Sperm bank
Sperm storage is a simple, accessible, and affordable
option for men who are concerned about decreased fertility. Some men
store because they are facing possible sterility due to cancer
treatment or surgery. Some are planning vasectomies or beginning the
process of sex reassignment and store as a way of keeping their
reproductive options open.
Sperm freezing, also known as cryopreservation, has been practiced for
many decades. Cryopreserved sperm is frozen in liquid nitrogen at a
temperature of -196 °C. The frozen sperm cells are held in a state of
suspended animation and all cellular activity is essentially halted
until thawing. After thawing, a percent of the sperm revive and return
to the pre-freeze state. Many thousands of conceptions have occurred
from the use of cryopreserved sperm.
In order for us to store your semen samples, you have to be tested and found negative for evidence of infection with the following sexually transmitted diseases: HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. We will collect a blood sample at the time of your first storage visit. There is a fee for the blood test. This is the only testing required of a man who is storing sperm for his wife or intimate partner.
Sperm donor program
Our donors are ordinary, physically and mentally
healthy men from a broad cross section of society. Most of them are
students from institutions of higher education. Each donor meets
rigorous selection criteria and undergoes a thorough examination prior
to acceptance. The donors receive only a small remuneration, and it is
our belief that they are genuine in their desire to help others.
Prior to approval, donors are tested for Chlamydia and for antibodies
against HIV-I and -II, HTLV-I as well as hepatitis B surface antigen
(HBsAg) and hepatitis C (HCV-Ab). Blood group (ABO) and karyotyping
(46, XY) are also noted. In specific situations, we will carry out
tests for other heritable diseases (sickle cell disease, thalassemia,
Tay Sachs, cystic fibrosis, etc.). Complete anamnesis (specifically
regarding possible heritable conditions) is recorded, and the data are
entered in a registry of donors. Every donor is examined and given
final approval by a medical doctor.
Donor characteristics on file include: Donor number, colour of eyes,
colour of hair, height, weight, type of build, race, peculiarities of
appearance (e.g. complexion), age, education/occupation, blood type,
karyotyping, negative results of tests for Chlamydia, gonorrhoea,
HBsAg, HCV-Ab, syphilis, HIV-I & -II, HTLV-I and possibly other
tests.
> The semen stays frozen in quarantine for at least six months after which time the donor must be HIV-negative before the semen can be released.