What's Trending in 2012?

The infertility community is always discussing the latest treatments, technology and controversies within the industry.

What's on the list for 2012?

First, infertility specialists are buzzing about a new IVF test that will help increase the chances of a successful procedure and most importantly healthy babies.

The test is currently being studied at Oxford University, and researchers believe that it will be available within the next year if clinical trials go as planned.

Next, sperm donors might be a little more hesitant to give up their sperm in 2012. With new laws requiring donors to give up their identity so future children may contact them, the number of sperm donors worldwide has decreased dramatically. What does the future hold for sperm donation, and how will new laws affect the process?

Finally, surrogacy is a big topic for 2012. The reason is, gestational surrogacy isn't just for infertile couples anymore. The new trend is focused on career women, who use surrogacy to forego pregnancy, and still have the baby they've always dreamed of.

To learn more, read the full article: Infertility in 2012 - IVF Tests, Sperm Donation and Surrogacy

Sperm Donor Under FDA Investigation

Trent Arsenault isn't technically a criminal, but he's facing a $100,000 fine or one year in federal prison if he doesn't put an end to his business.

Arsenault is a sperm donor, but he doesn't offer his services at a sperm bank; instead he works out of his home, and offers his donations for free.

Since 2005, Arsenault has been helping infertile couples in California realize their dreams of becoming parents through sperm donation, but the FDA isn't too happy about his methods.

Unlike sperm banks, who require potential sperm donors to undergo rigorous screening for genetic abnormalities, infectious diseases, and mental health, Arsenault is giving his sperm away to anyone who needs it.

Some experts believe this poses a major problem, because recipients cannot guarantee the health of Arsenault's sperm (even though he displays all health tests, lifestyle, and diet details on his website).

Dr. Lynn Westphal, a reproductive endocrinologist at Stanford told the SF Gate, “I know people will get their friends and just use the turkey baster or whatever. Clearly that happens, but there are reasons for these FDA regulations. It’s safer to have the sperm tested.”

However Arsenault and his lawyers say this is an invasion of privacy by the FDA.

Arsenault said, "“What the FDA is doing infringes on reproductive rights. The government is reaching into the bedroom. There’s no precedence for my case. Whatever happens to me kind of sets the future up for all the other people in these situations – the couples plus the donors.”

To learn more about this sperm donor debate, read the full article: The DIY Sperm Donor - Hero or Criminal?

Sperm Bank in Denmark Doesn't Want Redheads!

At Cryo International, the world's largest network of sperm banks, redheaded sperm donors are not wanted.

Why?

According to the sperm bank's international agency director Ole Schou, red-haired sperm donors are only in high demand in Ireland.

However, as bad as it sounds, Schou insists that it isn't personal. He told MSNBC, “We have nothing against red-haired donors. Our stock is about to explode. We have just too many on stock in relation to the demand for the time being."

They are also rejecting blonde haired blue eyed donors, and are currently looking for more diversity; Black, Asian, Hispanic, Mediterranean and mixed-race sperm donors should apply.

To learn more, read the full article: Redheads Rejected from Donating Sperm in Denmark

The U.S. is in Need of New Sperm Donor Laws

It's hard to imagine being one of 150 brothers and sisters. However, in 2011, it is reality for some kids whose parents conceived them using a sperm donor.

Sperm donation has been widely used as a treatment for infertility over the past three decades. However, current laws regarding sperm donation only protect donors and the infertility clinic, with donor families left being treated poorly.

Today, these donor families are trying to improve regulations, in order to prevent the spread of genetic diseases and even incest from occurring in the future.

Sperm donation has helped so many people, but when it comes to the big picture, its important to think about the future of these children, which is why laws should be reevaluated before this situation spins out of control.

To learn more, read the full article: Sperm Donor Fathers 150 Kids--Should U.S. Laws be Changed?

Guys, Want to Improve Your Sperm Quality?

Many bad habits and lifestyle choices are synonymous with a laundry list of health problems. Obesity, poor diet, and tobacco use are commonly linked to cancer, heart disease and death; but did you know that these also contribute to male infertility?

Male infertility factors are to blame for about 30 percent of infertility cases, and many times, poor lifestyle choices are the main culprit.

Luckily, by making some simple changes, a healthier lifestyle can give you healthier, higher-quality sperm.

However, if it's too late, there are also many infertility treatments especially designed to treat male infertility.

To learn more, read the full article: Is Infertility in Your Future?

Same-Sex Couples are Having Kids and Deserve Equal Rights Too!

A scene from the film, The Kids Are Alright

Same-sex couples have been in the spotlight recently, and it's not just because June is LGBT month.

In the latest US Census survey, same-sex couples were officially counted, which painted a very clear picture of the LGBT community in the United States.

According to the results, 25% of gay couples are having children using the methods of adoption, egg donation, sperm donation and surrogacy.

These infertility treatments are not just for infertile couples anymore; same-sex couples use these procedures to have biological children, which is a basic human need of every person, regardless of sexual orientation.

To learn more about same-sex families, and their fight for equality, read the full article here: A Quarter of Same-Sex Couples Having Families

Denmark: Viking Sperm on Demand!

If you are searching for a tall, educated, blonde-haired, blue eyed father for your child, Denmark might be the place to go.

The Danish sperm donation and IVF business is booming, all thanks to a law that allows donors to remain anonymous.

Thousands of single women, lesbians and couples with a male infertility factor travel to Denmark every year to undergo IVF with sperm donation. If you aren't able to travel, Danish sperm banks have online shopping, and the sperm can be shipped to any infertility clinic in the world.

It's kind of like Amazon for sperm donation, and it's all the rage in Denmark.

For more information, read the full article: Viking Baby Boom: Sperm Donation in Denmark is Busier than Ever