Choosing to become a sperm donor is a worthwhile endeavor that provides a much-needed tissue donation that helps individuals and couples become parents. Not every applicant is accepted into the donor program for different reasons.
We are going to explore some of the screening and testing requirements during the application process and why you may be disqualified.
If you are not accepted into the program, there is also a donor referral program. The referral program is a way to still earn extra income while supporting families who rely on sperm donors to start or expand their families.
Medical Testing and Genetic Screening Requirements
After applying to the donor program, the first part of the application process is a semen analysis. A semen analysis must meet high standards to enter the program because it will be used to support fertility treatments. There are a few steps that you can take to help improve semen quality, such as having 48 hours of abstinence, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding hot tubs and excessive alcohol.
Other medical testing includes STI testing, health screening, and genetic carrier screening. What we’re looking for includes HIV, HTLV I/II, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, West Nile Virus, EKG, and urinalysis. Getting a positive result doesn’t necessarily result in automatic disqualification in some cases, and instead may mean a delay until the infection is resolved.
The genetic screening results will help our genetic counselors identify any genetic risks to future offspring. In most cases, genetic carrier screening results will not disqualify a potential donor. Genetic carrier screening provides health information that will help the intended parent(s) make an informed decision on what genetic conditions may be passed on, depending on the egg source. For example, if the egg source is a carrier for cystic fibrosis, the intended parents would want to avoid a donor who is a carrier for the same condition.
All health information and results are accessible to each donor, and potential donors will have an opportunity to discuss any results or disqualifications with our physician or genetic counselors.
Additional Requirements for Potential Sperm Donors
Other contributing factors that determine if you get into the sperm donor program include if you were adopted or what comes back on your criminal background check.
If you were adopted, you will need to have access to biological family medical records. This information will support our genetic counselors when they are reviewing your genetics and what could potentially pass on to future offspring. If your biological family’s medical records are not available, you will not be accepted into the program.
All potential donors have a criminal background check. We understand that things happen in life, so if anything comes back on this report, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances.
How to Apply to the Bellevue Sperm Bank Donor Program
We’re looking for men 18-39 years old, of all ethnicities, heights, and hair colors to join the program. You can get started with an online application today. After you have submitted your application, you are welcome to visit the lab as a walk-in or schedule an appointment for your semen analysis. Just be sure you have been abstinent for at least 48 hours before your analysis to help give you the best results.
The next step in the application process is to go over medical history and family medical history. Our physician will schedule a physical and we will also collect blood and urine for lab work. We are doing STI testing and checking your overall health, this is not a drug test. All the information collected is confidential and you will have access to your results.
Once you are approved you can start being compensated for your donations at $100 per donation.
If you are looking to start the application process to becoming a donor at Bellevue Sperm Bank you can apply online today. If you have any questions about becoming a sperm donor, you can reach out to our Donor Coordinator at 206-588-1484 or email [email protected].
