“One of the main motivations is a desire to help others”
BY CRYOS INTERNATIONAL
Sperm banks have for many years helped women from all over the world to become pregnant. Cryos, the world’s largest sperm bank has more than 1,000 donors registered on their online database, meaning there’s plenty of choice. But why do people choose to become a sperm donor in the first place? And what are the motivations and thoughts behind their decision?
Here, Cryos shares what they have discovered about their sperm donors from various surveys, interviews and everyday conversations with the donors themselves…
A desire to help
We have found that one of the main motivations for becoming a sperm donor is a desire to help others. Many of the sperm donors have friends or relatives who have had difficulties becoming parents and who have, as a result, realised just how difficult a fertility journey can be. Some of the donors also have children of their own and they recognize that having children is a wonderful part of life and wish that experience on others. From our conversations with the donors, we have found that many of them are also blood donors or even bone-marrow donors.
The extra bonus
Another motivation is the (financial) compensation. The sperm donors get compensated for their time and effort after each donation. Many of the donors are students at university and the compensation works as a supplement. However, the donors consider the compensation to be an extra bonus – and not the main motivation for becoming a sperm donor.. Choosing to become a sperm donor is a big decision and we have seen that the desire to help others is the main incentive for many.
Before making the decision
Becoming a sperm donor is not an easy process. In fact, the approval process is long and thorough and it requires a significant amount of dedication. The potential donors take their time in reflecting about their decision, as there are many elements to consider.
Can I live up to the requirements?
After the approval process whereby the sperm quality is determined, and the donors are screened for hereditary and genetic diseases, only around 10% will be approved as sperm donors. After being approved, they need to live up to certain requirements. Some of the requirements are to live an “extra healthy” life throughout the period of donating, show up to various medical examinations and donating for a certain period of time. Therefore, many of the sperm donors take their time in considering whether they are able to live up to those requirements before embarking on the approval process.
What will my partner say?
Another consideration before becoming a sperm donor may be to talk to a potential partner about the decision. Many of the sperm donors have partners or are married and already have kids. Being a sperm donor requires some serious considerations, and most of the donors choose to involve their partner in the process in order to be sure that they are making the right decision – a decision, which is supported by the people around them.
What will other people think?
Generally, it appears that most donors do not talk with others besides their partners or significant others about the considerations of becoming a sperm donor. This is due to the fear of potential prejudices that may exist. Moreover, many of the donors consider sperm donation to be something private, similar to a sexual relationship.
On the other hand, some of the sperm donors are very open about their considerations and also about their choice of being a donor and talk openly to friends and family. Of course, it’s a different experience from person to person after all.
If you want to know more about the Cryos donors and how to choose a sperm donor visit Cryos’ webpage here.
