​THE TOP FIVE SPERM DONOR MYTHS

There’s a lot of misunderstanding surrounding sperm donation in the UK. Many people believe sperm donors have to pay child support, or that sperm donors can create loads of children.

Here’s the truth behind the most common misconceptions, so you can decide if sperm donation is right for you:

Any man can be a sperm donor

Only men that have the highest quality sperm can be a sperm donor with Semovo. We need sperm that has a strong count, good movement and shape, with no abnormalities. We actually ask for about 20 to 30 samples from donors as fertility treatments are not 100% effective. This means the process can take between 6-12 months, depending on how regularly the donor attends.

Not all men have the quality of sperm required. It’s why we’re always appealing for more sperm donors, so we can find the men who do.

Remember that sperm has to go through all sorts of processes to be used in fertility treatment, and only the strongest, best sperm will be viable for use. So if you’re accepted as a Semovo sperm donor, congratulations!

If your sperm isn’t up to scratch, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean that you’re infertile. It just means that your sperm won’t do so well during the required treatment processes. It’s important that we only offer sperm that gives fertility clinic patients the highest chance of pregnancy, sperm that is capable of fertilising an egg through fertility treatment. Our expert team will provide you with further help and support.

Sperm donors have to pay child support

Official registered sperm donors aren’t responsible for child support. If you donate sperm through a licensed donation clinic like Semovo, then parentage is set by law. You’re not legally or financially liable for any children born using your sperm.

But if you donate sperm through your own private arrangement, regardless of how honourable your intentions, you may unwittingly be the child’s legal parent depending upon factors like the recipient’s marital status and method of donation. It’s always best to go to a licensed fertility clinic like our sister clinic Manchester Fertility for treatment, to safeguard you and your recipient. And take legal advice if you’re unsure, even if you know the person you’re planning to donate to.

My sperm could be used to make lots of children

You may have read news stories of sperm donors abroad creating lots of children, but in the UK sperm donation is limited. Registered sperm donors can only each create a maximum of 10 separate UK families.

There is no set limit within those ten families. However, this is to allow people who successfully conceive with your sperm the opportunity to use your sperm again in future if they wish to give their child a sibling.

I can’t have a sexual relationship while I’m a sperm donor

This is one of the most common myths. You can have a sexual relationship, but we do require a certain amount of abstinence prior to each sample donated, usually of between 3 to 5 days. This is very important; otherwise, the samples may not be good enough to use, so you may find it slightly restrictive. However, it is always best to abstain correctly for a few good samples than produce many really poor ones.

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Sperm donation means I’m someone’s father

When you donate to Semovo, your sperm provides the biological means to create a baby only. You are not considered the father of any child born, and all recipients who choose you as their sperm donor receive implications counselling before treatment, so they understand everyone’s rights and responsibilities, including yours as the sperm donor and the rights of their child.

Any child created using your sperm does have the right to apply to UK fertility regulator the HFEA – Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority – for identifying information about you when they turn 18 years of age. But it’s up to the donor-conceived person to do this, information is not given out automatically. Some people may not be aware they are donor-conceived, or may not wish to know who you are. You’ll be implications counselled about all this too, as part of the sperm donation process.

Get the facts about sperm donation

We offer sperm donation on your terms, together with a transparent and open process so you can make an informed and confident decision to donate sperm. We have regional donation clinics, making it more convenient than ever to donate sperm near to you, when it suits you.

If you’re considering being a sperm donor, speak to our friendly team on 0345 266 1272 to explore the full story of sperm donation and how it works. If you’d like to apply and see if you have the quality sperm we need, complete our sperm donor application form and we’ll get back to you.

You can also email us: donate@semovo.co.uk