5 misconceptions about sperm donation

The donation is free and anonymous

True. The donation is anonymous for both the receiving couple and the man giving his sperm. It is also unpaid and free. However, donations are covered and non-medical expenses such as accommodation and transportation are reimbursed by the hospital upon presentation of receipts.

All men can give

False. To give couples who can not have children, the man must be at least 18 and under 45, and he does not need to have had children in his lifetime. The volunteer must also be in good health: several appointments are necessary to allow the doctor to know his state of health and any personal and family history.

Thus, it is necessary to pass several examinations: to determine the blood group, to detect the possible presence of viruses (hepatitis, HIV ...), to carry out a genealogical investigation on the donor and his family but also to carry out a karyotype in order to identify the risk factors of transmission of a genetic abnormality to the child.

An interview is organized to discuss with a psychologist or psychiatrist of the donation center on the reasons for the donor's approach.

The donor does not need the agreement of his partner

False. Once all interviews are over, the medical team will collect the donor's consent in writing, as well as that of the person with whom they live if they are in a relationship. In addition, screenings may also involve the donor's partner.

Ideally, there should be a period of sexual abstinence before each collection

True. To give his sperm, the donor must practice masturbation in the center. The sexual abstinence of 3 to 5 days makes it possible to collect a maximum of mobile spermatozoa.

It takes several samples: a first to study sperm and ensure the absence of infection and its resistance to thawing. The results will show the number of next collection to be performed, depending on the case, there may be 4 to 5. It is best to practice sexual abstinence before each donation.

We limit to ten the number of children born with the gametes of the same donor

True. The centers for the study and conservation of eggs and sperm (Cecos), which must be visited to make the donation, limit to ten the number of children born with the spermatozoa of the same donor. However, this number is rarely reached, "Flakes (small thin tubes containing 0.25-0.30 mL of sperm after numbering) are usually used up before".

"With this number of children being able to be from the same donor, the risk of consanguinity is similar to the risk present in the general population. The flakes that may remain after the birth of 10 children will either be destroyed or used for biological tests or for scientific research if the donor has agreed, " informs the Cecos website.

Sources: service-public.fr

cecos.org

Read also :

⋙ Sperm donation: how is it going and who can give?

⋙ What is the life span of a sperm?

⋙ oocyte donation: how is it going and who can give?