CMV risk with washed donor sperm

I am preparing to use donor sperm to become pregnant. I recently tested CMV negative, and I'm worried about the risk of contracting cytomegalovirus using donor sperm from a sperm bank. The sperm is prepared for intra-uterine insemination, so it is washed of all seminal fluid and then cryogenically frozen for a minimum of six months. Does washing, removing seminal fluid, and/or freezing the sperm remove the risk of contracting CMV?

Most sperm banks list the CMV status of their donors, but the one I'm using doesn't. Also, there are so few CMV negative donors, that I'm tempted to use a CMV positive donor. But, I don't want to contract CMV from the sperm, get pregnant, and deal with the illness during the first trimester (when the fetus is at the greatest risk).

Any advice?

Comments

IS that some form of herpes?

IS that some form of herpes?

Yes, it is

CMV is a type of herpes that affects 50-80% of the American population. It's classified as HCMV or HHV-5. Most people don't know they have it because you get infected with it once and its symptoms mimic a cold or the flu, and then you have the antibodies for life. It spreads very easily, often through saliva.

The only people truly at risk from CMV are babies still inutero. CMV is the second leading cause of mental retardation in children, and it can cause other neurological or physical problems.

Wow, good for you for

Wow, good for you for thinking of everything, I have never heard of that. I am sorry I can't help you, I have no idea. I would maybe look on herpes sites like herpes.com, and i think there is a area there you can ask doctors.

Back to top