Sperm Donation FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some frequently asked questions about sperm donation.
1. How is the sperm sample collected for analysis?
Most doctors recommend ejaculating the sample through masturbation in a sterile cup. A private room is available for sperm collection. Sometimes, the sperm is collected directly from the testes via a medical procedure.
2. For how many days should one avoid sexual activity before the sperm donation process?
For a sufficient sperm count, the donor is asked to refrain from every sexual activity, including masturbation, for 2-3 days before the sperm donation.
3. How is the sperm stored after the donation?
Sperm must be preserved in specific lab conditions to make it viable for future use. It is frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. The sperm samples are placed in small vials. These vials are kept in storage freezers containing liquid nitrogen.
4. In how much time should the sperm be given to the sperm bank after it has been ejaculated?
The donor must bring the collected semen sample within an hour of ejaculation. Sperm does not have a long life outside the body in varying temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Sperm Donor
Here are frequently asked questions about Sperm Donors.
1. What is the right age to donate sperm?
The ideal age to donate sperm is between 18 to 35 years of age, as this is the peak time for good sperm count. However, the maximum age is 40.
2. What are the tests done for sperm donors??
The donor is asked to give blood & urine samples, and he has to undergo a medical screening process to check the possibility of any infections or autoimmune diseases. These include HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B, C, syphilis etc. They are also tested for genetic conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and cystic fibrosis. .
3. What factors should you consider before choosing a sperm donor?
You must ensure that the sperm donor is tested for sexually transmitted diseases, genetic conditions, and communicable infectious diseases. Some parents expect their baby to have specific bodily features, including eye colour, height, etc. You can check the photo & other details of the donor in such a case.
4. What is the sperm count required for a male to become a donor?
A person has to give many samples before becoming an official sperm donor. These semen samples are tested for motility, count, and quality. A man is considered fertile if the sperm count is more than 16 million per mL of a semen sample.
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