• Registered: 22nd-Dec-2010
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Waiting time for Sperm donors

I am a single 35 year old who is looking into going it alone.  I was wondering if you have an average of time that you need to currently wait for sperm in WA.  How does the waiting list work? (i.e. do couples get preference, do you say what you are looking for and then they just call when it is available)

Also which clinic is best for assisting single women who are looking for a sperm donor?

Thank you

  • Registered: 9th-Oct-2009
  • Posts: 64

Re: Waiting time for Sperm donors

Hello matilda2

In WA being single does not preclude you from fertility treatment following assessment by a fertility specialist. As a single woman all fertility clinics in WA can assist you if you bring in your own sperm donor.
If you require a clinic recruited sperm donor (i.e. the clinic provides the donated sperm) then 3 clinics in WA have an established sperm donation programme. These being

Concept Fertility Centre - 9382 2388
Pivet Medical Centre - 9422 5400
Keogh Institute - 9346 2008

The waiting time varies between clinics and at present Concept's waiting time is between 4 to 6 months.  for use. I suggest that you contact the other clinics for a waiting list update and clearly indicate single woman status. In my experience, couples are not automatically given preference over single women. Sperm is allocated according to who is on top of the waiting list combined with any donor specifications.

The general process: Once you have worked out which clinic you want to go to - have your GP refer you to the Fertillity Specialist in that unit who works with the donor programme. After a medical assessment, your doctor will send you to the donor programme co-ordinator (a nurse) to streamline the process and to an infertility counsellor for mandatory implications/information counselling. In WA, any person undergoing donor conception must go to this counselling. Your name is then placed on the donor wating list. Once you get to the top of the list you are contacted by the clinic with potential donor profiles.

Best of Luck

Iolanda

  • Registered: 9th-Oct-2009
  • Posts: 64

Re: Waiting time for Sperm donors

Hi matilda2

Waitilng List Update:

Today I have spoken to Anne (Donor Nurse Coordinator) from Pivet and the current waiting list for clinic recruited donor is approximately 6 to 12 months. The list fluctuates monthly with expected improvement to wait time in the new year. Anne was very helpful in her discussion about the donor process at Pivet.

Also of help was Ben (Laboratory Manager) from Keogh - currently their donors have been allocated to recipients. Their programme will similarly recruit new sperm donors in the new year.

Iolanda

  • Registered: 27th-Dec-2010
  • Posts: 3

Re: Waiting time for Sperm donors

Hi There

I have also been looking into options as I have been diagnosed with a low ovarian reserve and PCOS (I'm 31). I was referred to Concept.

There is a wonderful website for solo mothers by choice http://www.smcaustralia.org/ It's quite active, and you'll find a lot of helpful advice and support.

I have chatted with a few women who have used known donors - they have found donors from a variety of sources in cluding this site: http://www.sperm-donors-worldwide.com/s … tralia.htm

In WA, if you use a clinic, they will store the sperm for 6 months before IUI or IVF, or you could try the DIY approach (as a couple of women I have talked to on SMC got pregnant twice out of two attempts - much cheaper than assisted conception!)

Good luck
S

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  • Registered: 9th-Oct-2009
  • Posts: 43

Re: Waiting time for Sperm donors

Whilst for many women there is a strong emotional drive to start a family, Perth IVF cautions women using internet-based sperm donation sites which bypass State legislation relating to donor conception. In WA and other states around Australia, only treatment through a licensed clinic can ensure that the recipient or their child born has secure information about the genetic history of the donor. Also only a licensed clinic providing treatment can provide the child born of the donation with the legal guarantee that they can, assuming their parent(s) have disclosed to them of the circumstances of their conception, have the right to find out who their biological father is.

As for the website - solo mothers by choice - a good support network worth visiting for general advice.

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