Sperm Donation

Sperm Donation: A Healthy and Happy Future with Clavis Fertility Center

Clavis Fertility Center is a specialized reproductive health center in Cyprus that provides services at international standards. For individuals who are unable to use their own sperm due to various reasons or have low sperm quality, sperm donation offers a reliable and ethical solution. This method is supported by modern medical technologies to turn the dream of parenthood into reality.

What is Sperm Donation?

Sperm donation or sperm transfer is an IVF method used in cases where sperm production is absent due to congenital or acquired reasons (Azoospermia). It is also applied when using the intended father’s sperm poses a risk (such as genetic disorders or infectious diseases), utilizing donor sperm instead.

The success rate of IVF with sperm donation depends on the mother’s age, ovarian reserve, and embryo quality. This success varies between centers, and the role of the embryology laboratory is highly significant. Some couples who want to try Micro-TESE, TESA, or TESE one last time choose Cyprus for their treatment, as they can instantly access sperm banks if no sperm is found. This provides an advantage in terms of time and cost, preventing the need to go through the process again.

IVF Treatment with Sperm Donation

After medical examinations, tests, and evaluations, a treatment plan is prepared for the mother-to-be if she is deemed suitable for this method. If the timing of the treatment is crucial for the couple, oral contraceptives may be used as a preliminary treatment to prevent complications such as cyst formation, ensuring a smooth start to the main treatment.

The treatment begins on the 2nd or 3rd day of the mother’s menstrual cycle. If there are no conditions such as asynchronous egg development or cysts, hormone tests like Estradiol, LH, and Progesterone are performed, and the treatment is initiated. A treatment protocol is selected based on the mother’s age, weight, and ovarian reserve. The most preferred protocol is the antagonist protocol, known as the short protocol. In this protocol, hormone injections are administered at the appropriate dose to stimulate egg growth. This treatment lasts approximately 9-15 days and is monitored with ultrasounds every 2-3 days, with hormone levels checked when necessary.

Medical check-ups can also be conducted in your home country. You can be monitored by your own doctor or a specialist recommended by us.

When the eggs reach the required number and size (18-20 mm), a trigger injection is administered, and the egg retrieval procedure is scheduled 34-36 hours later.

The final injection in the treatment, known as the trigger injection (hCG), is crucial as its timing affects the success of the procedure. The time zone differences between countries should be considered when scheduling the injection. If more than 20 follicles develop in the ovaries and the E2 (estrogen) hormone level exceeds 3000, a special trigger injection is used to prevent OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), a serious complication that involves excessive ovarian enlargement and fluid leakage. In such cases, embryos are frozen, and the transfer is scheduled for a later date.

In most cases, the journey to Cyprus is scheduled for the morning after the trigger injection, one day before the egg retrieval procedure.

Sperm Donation Treatment Process in Cyprus

DAY 0

Since it is recommended that you arrive in Cyprus one day before the egg retrieval, our travel team organizes your journey. Upon arrival at Ercan Airport in Cyprus, you will be welcomed by our private vehicle and transferred to your hotel in Girne or Lefkoşa. You can spend the day resting. During your stay in Cyprus, you will notice that traffic flows on the left side of the road and that steering wheels are on the right side of vehicles. Be cautious when crossing streets, as traffic rules differ. Our team will contact you or send a reminder message about the important details before your procedure. One of the most important aspects is to remain fasting (no food or water) for at least 8 hours before your procedure to avoid delays or cancellations. Typically, fasting starts at midnight (00:00), meaning no food or drink is allowed, just like fasting during Ramadan.

DAY 1

You will be transported from your hotel to our clinic at the scheduled time in our private vehicle. Due to our commitment to confidentiality and information security, all procedures are conducted with strict privacy measures. After a consultation with our doctor, your examination will be conducted if necessary. Once the initial preparations are completed (IV insertion, gowning, consent forms), the egg retrieval (Oocyte Pick-Up - OPU) procedure is performed under anesthesia, lasting approximately 10-15 minutes. The sperm sample collected from the father-to-be is combined with the retrieved eggs in our laboratory by our expert embryologists using the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) method. Our specialist nurses will initiate any additional medications required for the remainder of the treatment. If the treatment includes injections, our nurses will administer them at your hotel.

DAY 2

The fertilization of the sperm and egg through ICSI is checked in the laboratory. The number of successfully fertilized eggs is determined. We call these fertilized cells "embryos." Our embryologists will inform you about the results, so please ensure your phone is accessible throughout the day.

DAY 3

It is the second day of embryo development. While you enjoy your stay in Cyprus, our expert embryologists closely monitor your embryos. In some cases, embryo transfer may be scheduled for Day 3. If this is the case, our nurses will provide information about the scheduled transfer time and necessary precautions.

DAY 4

It is the third day of embryo development. The number and quality of embryos are evaluated. If no transfer is scheduled, you do not need to visit the clinic. You can continue enjoying your time in Cyprus, and our embryologists will update you accordingly.

DAY 5

It is the fourth day of embryo development, and you do not need to visit the clinic. Our nurses will inform you about the transfer schedule and any necessary precautions throughout the day.

DAY 6

It is the day of your embryo transfer. To maximize success rates and minimize the risk of multiple pregnancies, the transfer is typically performed on Day 5. This is called a "blastocyst embryo transfer." Transfer day can be an emotional and exciting time. Our team will support you at every step. For a smoother procedure, you should have a full bladder, so you will be asked to drink about 1 liter of water an hour before the transfer. After final preparations, you will be informed about the embryos, and the transfer will take place. The embryo transfer takes around 10 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of rest. Our team will provide detailed instructions on post-transfer care.

If there are extra embryos, they will be frozen for future use, ensuring a cost-effective second attempt in case of unsuccessful implantation.

DAY 7

It is time for your return home, hopefully after a successful procedure. Our private vehicle will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for a comfortable journey back.

Post-Sperm Donation Treatment Process

This is the most exciting yet nerve-wracking phase. Many describe these 12 days as feeling like 12 years. We share your excitement and sincerely hope for a successful outcome. If your pregnancy test is positive, we recommend scheduling an ultrasound 10 days later. In some cases, a repeat blood test may be required two days after the initial result. If the pregnancy test is negative, you will stop taking medications, and in some cases, another test may be scheduled.

The Clavis Fertility Center Difference

With 23 years of experience, our expert team, and a patient-centered approach, Clavis Fertility Center is with you throughout the sperm donation process. We guide you at every step to make your dream of a healthy family come true.

Contact Us

For more information about sperm donation and to plan your treatment, contact us today. At Clavis Fertility Center, we are here to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.

Who is eligible for sperm donation?

Individuals with azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen)
Those with undescended testes that were not treated in time, resulting in complete sperm production damage
Individuals whose testes have been damaged due to childhood febrile illnesses (such as mumps) or testicular infections
Those whose sperm production has been affected due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Individuals who have lost a testicle due to trauma or other reasons
Those with genetic conditions preventing sperm production (such as Klinefelter Syndrome)
When procedures such as Micro-TESE, TESE, TESA, MESA, or PESA do not yield positive results
Individuals who have experienced repeated IVF failures due to poor sperm quality
Those who are unable to conceive naturally due to RH incompatibility
Cases where the father has an infectious disease (such as HIV)
Individuals at genetic risk due to consanguineous marriage
Single women
Lesbian women
Women Choosing the ROPA Method

This technique allows a couple consisting of two women to actively share the IVF process. One provides the egg, becoming the genetic mother, while the other carries the pregnancy as the biological mother.

How is a Sperm Donor selected?

According to TRNC laws, IVF with sperm donation using an external sperm donor is prohibited. However, IVF treatment can be performed using sperm obtained from internationally accredited and legally recognized sperm banks. Our center is partnered with some of the world’s leading sperm banks in Denmark (Cryos or European Sperm Bank) and has established its own in-house sperm bank using sperm cells sourced from these institutions.

Our sperm bank offers a diverse selection of donors from various ethnic backgrounds and blood types. The selection process is carried out under the guidance of our expert embryologists. If a donor is not chosen from our in-house bank, sperm can be specially ordered from our affiliated international sperm banks. For this reason, sperm selection must be completed before or at the very beginning of the treatment, ensuring it is reserved in time for the procedure. Please note that as an additional service, this option will increase the total cost of the treatment.

Donor Selection: Open vs. Anonymous Profiles

Sperm donors are classified into two categories:

Open (Identifiable) Profile: Provides more detailed information about the sperm donor, and there may be an option to contact the donor in the future if needed.
Anonymous (Closed) Profile: Limited donor information is available, and there is no possibility of contact with the donor in the future.

Patients should carefully consider which type of donor profile best suits their preferences and needs before making a selection.

Criteria for Sperm Selection & Screening Tests

The selection of sperm donors is based on specific certified characteristics and medical tests, including:

Country / Ethnic background
Age
Blood type
Height / Weight
Eye color
Skin tone
Hair color
Education level
Occupation / Career
Hobbies

For more information about IVF with sperm donation, our specialists are available to guide you through the process.

What tests are performed on sperm donors?

Blood Type
HBsAg
HIV 1/2
Anti HCV
Anti-HBC
HBV-NAT
HTLV 1 / 2
HIV 1/2 – NAT
HCV-NAT
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
CMV (Cytomegalovirus)
Cystic Fibrosis
Thalassemia
Chromosome (Karyotype) Test
Medical history of siblings, parents, and grandparents
Psychological profile
HIV risk assessment, drug use screening

In addition to these tests, specific tests for common diseases related to the donor’s race or ethnic background are also conducted, and the results are shared in detail within the certificate.

What tests are required for Sperm Donation treatment?

TESTS REQUIRED FROM THE MOTHER-TO-BE:

FSH, LH, E2, Progesterone (To be performed on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation)
AMH (If this value is below 0.5, the mother-to-be may not develop a sufficient number of eggs, which may hinder the successful completion of the treatment. If pregnancy occurs, there is a risk of miscarriage.)
TSH, T3, T4, Prolactin (To be taken on an empty stomach in the morning)
Complete Blood Count (CBC), Blood Type
Fasting Blood Sugar (To be taken on an empty stomach in the morning)
Urea, SGOT, SGPT
PTT, INR, APTT
Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D
HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, VDRL (Infectious disease screening)
Karyotype (If necessary)

USG (Vaginal Ultrasonography) is preferably performed between the 14th and 20th days of the menstrual cycle. It allows for a more accurate assessment of the endometrial lining, fluid accumulation, adenomyosis (structures appearing as black holes inside the endometrium), fibroids, and polyps through ultrasound. The thickness of the endometrium (uterine lining) is crucial, and it is ideally expected to be 8 mm or more. Fluid accumulation in the endometrium is usually associated with previous uterine surgeries, such as cesarean sections, suggesting the presence of adhesions. Additionally, fluid accumulation may occur due to the dilation of the fallopian tubes, a condition known as hydrosalpinx.

HSG (Hysterosalpingography) is an essential and indispensable test for investigating infertility causes. It is an X-ray that visualizes the uterus and fallopian tubes by inserting a specialized instrument into the cervix and injecting a contrast fluid. Also known as a uterine X-ray, this procedure may cause discomfort due to the pressure applied during imaging, so anesthesia is recommended. The HSG should be performed within 2-3 days after the end of menstrual bleeding.

INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM THE MOTHER-TO-BE:

Any medical conditions or medications that may negatively affect the treatment or pose a risk to health should be reported to us so that we can take necessary precautions. This includes blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood pressure and heart medications, and the use of harmful substances such as alcohol and smoking.

TESTS REQUIRED FROM THE FATHER-TO-BE:

For men undergoing sperm analysis (spermiogram) after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence, the following tests are required if a final TESE procedure is planned in Cyprus. However, for men opting for direct sperm donation, only the blood type test is necessary.

Blood Type
HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, VDRL (Infectious disease screening)
FSH, LH, Testosterone hormone analysis (If necessary)
Karyotype (If necessary)
APTT-PT
Complete Blood Count (CBC)

INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM THE FATHER-TO-BE:

If the father-to-be has any medical conditions that may prevent sperm production (such as diabetes) or experiences stress-related inability to provide sperm, this should be reported to us. In such cases, supportive medications may be provided, or a small surgical procedure may be needed to retrieve sperm from the testes. Due to the complications of these medications, heart conditions may pose a risk. Additionally, the use of blood thinners may increase the risk of surgery.

If the father-to-be has undergone any sperm-related treatments or surgeries (TESE, TESA, varicocele, etc.), or if he uses harmful substances such as smoking and alcohol, this information should be fully disclosed, as it will significantly influence the treatment process.

Sperm Donation: Achieve Your Dream of Parenthood with Modern, Scientific, and Ethical Methods in Reproductive Health