So how is sperm donation done? Sperm donors and recipients ask this question a lot. Depending on which method of insemination you choose the answer can vary. Let’s start with what methods of sperm donation there are.
Method 1 – Artificial insemination at a clinic
Donating sperm through a clinic is the safest way to get pregnant using donor sperm. The reason for this is that every single donor has been screened and tested for health and fertility levels and the artificial insemination procedure itself is carried out by a trained professional. The reason not everyone chooses this method is mainly based on two factors: cost and donor anonymity.
Receiving artificial insemination through a clinic such as IVF or IUI can cost thousands of pounds and there is no guarantee you will become pregnant. Secondly sperm donors who donate at a clinic are likely to have their identification released when any resulting baby born from their sperm reaches 18 years of age.
Who can donate sperm at a clinic?
Most men can donate sperm. You can become a sperm donor if you:
- are fit and healthy
- weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs and 25 stone, or 50kg and 160kg
- are aged between 18 and 60
How often can sperm be donated?
Men can donate sperm 2-3 times per week.
What are the reasons some men may be rejected for sperm donation?
- if you are receiving medical or hospital treatment
- if you are taking medication after travelling outside of your country residence
- after having a tattoo or piercing
- if you feel ill
- if you have cancer
- after receiving blood, blood products or organs.
How is sperm donation done?
For most men donating sperm is easy and follows the simple steps listed below:
1. Preparation.
We will ask you to read our terms which explains the importance of sperm donation safety. It’s important to read this whenever you attend because advice does change.
2. Health screening
You need to ensure it is safe for you to donate, and that your sperm donation is safe for a woman to receive. A recipient may confirm your identity and ask you about the information on your sperm donor health check form.
3. Your sperm donation
When you are comfortable you can make a donation using a sterile specimen cup to capture your semen. This process usually takes between 5-10 minutes however you can take as long as you need. More about what happens on the day when you donate sperm.
Method 2: Home Insemination
For women who would like to know their donor, or meet them before insemination, and for donors who are happy to be known to the child the option of home insemination is a strong choice. Another bonus is that this procedure is absolutely free and highly successful.
What exactly is home insemination?
Home insemination is the method of inseminating sperm at home using a sterile syringe and specimen cup in order to become pregnant.
The home environment is very relaxed, the sperm is fresh and the recipient’s partner can be more involved.
How is sperm donation done at home?
When you are ovulating and your donor sperm has been tested to ensure it is disease free and fertile enough to get you pregnant you are ready to perform home insemination.
Quite simply a sperm donor will ejaculte into a sterile speciment cup. The donor’s job is now done. When the sperm has liquefied after approximately 10 minutes it can be inseminated into the woman’s vagina using a sterile luer slip syringe. Other home insemination products can be used to aid conception such as a speculum or fertility cup.
Legal factors for sperm donors to take into consideration
Sperm donation laws all over the world are constantly evolving as many new alternative families are being created.
Your legal position can vary greatly depending on your personal relationship status and how you conceive your child.
Generally speaking if you conceive outside of a licensed fertility clinic the donor will be considered the legal parent of any child born. Donating through a clinic gives a donor anonymity until the child reaches 18 years of age and means the donor has no parental rights or responsibilities.
When you consider how sperm donation is done take some time to think about which option of sperm donation would work for you and whether you want to be known to the child or remain anonymous.