Donor pathways
Whether you’re a single woman, part of a same-sex couple, or a couple facing fertility issues, an egg or sperm donor pathway may be the best option for creating your family.
Dr Simon Nothman is an experienced fertility specialist practising at Genea, a leading fertility clinic in Bondi Junction, Bella Vista and Sydney CBD. He has supported many patients through donor conception, including single women, same-sex couples, and couples affected by male or female factor infertility, through every stage of a donor pathway, from the initial conversation through to treatment.
Who might consider a donor pathway?
Dr Nothman may discuss donor options with you if:
- You have no viable sperm, or your partner’s sperm isn’t suitable for use, including after surgical retrieval
- You have a low or depleted egg reserve, or your eggs aren’t suitable for use
- You carry a genetic condition you don’t want to pass on to a child
- You’re a single woman or man, or same-sex couple building a family with donor sperm or eggs
- You’ve had repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles using your own eggs or sperm
The donor pathway process
Dr Nothman will be able to explain the process in detail and how it will work for your situation, however the steps broadly involve the following:
Step 1: Initial consultation
Dr Nothman reviews your medical history and discusses whether a donor pathway is appropriate for your situation.
Step 2: Counselling
Implications counselling is a mandatory part of donor conception in Australia. It’s a space to talk openly about what donor conception means for you and your future child, and it happens early, before treatment begins.
Step 3: Choosing a donor
You can choose between a known donor, someone personally known to you, such as a family member or friend, or a clinic-recruited donor accessed through Genea’s local donor program or international donor bank partners.
Step 4: Screening
Clinic-recruited donors complete a rigorous screening process, including a medical assessment, genetic testing, infectious disease screening, and semen analysis for sperm donors, along with counselling sessions and assessment by a donor selection committee. Similarly, known donors are required to undertake a medical assessment with Dr Nothman, infectious disease testing and counselling, and genetic screening is also recommended, but is a matter for the donor and recipient to decide together.
Donor conception in Australia is non-anonymous, and donor-conceived people have the legal right to access identifying information about their donor once they turn 18. Some legal considerations vary by state, and this can be discussed as part of your counselling.
Step 5: Treatment cycle
Once counselling, screening, and matching are complete, treatment proceeds as an IVF or ICSI cycle using the donor eggs, sperm, or embryos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a known donor, such as a friend or family member?
You can choose between a known donor, someone personally known to you, such as a sibling or friend, or a clinic-recruited donor accessed through Genea’s local donor program or one of its international donor bank partners. Whichever path you choose, counselling and screening requirements still apply.
Will my child be able to find out who their donor was?
All donor conception is altruistic and non-anonymous in Australia, meaning donor-conceived children have the legal right to access identifying information about their donor once they turn 18.
How long does it take to be matched with a donor?
This varies depending on the donor type and current availability. Dr Nothman can talk you through current wait times and donor bank availability for your specific situation when you get in touch.
Does Medicare cover donor conception treatment?
Medicare rebates apply to some components of fertility treatment for eligible patients, though donor conception itself involves additional costs. You will receive a clear, itemised cost breakdown before treatment begins, along with interest-free payment plans of up to 24 months if cost is a concern.