begins at conception, and the question I was raising was what happens to embryos in fertility clinics, and I would favor a commission to look seriously at the ethics of how we manage fertility clinics. If you have in vitro fertilization, you are creating life; therefore, we should look seriously at what the rules should be for clinics that are doing that, because they are creating life.”

See the full Post story here

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/gingrich-vows-to-ban-embryonic-stem-cell-research-questions-in-vitro-practices/2012/01/29/gIQAIO9saQ_story.html?hpid=z1

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Sperm Banks Help Grow Your Family, Not Design a Baby

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

Blog written by CLI Director of Operations Michelle Ottey, PhD.

There has been a lot of talk about designer babies in the media in regard to using donor sperm. The subject of genetically engineered or designer babies will often be mentioned in articles discussing donor selection and assisted reproduction.

This talk is more science fiction than fact because using donor sperm doesn’t allow someone to manipulate genes and create the perfect baby or design the baby of their dreams. The use of donor sperm simply allows women the ability to safely conceive a healthy baby. Being able to select a donor based on his hair color, eye color, ethnicity, education or his interests doesn’t constitute making designer babies and saying so cheapens the emotional experience that many women and couples have when using donor sperm.

Sperm banks are incredibly selective in the screening process, assuring that no donors are a carrier for common genetic disorders and testing all donors for infectious diseases. We start by evaluating the donor’s medical and genetic history and also consider the donor’s Phenotype, which is their observable traits and characteristics. Most sperm banks aim to have a diverse group of donors available so as to appeal to the needs of the various clients. Realistically, not everyone looks like Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt, and, more importantly, not everyone agrees that either of them is the most desirable in terms of appearance. Clients are often trying to match their donor to the appearance or traits of a partner or family member.

Choosing a sperm donor, in some ways, is similar to choosing a partner, and physical appearance is part of that process. We all screen prospective partners by interests, personality and other characteristics that are important to us as individuals. It makes logical sense that when someone is choosing a sperm donor, they would be looking for similar traits that they would look for in a potential partner. You can always choose a sperm donor based on his desirable traits, but you can’t choose the traits your baby will inherit from you or the donor. Using a sperm donor is akin to using the natural process of conception where no genes are manipulated in anyway.

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Little Miracles

Posted on January 17, 2012 by admin

Blog written by CLI Laboratory Staff Zachary K.

I would like to use this blog as a time to reflect an share on some of the thoughts I had during the holidays. I would also like to share one of my more favorite quotes.

“Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous project. For what has happened? A miracle, you have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything.”

–William MacNelle Dixon

During the holiday season and into the New Year we often spend copious amounts of time with family, especially extended family. This may or may not include handfuls of cousins you haven’t seen in years. Aunts that come up to you and tell you how it seemed like just yesterday when you went into the first grade and the uncles who always have something to say, about everything. However, there are also the new additions to the family, and no not Uncle George’s new girlfriend or Aunt Betty’s new cat, but a new child recently brought into the world. As everyone gathers around the newborn, there is certainly an indescribable feeling of warmth, often preceded by “Ooohs and Awwws”. But truly it brings on feelings of nostalgia for those who have had children that are now grown up or feelings of excitement and eagerness for those wanting children in the future. Either way you look at it, everyone can agree that a newborn child is not only one of the most beautiful things on earth but truly a miracle.

Working for CLI truly brought me into perspective on how important starting a family is for some people. Also, I have often caught myself dreaming of what my own family will be like one day, which is something I did not do prior to working here. I feel a sense of honor and pride knowing that someone is putting such a high amount of trust into our company to let us be involved in their creation of their own family. One of the greatest moments we have is receiving Christmas cards from patients who have used our donor sperm or other services to start their family. It is so wonderful seeing them with their children and just the overwhelming sense of joy that seems to burst right out of the card. I know that we take our work very seriously and every employee here pushes themselves to improve our company. We constantly strive to provide the best product we can, and the best service as well.

To everyone reading this blog, I hope you had a wonderful holiday and best of luck in the New Year.

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Family Units come in all varieties

Posted on January 10, 2012 by admin

Blog written by CLI Genetic Counselor Suzanne Seitz, MS

Our sperm bank uses the designation ‘Family Unit’ to describe a family with children from the same donor. Our goal is to make sure we set reasonable limits on the number of pregnancies that a donor is permitted. We do this by keeping track of reported pregnancies. And hence anyone using donor sperm is highly encouraged to report a pregnancy to us.

Those using donor sperm a few decades ago were mostly couples made up of a man and a woman, who most likely were experiencing fertility issues. As the years progressed, we saw this change. While a third of our clients remain male/female couples, a full third are now single women seeking to have a child on their own, without a male partner. Another third are same sex couples. One woman or both may have a child from the same donor.

Furthermore, many clients are choosing to have more than one child with the same donor. Their children will share a common biological bond. And for many this is important as they openly discuss how their children came to be part of their unique family unit. Not only do the children have a bond with the same donor, they share a common bond with each other as well. Siblings that connect in this way find ways to resolve questions about their origins when the see similar traits in the faces and personalities of their brothers or sisters.

The wonderful part of working at the sperm bank is realizing that the children we are helping to create are all very much wanted. For many it is the only way they could have had a child. We get thank you notes everyday telling us that not only do they appreciate that the donor agreed to be part of our program, they also appreciate that we offer the donor sperm service that made their dreams of a happy family come true. It is nice to be doing something that makes a difference!

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The Personal Touch in Donor Sperm

Posted on January 5, 2012 by admin

Blog written by CLI Director of Operations Michelle Ottey, PhD.

I recently had a fantastic experience with a couple (I will call them Marie and Judy) who had found their perfect sperm donor match.

Marie contacted us via our client services department to thank us for our patience and wonderful client service after calling every single day for a month to see if the wait list for this particular sperm donor opened up. I appreciate feedback from our patients, so I contacted her to thank her, and we began emailing about their experience.

Marie and Judy had used our donor search and various other selection tools to find the perfect sperm donor match for them. This sperm donor was the ethnicity they wanted to match their own lineage. He also had the physical characteristics they felt comfortable with, and they appreciated our intense level of infectious and genetic disease testing. The couple had some back up sperm donors, but had felt strongly that this donor was just right for them.

I was able to look into the status of the sperm donor testing and the possibility of a release of his vials after the appropriate quarantine time. I found that the sperm donor was about to release vials, but always wanting to be safe and not jump the gun I waited until everything was completed and the vials cleared before informing Marie and Judy. As soon as the wait list was fulfilled, they were able to purchase a number of vials from the sperm donor.

Marie and Judy were ecstatic! Persistence and patience paid off, and now they are on their journey of artificial inseminations.

Marie and Judy’s kindness and commitment to building their family made an impression on me. The fact that they took the time to thank us for our client service made an impression on me. I am staying in touch with Marie and Judy and hope to hear that they have a successful artificial insemination soon.

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