Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is Premier Sperm Bank (PSB)?
Premier Sperm Bank is a donor sperm bank founded by Dr. John K. Jain, a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. We’re known for our rigorous donor screening, DNA-verified samples, and commitment to inclusive, evidence-based care for all individuals and families.
Who can use donor sperm?
Donor sperm can be used by single parents by choice, LGBTQIA+ couples, heterosexual couples experiencing male infertility, or anyone with genetic or medical concerns who wishes to grow their family through assisted reproduction.
What makes PSB different from other American sperm banks?
Premier Sperm Bank is the only sperm bank in the world to DNA-verify every donor sample through advanced DNA fingerprinting. We also perform Sperm DNA Fragmentation testing to ensure superior sperm quality and promote the best possible outcomes for families.
One of our goals is to be transparent in our approach to everything we do, including family limits for our donors. We have structured our family limits in a way that uniquely addresses concerns about donor siblings, by capping the number of families per donor based on geography. Within the US, we cap the number of families at 15, with one family slot being allocated to the donor himself. Outside of the US, we have a cap of 10 families.
Donor Information
How are donors selected?
All donors complete a comprehensive screening process that includes medical and family history reviews, genetic testing, psychological evaluation, physical exams, and background checks. Fewer than 2% of applicants meet our strict criteria to become Premier Sperm Bank donors.
What information is included in the donor profile?
Each donor profile includes:
- Basic demographics
- Education and occupation
- Genetic and medical history
- Personality traits and interests
- Childhood and adult photos
- Audio or video interviews (when available)
- Current vial availability
What is an Identity Disclosure donor?
An Identity Disclosure donor is a donor who agrees to have identifying information shared with children conceived from their sperm samples once the child reaches 18 years of age, allowing for contact if both parties choose.
All donors at Premier Sperm Bank are Identity Disclosure donors.
How often is the donor database updated?
Our donor database is updated regularly, with new donors added each month. Vial availability is displayed in real time, ensuring you always see the most up-to-date information when selecting your donor.
Can I talk to a staff member familiar with the donor?
Yes. Premier Sperm Bank offers personalized support from team members who work directly with the donors. They can share helpful insights and impressions to assist you in making an informed decision.
Genetic Testing & Counseling
Do PSB donors undergo genetic testing?
Yes. All donors complete carrier screening for more than 500 genes and meet with a certified genetic counselor to review their personal and family medical histories for potential hereditary risks.
What is a genetic carrier?
A genetic carrier is a person who has one normal copy and one altered copy of a specific gene. Carriers usually do not experience symptoms but can pass the altered gene to their biological children. PSB strongly recommends that all intended parents meet with a genetic counselor to better understand the genetic impact that selecting a donor could have on their future children.
What should I do if the donor I selected is a carrier of a genetic condition
Premier Sperm Bank and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine strongly recommend that all recipients receive genetic counseling before selecting a donor. While PSB does not provide this service directly, we can connect recipients with trusted genetic counselors for personalized guidance.
What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy. Congenital CMV infection may cause hearing loss or other long-term health effects. Because CMV can be transmitted through semen, all sperm donors are tested for CMV to ensure recipient safety.
Does CMV matter when picking a donor?
Yes. Women who are not immune to CMV or unsure of their CMV status, should choose a CMV-negative donor or consult their healthcare provider before making a selection.
What is FDA testing for sperm donors?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all sperm donors to undergo comprehensive testing and screening to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. These regulations apply to every licensed sperm bank in the United States and are designed to ensure the safety of recipients and future children.
FDA-required testing includes screening for:
- HIV (Types 1 and 2)
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- HTLV (Types I and II)
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- West Nile Virus
Donors must also complete a detailed medical and behavioral risk assessment and undergo repeat infectious disease testing after a six-month quarantine period before any sperm sample is released for use. This multi-step process provides multiple layers of protection and maintains the highest standard of safety for all families.
Is a donor’s blood type important?
In most cases, a donor’s blood type does not affect conception or pregnancy outcomes. The exception is for individuals who are Rh-negative, as using sperm from an Rh-positive donor could create compatibility issues in future pregnancies. Those who are Rh-negative should choose an Rh-negative donor or consult their healthcare provider before making a selection.
Can a child inherit the donor’s blood type?
Blood type inheritance is complex and depends on both genetic parents’ blood types. As a result, a child’s blood type may differ from that of either the donor or the recipient.
Quarantine, Vial Types & Insemination
What does “quarantine” mean in sperm donation?
Quarantine refers to the process of freezing and securely storing donated sperm for a minimum of six months. After this period, the donor must return for repeat infectious disease testing before the samples are cleared for use. This process ensures safety and compliance with FDA regulations.
Why does the sperm stay in quarantine for 6 months?
The six-month quarantine period helps protect recipient health by ensuring that all donor samples are free from infectious diseases. Some infections may not be detectable immediately after exposure, so donors are retested six months after their initial donation. The original frozen samples are only released once the donor’s repeat test results confirm they remain disease-free.
Which vial should I use?
Always consult your healthcare provider to confirm which vial type is best for your specific treatment plan.
For general guidance, please refer to the Vial Pricing and Selection page.
Why is tracking the menstrual cycle important for conception?
Timing is essential for successful conception. Tracking the menstrual cycle helps identify when ovulation occurs, allowing insemination to be scheduled during the most fertile days to maximize the chance of pregnancy.
How can someone tell they are ovulating?
Ovulation can be identified using several methods, including:
- Ovulation predictor kits (LH tests)
- Basal body temperature tracking
- Monitoring changes in cervical mucus
These methods help pinpoint the fertile window, making it easier to time insemination for the best chance of pregnancy.
Can I do IUI at home?
No. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) must be performed by a licensed medical provider. However, an IUI-prepared vial can safely be used for intracervical insemination (ICI) at home. Always consult your healthcare provider before proceeding with any insemination method.
Home Insemination
Can I do insemination at home?
Yes. Home insemination can be done using either ICI or IUI vials. It’s important to track ovulation with an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) and follow all instructions carefully to maximize your chances of success.
What supplies are needed?
You’ll need gloves, a syringe, paper towels, and your sperm vial(s), along with a clean and comfortable space for the procedure.
All necessary supplies are included with each shipment from Premier Sperm Bank.
When do I inseminate?
It’s recommended to inseminate twice per cycle:
- First insemination: within 12 hours of a positive LH surge
- Second insemination: about 24 hours after the first insemination
Can I do anything to improve my odds of becoming pregnant?
Yes. Track ovulation carefully using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) and aim to inseminate twice per cycle—once within 12 hours of a positive LH surge and again about 24 hours later—to increase your chances of conception.
Can I store sperm in my freezer?
No. Home freezers are not suitable for storing sperm and will destroy its viability. Always keep the vial in the liquid nitrogen storage tank provided until it is ready to be used.
Clinic Insemination (IUI)
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility procedure in which washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization and pregnancy.
Who is a good candidate for IUI?
IUI is often recommended for individuals or couples experiencing:
- Unexplained infertility
- Mild male factor infertility
- Conception using donor sperm
- Ovulation issues, often in combination with ovulation-inducing medication
Is IUI painful?
Most people experience little to no pain during an IUI procedure. Some may feel brief mild cramping or discomfort, similar to what occurs during a Pap smear or menstrual cramps.
How is IUI performed?
During an IUI procedure, washed sperm is inserted into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter around the time of ovulation. The process takes only a few minutes, is performed in a clinic, and does not require anesthesia.
When is IUI done?
IUI is usually performed about 24 hours after a positive LH surge or approximately 24 to 36 hours after an ovulation trigger shot, depending on your provider’s recommendation.
What is the success rate of IUI?
The success rate of IUI performed in clinics typically ranges from 5% to 20% per cycle, depending on factors such as age, overall health, and the underlying cause of infertility.
How many IUI cycles should I try?
Many fertility specialists recommend completing 3 to 6 IUI cycles before exploring more advanced treatments such as IVF, especially if pregnancy has not yet occurred. The ideal number can vary based on age, health, and individual circumstances.
What should I do after an IUI procedure?
You can usually resume normal daily activities right after an IUI. Light rest is optional, but it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Wait about two weeks before taking a pregnancy test to allow time for implantation.
Are there any risks with IUI?
IUI is generally a very low-risk procedure. Possible side effects may include:
- Mild cramping or light spotting
- A small risk of infection (rare)
- An increased chance of multiple pregnancy when fertility medications are used
Shipping, Storage & Orders
How do I order sperm from Premier Sperm Bank?
Ordering sperm from Premier Sperm Bank is simple:
- Create a free account
- Select your preferred donor
- Add the desired vials to your cart
- Choose your insemination method
- Select shipping or storage options
- Complete and sign required forms
- Pay and confirm your order
Can I order in advance?
Yes. You can place your order ahead of time and schedule delivery up to 30 days in advance to coordinate with your expected ovulation or treatment cycle.
When should I place my order?
It’s best to place your order well in advance of your expected ovulation date to ensure availability and allow time for shipping or clinic coordination. Always confirm timing with your healthcare provider.
What shipping methods are available?
We offer several convenient delivery options, including FedEx shipping, local courier service, and in-person pickup from our facility.
What’s included in the shipment?
Each shipment includes a dry shipper tank, sperm vial(s), syringes, detailed instructions, a QR code linking to our Home Insemination Video, a packing list, and a prepaid return label for the tank.
Do I need to return the shipping tank?
Yes. Please use the prepaid return label included with your shipment to send the tank back. Tanks must be returned within two days of the tank’s expiration date to avoid additional fees or penalties.
How long does the sperm stay frozen?
The shipping tank keeps vials safely frozen for at least seven days. Do not attempt to transfer vials to a home freezer, as this will damage the sperm.
How long can I store vials at Premier Sperm Bank?
Premier Sperm Bank does not currently have a limit to how long you can store vials. You can select storage durations in increments of 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, 1 year, or up to 3 years, depending on your needs.
Can I reserve sperm for future use or siblings?
Yes. Long-term vial storage is available, allowing you to purchase vials from your preferred donor and plan for future inseminations to grow your family.
Do I need to complete paperwork before ordering?
Yes. Consent forms and payment documents must be completed.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Credit cards, wire transfers, and some insurance/financing options.
Are there any restrictions for shipping internationally?
At this time, we cannot currently ship to the United Kingdom or Canada due to regulations. For information about shipping to other countries, please contact our Customer Care team.
Are there any restrictions for shipping domestically?
At this time, we are unable to ship sperm vials to Colorado due to current state regulations. We understand this may be disappointing, and we’re closely monitoring any changes. The website will be updated as soon as regulations allow us to ship to Colorado again. If you are shipping to New York, please complete the Release Authorization form listed below prior to placing your order. We will not be able to ship your order until this form has been completed and submitted to our Customer Care team.
Pregnancy, Reporting & Support
How do I report a pregnancy?
Contact PSB directly. A pregnancy outcome form must be submitted within 90 days of thawing a vial.
What if I need to report a medical issue in a donor-conceived child?
Report directly to PSB by phone or email.
Is there a donor sibling registry?
We will be launching a registry to support connections among donor-conceived families in 2026.
What are the family unit limits?
Within the US, Premier Sperm Bank caps the number of families at 15, with one family slot being allocated to the donor himself. Outside of the US, we have a cap of 10 families. Therefore, the total number of families globally is 25 per donor.
Can my child contact the donor in the future?
Yes. At age 18, the donor-conceived child can contact Premier Sperm Bank with identifying information to initiate contact with the donor.
DNA Fingerprinting
What is DNA fingerprinting and why is it used?
DNA fingerprinting is a technique that provides a unique profile of a person’s DNA. At Premier Sperm Bank, it’s used to confirm the sperm vial you receive matches the donor you selected.
How does DNA fingerprinting benefit recipients?
DNA Fingerprinting guarantees that the sperm you’re purchasing truly comes from the selected donor. It helps to prevent errors, misidentification, or mix-ups in donor identity.