First Steps

Feeling overwhelmed by all the information and preparation that goes into pursuing parenthood through sperm donation? We’re here with answers to your questions, helpful resources and any additional support you may need as you take your first steps on this amazing journey.

Family Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Qualifications

  • Since 1975, we have provided guidance and expertise for those ready to fulfill their dreams of starting or growing a family. We let you choose from the industry’s most selective, most tested, and most successful donors.

    Selective

    Our donors are chosen with you and your future family in mind. All donors entering the program after 2017 must pass a rigorous screening process, which includes personality and behavioral evaluations.

    Tested

    We evaluate all donors for hereditary conditions using an extensive medical history questionnaire and carrier testing for 569 genetic conditions as of February 2023.*

    * Our donors are continually tested while in the program.

    * For donors entering the program in 2019 or later, 283 genetic conditions were tested for; for donors entering the program April 2021 or later, 302 genetic conditions were tested for.

    Successful

    Xytex prepares all vials with 0.5 milliliters of specimen, prepared to contain a specific number of motile sperm cells. MOT refers to the total number of motile sperm cells in 1 milliliter of sample. So the minimum number of motile sperm in each vial is one half of the MOT number.

    Here are two examples:

    An unwashed vial (25MOT) that is loaded with 0.5 milliliters of sample will carry a minimum of 12.5 million motile sperm.

    A washed vial (20MOT) that is loaded with 0.5 milliliters of sample will carry a minimum of 10.0 million motile sperm.

    www.xytex.com/about-xytex/quality-commitment

  • To view a current list of licenses, registrations and certifications, please visit our Licenses page. 

    We also adhere to the regulations regarding importation of products by the governments of Switzerland, Australia, and the United Kingdom (HFEA), as well as Health Canada, a federal governing board of Canada.

  • Your fertility journey is a very personal matter, and we respect your privacy. The information you share with us is held in strictest confidence, unavailable to anyone, other than your health care provider, without your prior permission. Your information will not be given or sold to any other company or institution. Likewise, we respect donor privacy and only release information about our donors with the donor's prior written consent.  Encryption of a client's financial information is provided through Paya and Merchant Lynx.

Donors

  • A retired donor means that they are no longer active in the program.

  • At Xytex, we recognize how important it is for families to connect - and we’re always looking for ways to make those connections stronger. Your feedback on Famlink showed us new opportunities to better serve you, and we appreciate your support throughout this process.

    We’re excited to share that we’re developing a new system: a secure database that puts you in control of how you connect with others. By allowing you to share your own contact information and choose the platforms you prefer, we’re taking moderation out of the equation - so your connections are more private and more organic.

    Our goal is to have this resource ready by Summer 2025. As an employee-owned company, we believe in offering personalized experiences and genuine support to every individual on a family-building journey. Because of that, this initiative is a top priority, and we’re dedicating the time and care necessary to ensure it’s both secure and user-friendly. 

    Thank you for being part of the Xytex family. We look forward to providing this new platform that helps you stay connected in the ways that matter most.

     

  • We understand the desire to remain unknown, which is why we offer Anonymous Donors that have chosen not to disclose their identity.

    *As of January 2019, Xytex no longer accepts Anonymous Donors.

  • We understand the desire for a child to be able to connect with a sperm donor. That’s why Xytex provides Identity Disclosure Donors. A donor who participates in the Identity Disclosure Donor Program agrees to the release of his identity once the child turns 18. 

    To be eligible to receive this information, a child's mother, the recipient of the sperm, must sign an agreement and report the child's birth to Xytex. These requirements allow us to verify the child's eligibility to receive such information in the future. While a donor's participation in this program indicates a certain openness to connect, it is not a guarantee of contact.

  • We update our donor listings as changes occur. The online donor database is intended to show which donors are available. While our goal is to display donors with current available inventory, a donor’s inventory can fluctuate. If you are interested in a donor that is currently unavailable, please contact our Client Relations team to request placement on the donor’s pending list.

  • We require both child and adult photos for our donors. However, you may come across a few donors who joined the program before this requirement was implemented.

  • Genetic factors can be an important part of the donor selection process. For more information about genetics and genetic testing, please view our Genetics FAQ.

  • Each donor is limited by the length of time he remains active in the program. We monitor the reported location of births and limit the geographic distribution of a donor, consistent with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s guidelines. We follow the mandated regulations for countries that impose a specific birth limit.

     

    To help us monitor the number of births associated with our donors, clients must report their births through their Xytex website account portal.

     

  • Reported pregnancies are indicated on a donor's profile.  However, we do not disclose quantitative pregnancy rates because many factors beyond our control influence them. This can include, but is not limited to, the number of times the donor has been selected, how the semen is thawed, the timing and method of insemination, and the recipient's fertility.

    If a donor has no reported pregnancies, he is not necessarily infertile. It may indicate that a donor has not been in the program very long. As part of our commitment to providing families with the highest quality sperm, we conduct laboratory testing and physical exams on all donors to assess their overall health. They're continually tested while in the program, ensuring you receive high-quality sperm.

     

Quality Standards

  • The health and medical history of our donors are extremely important. While each donor is different, they all go through the same thorough screening process.

    • Each candidate completes a medical history questionnaire (MHQ).
      He will answer detailed questions about his health status and provide family medical history.   
    • Each candidate provides a semen sample for analysis.
      We assess sperm count, volume, motility and additional factors to determine quality of the donation.
    • Each candidate is appropriately vetted.
      A Donor Coordinator interviews the candidate about his personal and family medical history. During this step, the donor also undergoes a background check and education verification process.*
    • Each candidate undergoes psychological assessment.
      This process includes a complete behavioral analysis, psychosocial, and risk assessment completed by a clinical social worker and a licensed clinical psychologist.*
    • Each candidate undergoes laboratory testing and a physical exam.
      Following the semen sample evaluation, blood and urine samples are taken during pre-screening and are periodically screened throughout continued sperm donation.

    With active participation in the program, donors undergo a physical exam and blood draw every six months. Contingent on inventory demand, some donors may be screened more frequently. A donor who remains in good health can continue to participate in our program until he reaches his 41st birthday, or until he reaches our limit of reported family units.

    *Donors entering the program in 2017 or later have undergone background checks and psych-social evaluations. 

     

  • While Xytex may, from time to time, get and share updated clinically significant medical and/or genetic information with Client and Client's Healthcare Provider, it is up to Client, before using any Specimens obtained from Xytex, to contact: (I) Client's Healthcare Provider; and (II) Xytex, for any such updated information of which Xytex may have become aware.  Client acknowledges and agrees that under some circumstances, Xytex may have shared such updated information only with Client's Healthcare Provider, in which event, whether or not Client would be informed of such updated information would be entirely dependent upon Client's contacting Client's Healthcare Provider and receiving such updated information from Client's Healthcare Provider.

    Although Xytex is not obligated hereunder (or otherwise) to disclose or share with Client or Client's Healthcare Provider any updated clinically significant medical and/or genetic information, in the event Xytex does share any such updated information, an experienced genetics counselor should be consulted to advise Client as to its potential significance.  Xytex is not a medical provider and cannot provide medical advice.

  • We conduct laboratory testing and physical exams on all donors to assess their overall health. Additionally, we conduct genetic testing on all donors to help you confidently choose your family. 

  • Screening looks for evidence of, the most common symptoms of a particular infection. Testing involves applying laboratory methods to biological specimens, such as blood, urine, or semen, to determine the presence of a specific infectious agent, such as a bacteria or a virus.

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    Fresh semen is unsuitable for sperm banking since it begins to lose fertility within an hour or two of ejaculation. Because a sperm bank is expected to have semen available from a diverse set of donors with different physical characteristics and different talents, it is necessary to store sperm from the time of collection until it is needed. We accomplish this through a unique freezing process called cryopreservation, which gives semen an extended survival period. It is the only way sperm can be shipped from our bank to a client, no matter where they live. Once thawed, cryopreserved sperm can be as fertile as fresh sperm.

    Sperm is also cryopreserved to allow a quarantine period and retesting of various diseases, such as HIV which causes the potentially-lethal AIDS infection. Cryopreserved sperm must be stored for a minimum of six (6) months before repeat testing of the donor. Repeat testing includes HIV 1/2 + O antibodies, HTLV I & II antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibody, hepatitis C, HIV/HCV/HBV NAT, TP-PA, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies. Donors are also tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

    Scientists believe the potential for long-term storage is indefinite, assuming adequate maintenance of low temperatures.

    Before 10/01/2017, Xytex semen was cryopreserved in sterile-filtered Test Yolk Buffer (Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, CA), composed of buffers (TES and Tris), sodium citrate, fructose, gentamicin sulfate, glycerol, and heat-activated egg yolk from specific pathogen-free laying flocks. Detailed product information can be found at https://www.irvinesci.com/assisted-reproductive-technology/sperm-preparation-media/freezing-medium-tyb-with-glycerol-gentamicin.html

     

    Between 10/01/2017 and 05/01/2018; Units were cryopreserved with Sperm Maintenance Medium (Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, CA). The medium does NOT contain egg yolk or antibiotics. It does contain HEPES and human serum albumin.

    As of 05/01/2018, donor sperm is cryopreserved in ArcticTM Sperm Cryopreservation Medium (Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, CA). The medium does NOT contain egg yolk or antibiotics. It does contain HEPES, MOPS, and human serum albumin. Detailed product information can be found at http://www.irvinesci.com/products/90170-arctic-sperm-cryopreservation-medium.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Comparing human births resulting from thawed semen to non-assisted pregnancies shows no difference in the rate of birth defects or miscarriage.

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that infects approximately 70% of persons in the United States by age 45 and more than 90% by age 80.? In most cases, initial infection results in no symptoms, though some people experience a mild illness, similar to the flu or mononucleosis.? After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant (latent) in the body.? Reactivation of infection typically occurs in persons with compromised immune systems. 

    If a woman who has never been exposed to CMV becomes infected with the virus during pregnancy, there is a 40% risk of fetal infection.? In contrast, the risk of fetal infection is only 1% in women with previous CMV exposure.? Fetal infection with CMV can result in miscarriage and serious developmental defects in approximately 10% of cases where primary infection occurs during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. 

    Xytex tests all donors for CMV and includes each donor’s status in his profile.  CMV status is based on testing blood for antibodies (IgG and IgM) to the virus.  CMV-negative donors have no IgG or IgM antibodies.  CMV-positive donors have IgG antibodies that persist for life, but the pattern of antibodies determines whether infection is latent (inactive) or active.  Xytex does not accept sperm from donors whose test results suggest active or recent CMV infection (IgM-positive).  Sperm from donors with latent infection (IgG-positive, IgM-negative) is considered to be safe. 

    Knowing your CMV status can help navigate your fertility journey. While it might seem reasonable to accept only CMV-negative donors, such a restriction would reduce the donor pool by more than half, leaving women with fewer choices. Xytex encourages clients to discuss CMV with their healthcare providers, who may recommend CMV testing. Providers often recommend that CMV-negative patients use sperm from CMV-negative donors.

Process

  • ART vials are often used in IVF (in vitro fertilization) – sperm and egg are combined in a petri dish for fertilization.

    An unwashed vial is frozen in its most natural state, allowing sperm to remain in its natural seminal fluid. Unwashed vials are used for ICI (intracervical insemination) – sperm enters through the cervix, much like in sexual intercourse.

    A washed vial separates the sperm from its natural seminal fluid and is frozen in preserving fluid. Washed vials are used for IUI (intrauterine insemination). While we offer washed vials prepared for IUI treatment, we also offer unwashed vials, which are suitable for IUI, but require washing by the inseminating clinic.

    *Please consult your Clinic for the appropriate vial type for your procedure.

    Please also see this helpful video!

  • Xytex is unable to facilitate the transfer of ownership of your vials to a third party. Xytex has a strict policy prohibiting this type of transfer, as Xytex cannot guarantee the quality or integrity of the vials once shipped from our facility or another designated storage facility. In furtherance of this policy, clients complete a service agreement that states they are purchasing the vials for their own use or use by a partner and are not permitted to transfer them to any other entities.  By following these policies, Xytex can maintain vial safety, compliance, international family limits and properly observe applicable laws.

  • An unwashed vial is frozen in its most natural state, allowing sperm to remain in its natural seminal fluid. A washed vial separates the sperm from its natural seminal fluid and is frozen in a preserving fluid. Removing seminal fluid helps minimize cramping that can result from prostaglandins, the hormones that cause the uterus to contract.

    Washed vials should be used in IUI procedures, as unwashed vials injected into the uterus can cause cramping. In addition to being extremely painful, it will most likely result in the loss of injected sperm. Both washed and unwashed samples can be used for ICI or intracervical inseminations. ART samples are processed in exactly the same way, with the only difference being the minimum number of motile cells.

  • We accept wire transfers and all major credit cards. 

  • If your vials are being stored at Xytex or CANAM:

    With a purchase of 6 or more vials, the 1st swap is complimentary. Each additional swap is $895. 

    With a purchase of 5 vials or less, there is a first swap fee of $150. Each additional swap is $895.

  • Once vials have left Xytex or an approved storage facility, they are ineligible for returns or exchanges. 

    The easiest way to ensure access to the same donor for future inseminations is to buy additional vials during your initial purchase. You can request to store them at our facility until needed for treatment.

  • Sign in to “My Account” and visit the Birth Report tab.

  • We are thrilled to partner with Credit Medical, the leader in providing patient financing for fertility treatments. With an easy process and competitive rates, finances don’t have to be an obstacle to achieving your dream of a family.

    Some of the many advances of financing through Credit Medical:

    • Fast and easy credit approval
    • Safe and secure application process
    • Assured confidentiality
    • No down payment or collateral
    • Competitive interest rates
    • Fixed interest rates throughout the repayment term
    • Loans are open and can be paid out at any time without penalties
    • Finance any amount you need ($2,000 minimum)
    • Repayment term of up to 72 months
    • Easy, monthly affordable payments

    If you’re nearing treatment and purchasing multiple vials or planning for the future, your purchase can be financed with a Credit Medical loan*.

  • Xytex has partnered with CAN-AM Cryo www.canamcryo.com to import, store and distribute Xytex donor sperm.   CAN-AM works closely with the Client Relations team at Xytex and will arrange for your Xytex donor vials to safely arrive at your clinic in Canada or store them until you need them for your procedure.

     *Please note that as per Health Canada Regulations, Can-Am Cryoservices Corporation has notified Health Canada as required under s.18 of the Safety of Sperm and Ova Regulations for the activities of importation and distribution of semen which has been processed by Xytex Corporation

  • Shipments to Canada typically take 10-14 business days. If you need expedited shipping, you can request it, though there is a $95 fee charged by CanAm, our Canadian importing partner. Please note that expedited shipping is not guaranteed. For any additional questions or inquiries regarding your shipment, you can contact CanAm directly at 888-245-3471.

  • Canadian Compliant means a donor’s units are compliant with the requirements of Health Canada, including relevant sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Act and the Safety of Sperm and Ova Regulations. The Safety Regulations are intended to prevent the spread of infection to recipients of donor sperm by screening and testing donors for relevant infectious diseases.

    As a registered processor and distributor of donor sperm, Xytex ensures all donor sperm made available to Canadian clients is Canadian Compliant. Inventory changes quickly and often, so please call or email the Client Relations team for availability and to obtain updates on possible future releases of additional units for a particular donor.

     

  • Our website is designed so you may perform donor selection searches independently, at your own pace, as well as anonymously, thus you do not have to register on our website to search the donor listings.

    The complete listings for donors that we currently have in our inventory may be found using the Search Donors page and are updated to reflect what we have currently available in our inventory.

    ***Remember, if the donor is listed on our website then the donor is Canadian Compliant, available for purchase, and ready for shipment or delivery to your clinic.

    How to choose the right sperm donor

  • Since November 15, 2021, Quebec’s RAMQ Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) Program has covered part of the cost of donor sperm vials and shipping for eligible patients. The program supports Quebec residents undergoing fertility treatments by reducing their out-of-pocket expenses for these services. 

  • Eligibility criteria for the RAMQ MAR program are outlined by the Quebec government. For details on the program and to check eligibility, visit this page.

  • Can-Am is a registered distributor participating in the RAMQ MAR program, allowing eligible Quebec patients to pay only the uncovered portion of their order upfront. RAMQ covers the remaining amount for approved items, simplifying the process for Quebec patients.

  • To place an order through RAMQ:

    1. Select Your Donor: Select your donor in one of two options:

      • On the Xytex website, you can filter your donor search by RAMQ donors. Choose your donor then click the “Order with RAMQ” button; this will navigate you to the Can-Am website.
      • On the Can-Am website, add your chosen donor from Xytex to your cart.

    2. Select “RAMQ” as Payment Method: Choose “RAMQ” at checkout. You will not be charged upfront; RAMQ will handle the eligible portion of the costs.

    3. Important Coverage Details: Only one unit per cycle is covered, with a maximum of six cycles.

  • If your clinic is Montreal Fertility, Ovo Fertility, or McGill Fertility, you have the option to select from our full catalog of donors at www.xytex.com. You’ll pay as a self-pay client and then be reimbursed by your clinic. Contact your clinic for more information.

  • Can-Am provides necessary invoices and receipts upon order placement. These documents can be submitted for any additional verifications or if RAMQ requests further information. Your clinic may also provide a certificate of eligibility if required.

  • For help with the RAMQ order process, please contact the Can-Am customer support team or your clinic’s billing office. Xytex’s Customer Relations Team is also available to answer questions.

  • Yes, the RAMQ program covers only one unit per cycle for up to six cycles. Patients may need to pay out of pocket for any additional units if required per treatment cycle.

  • Changes to RAMQ-covered orders are subject to specific policies. For cancellations or modifications, please contact Can-Am support as soon as possible to avoid delays or additional fees.

  • Depuis le 15 novembre 2021, le programme de procréation médicalement assistée (PMA) de la RAMQ couvre une partie du coût des fioles de sperme de donneur et des frais d'expédition pour les patients admissibles. Le programme soutient les résidents du Québec qui suivent des traitements de fertilité en réduisant les frais qu'ils doivent débourser pour ces services.

  • Les critères d'admissibilité au programme RAMQ PMA sont définis par le gouvernement du Québec. Pour plus de détails sur le programme et pour vérifier l'éligibilité, visitez le siteweb.

  • Can-Am est un distributeur enregistré qui participe au programme PMA de la RAMQ, ce qui permet aux patients québécois admissibles de ne payer à l'avance que la partie non couverte de leur commande. La RAMQ couvre le montant restant pour les articles approuvés, ce qui simplifie le processus pour les patients du Québec.

  • Pour passer une commande auprès de la RAMQ :

    1. Sélectionnez votre donneur : Sélectionnez votre donneur par l'une des deux options :

    • Sur le site Web de Xytex, vous pouvez filtrer votre recherche de donneurs par les donneurs de la RAMQ. Choisissez votre donneur puis cliquez sur le bouton "Commander avec la RAMQ" ; vous serez alors dirigé vers le site de Can-Am.
    • Sur le site de Can-Am, ajoutez le donneur Xytex que vous avez choisi à votre panier.

     2. Sélectionnez "RAMQ" comme méthode de paiement : Choisissez "RAMQ" au moment de passer à la caisse. Vous ne serez pas facturé à l'avance ; la RAMQ s'occupera de la portion admissible des coûts.

    3. Détails importants : Un seul appareil par cycle est couvert, avec un maximum de six cycles.

  • Si votre clinique est Montréal Fertilité, Ovo Fertilité ou McGill fertilité, vous avez la possibilité de choisir parmi notre catalogue complet de donneurs à l'adresse www.xytex.com. Vous paierez en tant que client autonome et serez ensuite remboursé par votre clinique. Contactez votre clinique pour plus d'informations.

  • Can-Am fournit les factures et les reçus nécessaires au moment de la commande. Ces documents peuvent être soumis pour toute vérification supplémentaire ou si la RAMQ demande plus d'information. Votre clinique peut également fournir un certificat d'admissibilité si nécessaire.

  • Pour obtenir de l'aide sur le processus de commande de la RAMQ, veuillez communiquer avec l'équipe de soutien à la clientèle de Can-Am ou avec le bureau de facturation de votre clinique. L'équipe des relations avec la clientèle de Xytex est également disponible pour répondre aux questions.

  • Oui, le programme de la RAMQ ne couvre qu'un échantillon par cycle pour un maximum de six cycles. Les patients peuvent avoir à payer de leur poche les unités supplémentaires nécessaires par cycle de traitement.

  • Les modifications aux commandes couvertes par la RAMQ sont sujettes à des politiques spécifiques. Pour les annulations ou les modifications, veuillez communiquer avec le service de soutien de Can-Am le plus tôt possible afin d'éviter des retards ou des frais supplémentaires.