Sperm Donation
Sperm donation is the process through which sperm is donated to a woman, or couple, in order to conceive a child by means of artificial insemination (AI) or assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Why donate sperm?
Being a sperm donor is a noble gesture that gives families and individuals a chance at parenthood that might not have been possible before.
Donor sperm samples are used for:
- Couples in which the male partner does not have any sperm of his own due to a wide variety of medical reasons, including illness or physical trauma.
- Single female patients ready to start a family, even though they do not have a male partner.
- Same-sex couples.
As a donor, you are remunerated for your time and the physical demands of the experience. According to Chapter 8 of the National Health Act, which regulates artificial fertilisation, a donor may legally not have more than six live births, thus no more than six children may be born from a single donor’s gametes, excluding the donor’s own children.
The process
1
Application
Once a potential donor has completed the donor requirements section and qualifies to apply, he can apply online (preferably) or, alternatively, the donor can email the donor bank (spermdonors@wijnlandfertility.co.za) requesting an application form. The application consists of a wide variety of questions that range from personal to medical and social information.
2
Clinic Visit and Information Session
Potential donors, who have met the prerequisites and applied, will be requested to visit the clinic. The fertility counsellor will have an information session with the donor to provide guidance and explain the process of donation and will also invite the donor to ask all the questions he might have regarding the process. The profile of the donor will also be discussed with him to ensure all necessary information is provided. The necessary consent and agreement forms, containing all the legal aspects regarding donation, will be provided to the donor. The information session serves to ensure the donor understands the process and that he has made a well-informed decision.
3
Tests
The donor must provide a sperm sample for a sperm test and a test freezing and thawing. The donor will be required to go for blood tests that are used to screen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The clinic will cover all costs related to the blood tests requested.
4
Donation
Successful donors then need to complete a series of donations during which 10 to 20 samples are provided to the clinic. One to two samples are usually needed per week, depending on the donor's schedule. The time frame for this is usually two to three months.
5
Re-testing
The donor must go for another round of STD blood tests six weeks after the last donated sperm sample was provided to the clinic.
6
Remuneration / Compensation
Once the donation period is complete, the donor will be compensated/remunerated for his time, travel and any reasonable expenses incurred due to the donation process. Donors are compensated on the successful completion of the last STD screening tests producing a negative result. Thus, payment will only occur if the donor was successful.
1
Application
Once a potential donor has completed the donor requirements section and qualifies to apply, he can apply online (preferably) or, alternatively, the donor can email the donor bank (spermdonors@wijnlandfertility.co.za) requesting an application form. The application consists of a wide variety of questions that range from personal to medical and social information.
2
Clinic Visit and Information Session
Potential donors, who have met the prerequisites and applied, will be requested to visit the clinic. The fertility counsellor will have an information session with the donor to provide guidance and explain the process of donation and will also invite the donor to ask all the questions he might have regarding the process. The profile of the donor will also be discussed with him to ensure all necessary information is provided. The necessary consent and agreement forms, containing all the legal aspects regarding donation, will be provided to the donor. The information session serves to ensure the donor understands the process and that he has made a well-informed decision.
3
Tests
The donor must provide a sperm sample for a sperm test and a test freezing and thawing. The donor will be required to go for blood tests that are used to screen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The clinic will cover all costs related to the blood tests requested.
4
Donation
Successful donors then need to complete a series of donations during which 10 to 20 samples are provided to the clinic. One to two samples are usually needed per week, depending on the donor's schedule. The time frame for this is usually two to three months.
5
Re-testing
The donor must go for another round of STD blood tests six weeks after the last donated sperm sample was provided to the clinic.
6
Remuneration / Compensation
Once the donation period is complete, the donor will be compensated/remunerated for his time, travel and any reasonable expenses incurred due to the donation process. Donors are compensated on the successful completion of the last STD screening tests producing a negative result. Thus, payment will only occur if the donor was successful.
WHY DONATE AT WIJNLAND?
GUIDANCE, SUPPORT & COUNSELLING
If you do decide to become a donor, we will provide an ethical, medical and psychological information session before you start the donation process. This session will provide all the necessary information regarding the donation process and we will also answer any questions that you might have. We want to ensure that you make a well-informed decision and that you are comfortable and familiar with all the aspects involved in the donation process.
If at any time during the process you feel uncertain about something, need more information or you just need someone to talk to about the donation, you are very welcome to contact us. The clinic offers counselling support, as we are committed to supporting our donors as best we can before, during or after donation.
If at any time during the process you feel uncertain about something, need more information or you just need someone to talk to about the donation, you are very welcome to contact us. The clinic offers counselling support, as we are committed to supporting our donors as best we can before, during or after donation.
Frequently asked questions
Sperm Donation
Do I have to be a South African citizen to donate?
No, we welcome non-South African donors who are in possession of legal citizenship.
How old must I be to qualify as a donor?
Older than 18 and younger than 40.
How does compensation work?
The donor is remunerated after the last donation and if all STD blood tests come back negative, thus when the donor is accepted.
Can I donate on weekends?
No, unfortunately we only accept samples during office hours and before 15h00 but a donation schedule will be arranged with you.
How long will I be participating in the donation programme?
You have the choice to donate once or twice a week, with three days' sexual abstinence in between. The overall donation period is, on average, three to four months.
Interested in becoming a donor?