You think you have this, guys? Only 4 out of 100 potential sperm donors are successful. Many people are disqualified because of poor health, disease, and low-quality semen.
- Sperm donors must undergo regular screenings and testing
- Half of the donors who studied in the USA and Denmark withdrew.
- Some were put off because of laws regarding identifying donors to future children
- Many people are expelled for poor sperm quality, lifestyle and other health issues.
- Over half of the donor sperm used for UK procedures is from overseas
Research has shown that although many men believe they can be sperm donors, less than 4 out of 100 people who apply for sperm donation end up having their samples frozen.
An University of Sheffield study of over 11,700 potential sperm donors revealed that the overwhelming majority of donors either withdrew or were ruled out due to health and lifestyle issues.
Professor Allan Pacey (a Sheffield University scholar and head of the department) was the lead author of the research. He said that the largest study of donors outside of China revealed ‘how difficult it is to become an sperm donor’.
Pacey stated that “it’s not like blood donor where once it’s over you can have a cup o’ tea and go home,” in a statement.
An international survey of more than 11,700 potential donors of sperm found that the majority either stopped participating in the process or were excluded for their health and lifestyle reasons.
‘Sperm donor is a long-term commitment. It involves regular screening and testing. The donor may also have to deal with the consequences of having children from their donation.
The journal Human Reproduction published the findings. They found that nearly half (54.9%) of men who applied for Cryos donors in the US or Denmark pulled out of the program before the samples were released.
Another 17.4 per cent were denied due to medical issues. This includes those who have a genetic disorder or are suffering from an untreatable condition.
Another 11.7% failed to complete a questionnaire about their lives; 11.2 percent were denied due to poor quality sperm.
Recent data from Britain’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has shown that over half the new sperm donors who registered in the UK are from imported sperm. These sperm banks include Cryos in Denmark and Cryos in America.
Since 2016, it has been illegal in Britain to use sperm of donors who refuse to identify their offspring. The study compared Cryos donors who agreed to be identified with those who didn’t.
A Cryos International sperm bank. The UK imports large amounts of the samples from the group’s donors in the US, Denmark and other countries.
A file photo of a vacuum flask filled with liquid nitrogen straws containing frozen embryos and eggs at an infertility treatment center.
They discovered that 41.3 per cent of the population initially agreed to be identified, and that more Danes than Americans were willing to reveal their anonymity.
More donors became available over the course of the screening process and donation, which can take many months.
‘More donors, who initially wanted to remain anonymous, were willing to be identifiable as the screening and donation process continued,’ added Pacey, a professor of andrology.
“This is especially good news for patients in Britain undergoing fertility treatment. It is a legal requirement that sperm donors be identified to any children born from their donation.
This study is coming as a growing number of lesbian and single women turn to fertility treatment and sperm banks. Experts say that many women are struggling to find Mr Right, or are putting off motherhood in order to concentrate on their careers.
