Information for Prospective Sperm Donors
Information for Prospective Sperm Donors
Introduction
Thank you for taking time to consider becoming a sperm donor. There is currently a shortage of sperm donors in Scotland and supply does not meet demand but you could help change this.
Donor sperm may be needed because of fertility problems or the absence of sperm. Donation is a generous and positive act and if you decide to become a donor, you will be helping people have children when they otherwise could not. As with other types of donation, motivation to help others in this way is a truly altruistic act and there will be no financial compensation or expenses paid when donating at one of our four NHS Scotland fertility centres. We are asking for your help to support our patients who need donor sperm and also to support our amazing NHS service.
Would you be a suitable sperm donor?
We aim to develop a diverse sperm bank and are looking for donors from all nationalities, religions, ethnicities and cultures to meet the demands of people who use our service. We are looking for sperm donors who understand what it means to pass on their genes to children born from sperm donation. You must be aged between 18 and 45 years and need to have a normal sperm count. You need to be able to give a personal and family history, including grandparents, and there should be no significant illnesses or inherited diseases. You need to be able to commit to weekly donations over 2-3 months.
Who cannot be a sperm donor?
To ensure the wellbeing of future offspring and to meet the requirements of the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA), we are unable to accept donors who:
• Are unable to provide a biological family history
• Have a genetic abnormality that could lead to a serious physical or mental condition in their
offspring
• Are identified as being at risk of infections that can be transmitted through their donation.
Please note that the law limits the number of families created from each donor and so we cannot accept a donor who has previously donated at another centre.
What do I need to think about before donating?
Sperm donors provide a wonderful gift to people who long for a child but it is important to be aware that this can have an impact on other people too. This includes the people who receive your donations in treatment, children born from your donations, and you and your own family.
Legally and socially, the person or couple who receive your donation will be the parent(s) of any child born as a result of your donation. The child inherits your genes, therefore any child of theirs will be genetically related to you. You should think about how you feel about this now and try to imagine how you might feel
in the future. You will be given an appointment to speak with one of our counsellors so you have the opportunity to explore potential concerns or implications.