Donor insemination (DI) is an option for single women who want a biological child, lesbian couples, couples whose male partner has no sperm or a very poor semen analysis (azoospermia, oligospermia, poor motility) or when there is a genetic problem which could be inherited from the male. 

Couples or individuals choose which sperm bank and which donor to use. Information about a donor’s physical characteristics, race, ethnic background, educational background, career history and general health are usually provided by the sperm bank. 

Fertility medications may be given to the woman prior to DI. The DI procedure involves inseminating the female as close to the time of ovulation as possible. Depending on the treatment and the female’s history, she may monitor her ovulatory cycles by testing her urine for an LH surge. The physician mat also recommend a medication (hCG) to induce release of the egg(s).