Another bank question

cetcar2013

Apparently we're full of questions!  Here's another one

We think we picked the bank and donor that we would like to start out trying with.  The bank limits the number of vials you can purchase to 6 without having a successful pregnancy with that donor.  Our RE uses 2 vials per try so that's 3 tries.  Is this common?  Are there ever exceptions?  If we were to do the insemination with the bank, they only use 1 vial per try.  

Thanks in advance!

AandStilltrying

Doctors all have different protocols. It's not uncommon for Dr. To try this approach and is proven to have slightly better results but is the more $$$ way to go.

As far as the bank goes, what bank did you pick? If it takes more than that or you're concerned up front, call and speak to a rep about your situation and see what they say, or consider having your doc call and ask for special consideration in your situation.

I don't know why the bank would cap you for failed attempts if you are willing to give them $, they should be willing to give you the goods.

Best of luck!

BostonGayGal

Most doctors will recommend switching donors after a few tries with the same donor. If you have tried three times and then want to order more you may be able to sign a consent, but the bank is trying to avoid angry unsuccessful couples arguing that they should be able to return the sperm. Buy six vials and then worry about this when it is a problem. 

cetcar2013

Thanks for the feedback.  We went back to the literature they gave us at our consult appointment, and think we understand it better now.  They don't seem to have a limit on the number of vials if you order as you go, just on the number of 'pre-order' vials.  These are reserved for you, but in some cases may still be in the quarantine period, and it seems like you get some free storage with them.  It seems like if you use up your 6 vials that were your 'pre-order,' you can then continue to request them, if available for subsequent cycles.  Once you are successful, there's no limit on how many you can order for siblings in the future. It's still stressful, as we'd like the option to order just a few more because we like the donor, and think he's going to be popular, but we feel a little better having sorted that out.   This is Pacific Reproductive Services in Pasadena.