Sperm and treatment types

IUI-ready (intrauterine insemination) units have been processed (washed) by the sperm bank. Prior to cryopreservation, the motile sperm cells are separated from the seminal fluid through density gradient. They are then washed and a cryopreservative fluid is added.

When your clinic receives the IUI-ready sperm, it is ready for use, and does not need further processing before insemination. IUI-ready sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation by passing a catheter through the cervical canal. Through this procedure, more sperm cells can reach the egg in the fallopian tubes and consequently more sperm is available for fertilisation. This increases the chance of pregnancy in comparison to sexual intercourse, as the sperm cells are inserted at the right time during the woman's cycle.

ICI (intracervical insemination) units contain all the naturally occurring ejaculate fluid and cells. There will still be plenty of motile sperm cells. The ICI units are used through vaginal insemination and placed high in the vagina, close to the cervix. The cervix and cervical fluid will only let the highly motile sperm cells up into the uterus and fallopian tubes, just as it would through natural intercourse.

ICI sperm must be washed at the clinic before being used for intrauterine insemination as only the sperm cells are to be placed inside the uterus. Unwashed sperm placed directly into the uterus may cause an allergic reaction in the form of anaphylactic shock.

As of 1 July 2018, it is no longer permitted as per Danish legislation to send sperm straws to private addresses for home insemination. All women and couples who wish to have home insemination are required to cooperate with a health professional or clinic throughout the process. A health professional can be a doctor, midwife, or nurse.

This new legislation is intended to increase traceability in order to manage the number of pregnancies resulting from each donor.

In the case of IVF treatment, the woman's eggs are fertilised in a lab. The matured eggs are isolated from the body and placed in a Petri dish. IVF pregnancies are more commonly known as test tube pregnancies. A couple of days after fertilisation has occurred, the most developed egg is implanted in the woman's uterus where it can attach itself to the mucous membrane and develop into a foetus. Washed sperm is required for this type of treatment and IVF treatment is possible with MOT10+ and MOT20+ straws alike.

The ICSI treatment is another type of treatment where fertilisation happens in a lab. As part of the ICSI treatment, a sperm cell is injected into the egg using a small syringe. This type of treatment is recommended in cases of serious male infertility and low egg count. Just like with IVF treatments, it is possible to use both MOT10+ and MOT20+ sperm. That said, ICSI is not a common treatment when attempting fertilisation through donor sperm.