Who can be a sperm donor?
Men of all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds can become sperm donors. This includes men of different heights, shapes and sizes, as long as you meet the few criteria below.• You are between 18 and 49 years of age (21 to 45 years of age in Victoria).
• You are in good health.
• You have a low risk for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.
• You can provide a family medical history.
Some people in the community may not be able to donate because their lifestyle puts them at greater risk of contracting diseases that could infect the recipients and any children conceived. As part of being accepted as a donor, a lifestyle declaration must be signed.
If you feel you have what it takes to be a sperm donor we encourage you to contact us.
Please be assured that all services are provided in a completely discreet and confidential environment.
Why are sperm donors needed?
Approximately one in eight infertile couples requires donor sperm to fulfill their dream of becoming a parent. To enable this to become a reality they need to be able to access donated sperm. Specifically, sperm donors are urgently needed for the following reasons:
• As donor sperm in Australia is currently in extremely short supply.
• To assist couples, who are experiencing difficulties due to male infertility, achieve a pregnancy. Infertility affects 15% of the childbearing population, and male infertility is responsible for about 20% of these cases.
• As despite using high levels of reproductive technology some males still do not produce any sperm and are not able to achieve a pregnancy with their partner, Male infertility has many causes including genetic, infectious, and physical damage.
• As there are only two choices once male sterility is diagnosed, for a couple if they wish to have a child: adoption or donor insemination (using donor sperm). Adoption in Australia is difficult because there are very few children available for adoption. Some couples, of course, choose to remain childless.
• To meet the steadily increasing demand for donor sperm as a result of scientific advances in recent years now allowing IVF clinics to assist more patients.
• To meet the increasing demand for donor sperm as a result of a greater acceptance in society today regarding the use of donor sperm.
• To further assist patients who have already conceived children via donor sperm and are keen to return to the clinic to repeat the process for their child’s sibling/s.