When joining our sperm donor program, the first step is a semen analysis. Our donors must have high-quality sperm samples to join, but what does high-quality sperm mean?
We’re looking for samples that have a high number of sperm cells and sperm cells that move in a forward direction. These factors are needed to create a usable donation sample.
Sperm Concentration
The concentration is the total number of sperm cells present in the ejaculate. A high number is a great sign of a good quality sample, but they may not be moving in various directions, which is why we look deeper at the motility.
Sperm Motility
You will get feedback from us from each initial semen analysis when entering the program and you will continue to get reports about each donation you give. Your total motile, or TOMO count is the total number of sperm cells swimming in a straight line. The higher the better for this number. But anything lower than 20 million per ml we consider low count and will be discarded. A lower TOMO count does not necessarily mean that you should be worried about your fertility. We require this number to be high because all samples will be frozen before use, and about half of the sperm cells in the sample die due to the freeze. So, it is important to have a high TOMO count to get into the program.
Why is Sperm Quality Important?
To produce a sample that will create a useful donation, the sperm cells must be in a high quantity and functioning properly. Donors earn $100 for every high-quality donation that qualifies for release.
Taking care of your overall health will have a positive impact on your sample quality. Prioritizing getting a good night’s sleep, regular exercise, staying hydrated, and following SSB’s guidance of 48-hour abstinence prior to a donation are all examples of things you can do to qualify for useful donations. If you are interested in becoming a sperm donor or have any other questions about our sperm donor program, contact us at (206)-588-1484 or via email.
