Sperm and Egg Donation

The donation program at assisted reproduction clinics is often the only hope for many couples receiving treatment for infertility to conceive their own offspring. Poor sperm and egg quality is the most common cause of infertility for almost a quarter of couples in Europe. IVF clinics therefore welcome all egg donors and sperm donors who are interested in helping others fulfil their dream of parenthood and conceive their own offspring. Who can become a donor, what conditions must they meet and how is the whole process carried out? We will advise you how! 

How sperm donation takes place?

The reason for infertility in men is poor sperm and in women poor egg quality. In some cases, the man does not have any sperm that could fertilise the egg, or the woman does not produce eggs capable of fertilisation. One or both partners may suffer from infertility. In all cases, it is dependent upon sperm donors and egg donors, thanks to which infertile couples have a chance to get pregnant. All those interested in donating can participate in an anonymous donation program and donate sperm or eggs after all criteria have been met.

A man who decides to donate sperm must be in good health and have at least a high school education. IVF clinics accept donors from the age of eighteen until the age of forty (according to the rules of the clinic, the upper age limit may be lower). To donate sperm, just fill out the contact form of the selected assisted reproduction clinic. A coordinator will contact you and invite you for an initial consultation. During the consult, the doctor will explain to you how the whole process of sperm donation will take place, discuss your family and personal history with you and answer any questions you may have. Then you will agree on a date for sperm donation.

A key criterion for entering a sperm donation program is good spermiogram (sperm analysis) values, which every donor must meet. A spermiogram (sperm analysis) is a microscopic examination of sperm, the aim of which is to determine the number of sperm, their motility and shape. In addition to sperm, the quality of the seminal fluid is also determined by its consistency and pH factor. A man should not have sexual intercourse or masturbate for two to seven days before undertaking a spermiogram (sperm analysis). 

Due to the fact that sperm is produced continuously in a man's body and its quality fluctuates due to various factors, it is ideal to undergo two to three examinations, between which there is at least a week's interval. Sperm collection usually takes place directly at the assisted reproduction clinic in a room that is specifically adapted for this purpose. In exceptional cases, the sample can be delivered to the clinic in a sterile container. In this case, it must be brought within one hour at the most and kept at room temperature at all times. However, this procedure is not highly recommended, as the quality of the sperm may be reduced during transport and the results of the spermiogram (sperm analysis) may not be realistic.

Requirements of the donation program

In order to obtain donor status, a man must meet all of the above conditions and undergo all the required examinations. This includes blood and urine tests to check for the presence of diseases such as hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, etc.) and an examination by a urologist. In the case the sperm is to be frozen (cryopreservation), it is necessary to take two to three samples, depending on the quality of the sperm. After about half a year from collection of the sperm, it is necessary to undergo this examination once more to be one hundred percent sure that the sperm is in good condition. 

As with egg donation, sperm donation is voluntary and anonymous. The whole process is covered by Czech legislation and the criteria of the American Association for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). There is no charge for sperm collection or related examinations. On the contrary, the donor is entitled to financial compensation of up to several thousand crowns, which he receives when the donated sample is released for use in the treatment of infertility. Sperm can be donated repeatedly.

Sperm cannot be donated by men who:

• do not meet the required age limits
• do not have at least a secondary education with a high school diploma or an apprenticeship certificate
• suffer from serious diseases (diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, etc.) or genetic defects 
• are addicted to alcohol, narcotics and psychotropic substances, regularly take drugs or are heavy smokers

Why become a donor?

Donating eggs and sperm is above all a chance to help infertile couples to a longed – for baby. Many of them, without donated sperm and eggs, would have no hope of having their own offspring. The whole process is anonymous and discreet, so you will not know who used your sperm or eggs, and conversely, the treated couple will not know who helped them in their quest to get pregnant. Everything is regulated by strict safety standards, which are determined by Czech laws and rules for assisted reproduction clinics.

The main criteria for entering the donor program is a comprehensive medical examination, thanks to which you will get a perfect overview of your health and fertility. This examination is free of charge and under normal circumstances you would pay several thousand crowns for it. On a final note, donation is associated with an attractive financial compensation and it is possible to repeat the collection of eggs and sperm several times.