Starting IVF with donor sperm can feel like a big step, and many patients want to know exactly what to expect before beginning treatment. As Dr Daniel Lantsberg, a fertility specialist based in East Melbourne, I guide individuals and couples through this journey every day. Knowing the stages of IVF can help you feel more prepared, supported, and confident as you move forward.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The process begins with a thorough consultation. At my East Melbourne practice, we review your medical history, fertility goals, and treatment options. For those using donor sperm, we also discuss donor selection, whether through a clinic-recruited donor or a known donor. This first step sets the foundation for a personalised plan.
Step 2: Testing and Preparation
Following your consultation, the next step is testing and screening. This includes blood tests, ultrasound scans, and an assessment of your ovarian reserve. We also consider genetic screening where relevant. Once these results are available, we arrange a review appointment to discuss them in detail.
In the meantime, you’ll meet with our counsellors and nurse educators in East Melbourne. These sessions help you prepare for treatment, address emotional and practical questions, and ensure you feel supported at every stage.
From there, I create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. This includes selecting a donor and mapping out your IVF journey.
Step 3: Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring
If you’re proceeding with IVF, the next stage is ovarian stimulation. This involves taking medication to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. At my East Melbourne clinic, I closely monitor patients using ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure the timing is just right.
Step 4: Egg Collection
Once the follicles are ready, eggs are collected in a short procedure under light sedation. On the same day, the chosen donor sperm is prepared for fertilisation.
Step 5: Fertilisation and Embryo Development
In the laboratory, donor sperm is combined with the eggs using ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The embryos are then cultured and monitored over several days, with embryologists carefully tracking their development.
Step 6: Embryo Transfer
One of the healthiest embryos is transferred into the uterus on day 5 of development (a blastocyst stage). This is a simple, low-pain procedure that takes only a few minutes to complete. Remaining suitable embryos can be frozen for future use.
Step 7: Pregnancy Test and Beyond
Around 10 days after embryo transfer, a blood test will confirm whether implantation has occurred. If positive, we arrange early pregnancy scans to track your progress. If not, we review the cycle together and consider next steps.
Emotional and Legal Support
At my East Melbourne practice, I remind patients that IVF with donor sperm is not only a medical process but also an emotional and legal one. Counselling is part of the journey, and Australian law ensures transparency, with children having the right to access identifying donor information at adulthood.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the IVF process with donor sperm, from consultation through to conception, can help you feel more prepared and supported. If you are considering this pathway and would like guidance in East Melbourne, Dr Daniel Lantsberg would be honoured to help you navigate each step with care, clarity, and compassion.