A sperm bank can be an invaluable resource for infertile couples who want a child of their own. Men wishing to donate sperm are screened for a variety of issues. If they pass, they get a private room in which to produce their samples, often with the aid of magazines. Donors are paid for their service.

Sperm Banks

According to Stanford University in Davis, Calif., there are about 150 commercial sperm banks throughout the country. They are frequently near universities because most donors are college students.

Donors

Men are strictly screened before they can donate sperm; only about 5 percent are eligible. Certain diseases, such as HIV, will automatically disqualify a potential donor. Banks take a comprehensive personal and family history.

Donation

Eligible donors get explicit sexual material and a private room, where they masturbate into a sterile container. Donors are paid from $40 to $100 per donation and can earn up to $6,000 per year.

Restrictions

A 2007 article on the UC Newsroom website reports that sperm donation is not a one-time event; sperm banks, like the Sperm Bank of New York, require a donation commitment of a least six months. The donor must refrain from any sexual activity for at least 48 hours prior to donation.

Anonymity

Donors may choose to remain anonymous, or agree that their identity can be revealed at some point in the future. Regardless, donors are legally obligated to report any changes in their health to the sperm bank.

Source:

Stanford University: What Does Sperm Donation Involve?

University of California UC Newsroom: UCLA Study Looks at Sperm Donation

The Sperm Bank of New York