In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced and widely used assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to help individuals and couples struggling with infertility. IVF involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body to create an embryo, which is then transferred into the uterus for implantation and potential pregnancy. One of the most common questions people have when considering IVF is whether the procedure uses their sperm.

At an IVF Centre in Kenya, patients are typically offered the option of using their sperm for the IVF process, but there are certain scenarios where donor sperm may be used. Understanding how IVF works and the role sperm plays in the process can help you make an informed decision about your fertility treatment options.
 

What Is IVF and How Does It Work?
 

IVF is a procedure where both the egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory setting. The process typically involves several stages:
 

  1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation using hormone injections to produce multiple eggs, as opposed to the natural one egg per cycle.
     
  2. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, a doctor retrieves them from the ovaries using a thin needle inserted through the vaginal wall.
     
  3. Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. If the male partner’s sperm is being used, the sperm is processed and prepared before fertilization.
     
  4. Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored for development over the next 3 to 5 days.
     
  5. Embryo Transfer: Once the embryos have developed, one or more are transferred into the woman’s uterus in the hope that implantation will occur.
     

Use of Your Own Sperm in IVF
 

For most couples, IVF involves using their own sperm. The male partner’s sperm is typically collected through masturbation, and the sperm sample is processed to separate the healthiest and most motile sperm. These sperm are then used to fertilize the woman’s eggs.
 

Advantages of Using Own Sperm:
 

  • Natural Genetic Connection: Using your own sperm ensures a biological connection between you and the child. This may be important for many couples who want to preserve their genetic link to the child.
     
  • Cost-effective: Using the male partner’s sperm eliminates the additional cost of purchasing donor sperm.
     
  • Better Success Rates: Using fresh sperm from the male partner generally offers higher chances of success in IVF, especially when sperm quality is good.

 

When Is Donor Sperm Used in IVF?
 

In some cases, donor sperm is used in IVF if the male partner has certain medical conditions or fertility issues that prevent his sperm from being used. These may include:
 

  • Azoospermia: A condition where no sperm is present in the semen.
     
  • Poor sperm quality: Severe issues like low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormally shaped sperm.
     
  • Genetic concerns: If the male partner carries a hereditary genetic condition that could be passed on to the child.
     
  • Single women or same-sex couples: In situations where no male partner is available for sperm donation.
     

When donor sperm is used, the sperm is typically obtained from a sperm bank, where it has been rigorously screened for infections, genetic conditions, and other factors to ensure quality and safety.
 

How Do IVF Clinics Ensure Sperm Quality?
 

For those using their own sperm in IVF, ensuring sperm quality is critical for successful fertilization. The sperm sample is processed and examined for:
 

  • Sperm Count: The number of sperm in the sample.
     
  • Motility: The ability of sperm to swim and move.
     
  • Morphology: The shape and size of sperm, as irregularly shaped sperm may have difficulty fertilizing an egg.
     

In cases where sperm quality is an issue, IVF procedures like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be recommended. This technique involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
 

Conclusion
 

Whether IVF uses your own sperm or donor sperm depends on a variety of factors, including your fertility health, genetic conditions, and personal choices. For most couples undergoing IVF, using your own sperm is a standard approach, and it generally offers the best chances of success. However, donor sperm is a viable option for those with fertility issues or other conditions that prevent using the male partner’s sperm.