Male Infertility and Donor Sperm
Infertility is classed as when an individual or couple cannot conceive. Sub-fertility means that you may suffer from a condition that causes problems in your conceiving and you need assisted fertility treatment. Around 1 in 6 couples have difficulty conceiving.
If you think you are having difficulties conceiving e.g. you have been having unprotected sex or artificial inseminations regularly for over one year then it is a good idea to visit your doctor to begin the process of undergoing exploratory fertility tests to see if an issue can be identified.
There is lots of advice available on improving your fertility and there are treatments such as IUI and IVF that can help you to get pregnant. Success rates decrease as the woman gets old, particularly aged 35 or over so don’t delay the visit to your doctor.
Coping with Male Infertility
Men struggling with infertility, in general, have fewer resources than women, feel socially isolated and are often forced to cope with infertility on their own. Many of these men may feel uncomfortable seeking outside support, especially from those they know.
As a result, they may keep their emotions bottled up inside. Using a sperm donor often can seem more difficult for the men that for the woman, for obvious, and understandable reasons. After the initial consultation and conversation of using a sperm donor, there will be a time period that you will need to take time for the two of you to let this soak in, work together, and make the decision mutually that using a donor is something you both want, and can live with.
When you start to think about using a sperm donor you could well be hit with a minefield of options. Be sure to consider what the most suitable option is for you and perhaps your family. There are many considerations you have to think about from the future psychological effects on the child to the involvement of the sperm donor.
Using Donor Sperm due to Infertility
When someone learns that infertility has become a reality in their life, there are going to be strong emotions that come with that information. Often times with the news of infertility, there will also be discussions of other options, including using a sperm donor. All too often that suggestion is set to the way side due to the other emotions brewing inside us. But once those can be dealt with effectively, and properly, using a sperm donor often seems like a likely and optimistic option.
Other things that can grow with the idea of using a sperm donor, can weigh on a relationship and should not be ignored, these are going to be normal feelings, of doubt, fear, and other emotional hardships. If you feel any of these things it is important to speak with someone about these emotions:
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Feelings of inadequacy in all parts of your life
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Feelings of sexual inadequacy because of strong cultural associations between virility and masculinity
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Guilt
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Lack of Control
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Feelings of failure to yourself and your family
Related Articles:
Sperm Donation
IUI
IVF