​DO UROLOGICAL CONDITIONS PREVENT SPERM DONATION?

If a urological condition is part of your medical history, does it mean you can’t donate sperm?

Urology conditions are those which affect the urinary tract and kidneys- but it also applies to issues with the male reproductive system.

There are many common urology conditions that affect men, including erectile dysfunction, male infertility and prostate problems.

As part of September’s Urology Awareness Month by The Urology Foundation, we look at the impact urology conditions can have on sperm donation:

Types of urology conditions that can affect being a sperm donor

Having a urological condition isn’t an automatic no for sperm donation. It depends on what the condition is, and how it affects your sperm. Typical urological conditions that can affect sperm include:

Sperm disorders: To donate sperm we need your sperm to be of excellent quality – and this means good mobility and shape and a strong sperm count. As male infertility is classed as a urological condition, you won’t be able to donate sperm if you have a low sperm count for example.

Erectile dysfunction: You need to be able to produce a sperm sample to be able to donate sperm, and this means you need to be able to ejaculate normally.

Cancer treatments: If you’ve had urological conditions such as testicular cancer, bladder, kidney or prostate cancer, the cancer or its associated treatment can affect your fertility and mean your sperm isn’t suitable for use in fertility treatments.

A previous vasectomy: If you’ve had a vasectomy reversal, although you may now be successfully producing sperm, it may not fully restore your fertility and can impact on sperm quality.

Checking your sperm for suitability

We’ll review your medical history – including any previous or existing medical conditions – and carry out health screening tests when you apply to be a Semovo sperm donor. We’ll also perform semen analysis, which examines your sperm under microscope in our laboratory, to check if you have the right quality of sperm we need.

If your sperm isn’t suitable, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re infertile and can’t get someone pregnant naturally. The criteria for sperm donation is very specific for a reason – to ensure those who use sperm from our donor sperm bank have the greatest chance of pregnancy success.

If you’re interested in donating sperm, speak to our friendly team for an informal chat on 0345 266 1272 or apply online, with no obligation.