Introduction
Each year thousands of couples seek medical advice about their failure to
conceive. One in six couples will consult a doctor over possible infertility
at some stage and some will be referred to experts in the field of
reproductive medicine. Sperm problems are the single most common cause of sub
fertility and they affect about one-third of infertile couples.
Regulation/Law
Sperm donor and recipient are usually anonymous to each other.
However, a recipient may receive non-identifying details about the donor such
as height, weight, hair color and education. Lobbyists in many modern
countries include New Zealand and United Kingdom are trying to make donors’
personal disclosure information available to their recipients.
However, in United States, donors are still anonymous.
Sperm Bank
The sperm banks in the United States are regulated by the FDA. Also,
each state has different regulations regarding sperm storage. Sperm donors are
subjected to rigorous tests for virus/diseases, such as HIV, Syphilis,
Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B & C, and others.
The sperm is stored for a minimum of 6 months in a freezer to ensure the
sperm is healthy before it is sold to recipient. Unhealthy sperm does not
survive this process. As a result, you may be asked to provide multi samples.
Process/step
1 – Find a sperm bank. There few ways you can do it. Simplest, is to ask
your doctor. Second, look up sperm bank in your local yellow page. Third, the
most common method, is look it up on the internet (see below for related
links).
2 - Schedule for a consultation. This step is for the sperm bank to see if
you pre-qualified and for you to find out more about sperm donation. Here you
will fill out information regarding yourself, current health, blood type,
education background, family history, race, current living style, and other
personal questions.
3 – Provide three samples. This process is not done on a same
day. Usually it is scheduled according to your own free time.
4 – Provide your medical history. If your sperm pass all the
medical tests. The sperm bank will ask for your medical history.
5 – Contract. Here you will be asked to sign a contract. Usually it means
that you have no legal responsibility for any potential child and you will be
remained anonymous. In another word, you will never know your children.
Some sperm bank will asked you to donate sperm for a period of time, ranging
from 6 month to 3 years. During those time you are required to maintain good
health and reveal any medical conditions.
6 – Payment. It varies depending on your length of donations, the
quality and quantity of your sperm. Generally it is about $200 a week.
High quality sperm can earn several thousands of dollars a year.
Resources