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Can Anyone Donate Sperm?

Sperm banks in movies and TV shows have given us the impression that anyone can donate or sell their sperm for cash. But is this the same in real life?

In real life, not just anyone can walk into a sperm bank and make a donation. There are specific criteria a donor must meet before they can qualify. Sperm banks actually have height, age, intelligence, and health requirements.

How Can One Be A Sperm Donor?

At the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, donors are thoroughly screened for any risk factors or medical conditions before they are allowed to donate. Some patients would often have a sperm donor in mind, maybe a family member or friend, while others see the assistance of the fertility clinic in finding a donor.

Sperm banks have certain donor requirements. Today’s process is very meticulous, and on average, only 5% of the applicants pass the basic requirements to donate. The agency would put the donor through a detailed screen process that may take several weeks to complete, so if you’re thinking of donating to make a quick buck, this is not the option for you. (Source: Reproductive Health and Wellness Center)

What Are the Requirements a Donor Needs to Fullfill at the Sperm Bank?

Several factors come into play when we talk about a healthy sperm donor. This is precisely why sperm banks come up with a very detailed screening process that only allows them to choose and keep the best of the best. To be a sperm donor, you must fulfill the following requirements:

You must be between the ages of 18 to 35. When it comes to fertility, age is a vital factor. Younger adults would have a better chance of conceiving, and this is the same for their sperm. Most sperm banks will choose men who are at the ideal age of reproduction.

Some sperm banks have a height requirement. Most sperm bank clients prefer to have taller children. Some are even willing to pay more for a donor that is 6 feet tall. The height requirements for sperm banks vary, but most require donors to be at least 5’8″ or taller.

Intelligence is more important than appearance. Several clients are not as interested in the physical features of the donor, but their intelligence matters. Sperm banks require a college education as a pre-requisite for donating. At the California Cryobank, they require donors to have at least a 2-year college education.

You need to be healthy. The most important part of the screening process is to check the donor’s health history. Sperm banks expect potential donors to submit a doctor’s recommendation that proves that they are physically fit and free from infectious and genetic diseases. They need to be subjected to genetic testing and thorough evaluation. (Source: Reproductive Health and Wellness Center)

Do You Get Paid to Donate Sperm?

Once you qualify and pass all the tests, there are sperm banks that actually pay you to donate your little swimmers. On average, sperm donors are paid $100 to $150 per donation, and they are allowed to donate twice a week. A sperm donor can earn around $4,000 within a span of 6 months. This value varies depending on the location and the donor. (Source: Be A Sperm Donor)

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