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Why are semen donors required?
Infertility is a widespread problem, with approximately 1 in
6 couples experiencing difficulties conceiving during their reproductive
life. In around a third of these, failure to achieve a pregnancy is due to
an abnormality or absence of sperm in the male partner's semen. Artificial
insemination using sperm from an anonymous donor
(DI)
is an option by which such couples may have a child. The demand for donor
insemination is usually greater than the availability of suitable donors,
therefore centres such as ours are extremely grateful for offers from men
wishing to become semen donors. In larger centres, donated sperm is also
sometimes used for research into infertility problems.
What would determine an individual's suitability to become a
donor?
Donors should be between the ages of 18 to 45 years. They
should have no serious medical disability and a family background free from
any known inherited disorders. An experienced member of our staff
interviews all prospective semen donors. Medical and family history as well
as the individual's views on the implications of donor insemination is
discussed. We also ask permission to contact a prospective donor's GP to ask
whether he/she knows of any reason why they should not be suitable to
donate.
What tests are required before becoming a semen donor?
Prospective donors are asked to provide a semen sample for
testing. Samples are produced by masturbation and must be produced on site
in a room specially allocated for semen collection. Suitability is
determined by both the sperm count (expressed in millions per mL) and by
their ability to swim (motility). All samples are frozen in nitrogen at
around -190°C and checked once more when they are thawed. Many do not
survive this freeze/thawing process and this is the main reason for
rejecting prospective donors. Potential donors must be aware that after
examination, the majority of the semen specimens analysed will fail to reach
the very strict criteria required (although in most cases this does not mean
that these men have reduced fertility).
In addition, blood samples are required to confirm normal
genetic makeup and are screened for cystic fibrosis. Screening for sexually
transmitted diseases (STD's) is an understandable necessity. This involves
taking a urine sample and blood tests for Hepatitis and
HIV (AIDS) for which specific counselling will be given. This is repeated
when donations are complete. In addition a repeat blood test is required
again six months later.
Who should not become a semen donor?
Any man who has a known family history of a particular
illness, e.g. heart disease, mental illness, should not donate semen.
Additionally, anyone with a known genetic disorder, e.g. cystic fibrosis,
should not donate. Occasionally individuals may unknowingly carry the HIV
virus in their bodies. Transmission of the virus is not yet fully
understood, but it is known that it can be passed through semen.
Furthermore, an infected woman can transmit the infection to her baby. For
this reason, people in high risk groups for HIV may be advised not to
donate. These would include:
· Intravenous drug users
· Haemophiliacs treated with blood products before
they were made safe with heat treatment
· Sexual partners or contacts with people in any
of the above groups
What does donation involve?
Once screening is complete and the 'all clear' given,
arrangements can be made for donation to commence. Between 10 and 20
donations will usually be made, and expenses will be paid at the end of this
series. Half of the payment is withheld until the final STD screen is
complete, after which a lump sum is given.
Anonymity
To ensure confidentiality is maintained, within the unit each donor receives
a code no. However, each donor is registered with the Human
Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) and at the stage a child
reaches 18 years of age they are allowed to have full details to contact
you, if they so wish. Women receiving donor sperm and
their partners do not have access to that register but can ask for
non-identifying information, e.g. eye colour, hair colour.
Further information:-
Please contact Dr Kirkman-Brown on 0121 627 2739 between
10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, clearly stating that you are interested in
sperm donation for treatment.
We always suggest that before you attend you read the
latest HFEA guidance for donors which is available as a pdf by clicking
here
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