What is HPV?  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral disease worldwide.  Some types of the virus cause common skin warts, while other types of HPV are considered high risk (e.g. HPV-16 and HPV-18) and have been associated with anogenital cancer, particularly cervical cancer. 

 Fairfax Cryobank has an extensive screening process for donors, including routine HPV tests.  While knowing your donor's medical status is essential, a new study shows that routine OB/GYN exams may overlook important factors that can detect pre-cancer risks in women.

In terms of pre-cancer determination, there are 2 other types of HPV that are not recognized through a routine check-up.  Fairfax Cryobank tests for these 2 HPV strains known to cause cancer, by DNA based testing.  We are the only Sperm Bank that can claim all our donors have had HPV testing by DNA. To learn more about how to monitor your health and HPV, read this informative article.

I had a family party this weekend where I was able to spend time with my nieces and nephews. These are great kids that range from 2 to 8 years of age. We talked, played, danced and sang together. They are a lot of fun, but not without challenges. Whenever I spend time with them I gain a greater appreciation for the work, commitment and energy it takes to be a parent.

After five hours I was spent! They are balls of energy, and I will admit that I cannot keep up with them. It was wonderful to see how much my oldest nephew has grown and is starting to mature at the ripe old age of 8. I have seen his entire life and watched as his parents learned to parent him, then learned to parent two kids, then three. I have watched not only these amazing babies turn into interesting kids, but also watched their parents evolve to meet the needs of their kids.

All of this started me thinking about the amazing courage and strength it must take for women and men using donor sperm to begin the process of parenting, which I believe starts the minute you decide to try to have a child.

Those of you who turn to a sperm bank to provide the donor sperm necessary to achieve pregnancy are courageous and amazing.

Using donor sperm adds another dimension to the journey to parenthood. We at the sperm bank have an appreciation for this process and for the emotions wrapped up in the journey. Some sperm banks can appear very product driven, but there are those of us who recognize that your need for donor sperm is part of a bigger picture. That is why we have developed services based on client comments and requests, why we have made the search for a sperm donor more interactive and dynamic. This is also why the staff at the Sperm Bank has a great respect for all of our clients and the individual journey.