Sperm Donation: Changing Lives

We were recently contacted by the London Sperm Bank, London’s most respected Sperm Bank, to ask if they could write a guest post for us. I’m always interested in hearing all points of view on sperm donation, so here is their post. I found it interesting to find out a little more about clinic donation. Enjoy!

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(A Guest Post by the London Sperm Bank)

Unfortunately, one in seven couples have difficulty becoming pregnant. This may be due to the male partner being unable to produce sperm, or if he can produce sperm then there may be something wrong with it such as a low sperm count. Sometimes the only option for a couple with these circumstances is for them to have a child with donated sperm.

The generous act of sperm donation gives struggling couples and individuals the opportunity to have one of the most precious gifts in the world: a child.

Not only do heterosexual couples benefit from sperm donation, it is a procedure that is increasingly used to enable single women and lesbian couples to have children. What motivates men to become sperm donors? The desire to help assist another couple’s dream come true; the dream to start a family.

Whether they do it because they personally know someone with fertility problems and know first-hand how they can significantly impact lives for the better, or whether they find that the idea of passing on their genes provides them with a sense of fulfilment, they primarily do it because they know that such a simple process can make a huge difference to someone’s life.

As long as you are between the ages of 18 and 42 and meet the health requirements, you can become a sperm donor and help those whose fertility is sadly less than your own.

The sperm donation process involves the collection of fresh semen. At your first appointment, you will be asked to produce a semen sample. To ensure that your sperm is at its most optimum level, you should refrain from sexual intercourse and masturbation for three days before your appointment in order produce the best possible sample. If your sperm is acceptable for the donation programme, it will then be stored by immersing it in liquid nitrogen.

As much as half of sperm are unable to survive the thawing and freezing process so you will be asked to donate once or twice a week for a period of three to six months. The healthiest, most robust sperm will survive. All semen is checked for infections such as HIV or hepatitis B, and can then be used for insemination.

There are many benefits to becoming a sperm donor but the most important one is knowing that you have helped create a life, which in turn has made someone’s dream come true.

If you’re considering making a sperm donation, look no further than the UK’s premier sperm bank. London Sperm Bank, the largest donor sperm provider in the UK, successfully helps those who wish to have children but can’t. Call 020 7563 4305 today for more information on how you can become a donor.