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Sperm donation may not be spoken about openly, but it is a topic that requires adequate attention and awareness. That is because sperm banks and donors play a huge role in helping childless couples become parents. “Yes, when legally followed and with proper counselling, couples can opt for donor sperms when other options are not available or have failed,” said Dr Purnima Satoskar, Consultant Gynaecology and Obstetrician, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.
She explained that sperm donation is a process that involves collecting semen — the thick liquid that is released during ejaculation — by masturbation and donating it to a sperm bank or facility. “The sperms are then stored in a special environment and when required, inseminated into the female’s reproductive organs by a process known as intrauterine insemination. The sperm can also be used outside the body for fertilization of the matured eggs in the laboratory, a process known as in vitro fertilization,” she told indianexpress.com.
But, since it is not spoken about openly, people may have doubts and confusion about the process. So, here are some things you should know about sperm donation, as shared by Dr Satoskar:
Who is a sperm donor?
A sperm donor is a man who donates semen, which contains sperm, to a single person or couple trying to conceive.
Who can avail of sperm donation?
Both single people and couples are candidates for sperm donors. For instance, a same-sex couple or a single woman may decide to use a sperm donor. Most often, a male partner in a heterosexual relationship may struggle with infertility and opt for a sperm donor, too.
What does the process entail?
*A registered ART (assisted reproductive technology) bank can screen, collect, and store semen from men aged between 21 and 55 years. However, most of the sperm banks prefer a sperm donor between the age group of 18 to 39 years.
*A complete medical and family history of the donor is taken, especially to ascertain if there is any genetic or hereditary disorder and family history of any diseases.
*The doctor takes a complete medical history and performs a thorough physical examination. Age and weight, any past surgeries, allergies, personal history including alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs, cardiac problems, diabetes, or any other significant medical problems are noted.
*Blood tests are taken to rule out infectious and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis.
*Before being approved as an official sperm donor, the person has to give semen samples which are tested for quality, quantity, and movement. The fertility criteria are a count of more than 15 million sperms per millilitre of a semen sample. The sperm should have a normal structure and shape, and above 40 per cent of the sperms should be motile.
*The person is asked to share information about hobbies, education, personal habits, and interests. The person may be asked to give some audio and video recordings.
*The person who passes the screening test, fulfilling all the criteria, is asked to sign a consent form which states that the person denies any risk factors for genetic infections or sexually transmitted infections.
*It is very important for a potential donor to undergo counselling about possible psychological, emotional and legal issues of the process of sperm donation.
*The person who becomes a sperm donor can also choose whether to share the contact information with the biological child in the future.
Laws governing sperm donation in India
Sperm donation is governed by the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021. “Every ART clinic and bank must be registered under the National Registry of Banks and Clinics of India which will maintain a central database with details of such institutions. The registration of such clinics and banks is valid for five years and can be renewed for another five years. It may be cancelled or suspended if the institution violates the provisions of the Act. Detailed guidelines have been laid down. For example, clinics are not allowed to provide a child of pre-determined sex as per the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994,” Dr Satoskar said.
Benefits of using a sperm donor
*For single parents and couple with fertility issues, sperm donation helps them conceive and have children
*In order to be a sperm donor, men have to pass multiple screenings, which proves that their sperm is healthy
Concluding, Dr Satoskar said, “Sperm donation is a safe, painless, and effective procedure. It does not carry any type of risk for the donor or the recipient if the guidelines are followed.”
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