Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get pregnant with frozen sperm?

The time it takes to conceive with frozen sperm is largely dependant upon several factors: the woman's age, the method of insemination and the accuracy of timing the insemination close to ovulation. The average is eight (8) months for all age groups combined.

Studies have shown pregnancy rates are more than twice as high when (IUI) intrauterine insemination (placing the sperm directly in the uterus) is performed as compared to when the sperm is placed in the vagina close to the cervix ICI or Intracervical Insemination.

A woman under 35 can expect an average conception time of 4 to 5 months, whereas conception for a woman approaching 40 (or over 40) may take many months, or even years, without medical intervention. If you're under 35 and don't conceive in 4 to 5 months, a fertility evaluation (and treatment, if indicated) combined with intrauterine insemination will increase the chances of pregnancy for most women. If you're approaching 40, you may want to consider a fertility evaluation before you even start inseminating; PRS can provide this. Statistically, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) combined with treatment, if indicated, will increase the chances of conceiving sooner for this age group.
See About Artificial Insemination and Sperm Specimen Types.

2. What are the costs involved for using frozen sperm?

The price of a vial of frozen sperm from PRS varies depending on whether the donor is Willing To Be Known (WTBK) or Anonymous, and the type of specimen desired (ICI or IUI). There are storage and shipping costs as well as Insemination costs if PRS does your insemination. See our Price Sheet for more detailed information.

3. How long does it take to get started? Should I have any tests done?

If you wish to have your insemination procedure with PRS at one of our 2 California locations (Pasadena and San Francisco), we recommend staring several months ahead of your desired insemination date. Our clinicians will work with you to develop a personalized evaluation and testing plan. The evaluation often includes a physical exam, lab tests to rule out pregnancy related risks for you, as well as genetic health risks for your child.. Additionally, testing for immunity to rubella (German measles) may be included as well as getting vaccinated, if you are not immune. Other recommended tests are a pap smear and cultures for Chlamydia.

For those who are having their healthcare provided elsewhere, we suggest you follow their recommendations and place your order for donor sperm vials based on your established timeline. If a donor has available vials, shipments can be scheduled in advance to make sure they arrive in time for your procedure date.

4. How can I purchase a donor "long profile"?

To learn more in-depth information about a donor, the easiest way is to purchase and download a copy of the long profile directly through our website. After you find a donor you like through our donor search, click on the highlighted donor to review their short profile. Or you can simply call our office (1-888-469-5800, ext 226). If you would like to receive a long profile via email, just leave your name, address, phone number, Visa or MasterCard information and your email address. You do not need to be registered to order long profiles.

5. How can I check the availability of a donor?

Because the availability of a donor's specimens can change at any given moment, the best way to ensure the availability of a particular donor is to purchase specimens in advance. Donors with available vials are listed on the donor list online. You can also contact Client Services at 1-888-469-5800 for availability information on your preferred donors.

6. When can I place my first order?

You can place your order for donor vials as soon as you have selected your ideal donor. Vials can be stored with us until you are ready to use them. This ensures your preferred donor does not sell out before your procedure date. Learn more at How To Get Started.

7. What does it mean that a donor is "willing to be known"?

A donor who is Willing To Be Known (WTBK) is one who has signed a contract with us stating that he agrees to a one-time meeting with any child(ren) born using his sperm when the child(ren) turn 18 years old. It is the child(ren), not the donor nor the parents of the child(ren), who must initiate this meeting by contacting us.

8. Can sperm be shipped to my home for private insemination?

We can ship either to your home or to your practitioner's office. Please contact us for more information at 1-888-469-5800.