What Are Some Questions You Would Ask About Being a Sperm Donor?

Becoming a sperm donor is a serious decision and requires commitment. It is a selective process and only 5 percent of men who apply to become a sperm donor are accepted. Understanding the process can help you decide if you should even pursue the endeavor, and the best way to find out information is by asking questions.

Are there any state certified sperm banks in my area?

• It is a good idea to have your doctor recommend two or three state certified sperm banks in your area. If you prefer not to talk to your doctor, you can research this information for yourself.

What type of donor should you be?

• Three types of sperm donations are made The first is known as anonymous where the sperm donor's identity is kept anonymous. The anonymous donation is the most common. The second type is called ID Release. This allows any information about the donor to be released to any child that the sperm produces. However, the child has to specifically request it and cannot do so until the age of 18. Lastly, a private donation is used when a man wants to save and freeze the sperm for future use.

Do you meet all of the general criteria?

• Sperm banks don't accept donations from just anyone. The general criteria for donating sperm are: 18-34 years old, height of 5'11 or taller, healthy weight, high school and college educated, no STD's or major diseases.

How do you get selected for sperm donation?

• Most sperm banks require three separate sperm donations in order to filter out the donors with deficient sperm. A person's sperm is judged by several factors: count, motility, how well they freeze, and checking whether the sperm appears deformed. If the sperm does not meet the requirements, the sperm donor will be rejected. Most of the sperm rejection occurs after the first donation. The second donation and third donation are for the same purpose. By the last donation, only the best sperm donors are left. These sperm donors then are put through rigorous medical testing.

What are the sperm banks testing for in the medical exam?

• The medical exam is done to ensure that the donor is as healthy as possible since any diseases could impact a potential baby. Some of the things the sperm banks test for are: blood type and count, sickle cell carrier, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis.

Are you responsible for any potential children?

• After a donor gets a clean bill of health, the sperm banks have the person sign a contract. The contract ensures that the donor has no legal responsibility for any child born from his sperm. Additionally, depending on the sperm bank, you will have to commit to donating sperm for a specific amount of time which can be as short as six months or as long as three years.

How much do you get paid?

• The payment for sperm donation varies between sperm banks.The quality of your sperm is a major factor in how much money you will get. High quality sperm donors can make over $1,000 a year, but most sperm banks pay between $30 and $200 per donation.