SPERM BANK (INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS)

Resorting to a sample from a sperm bank is a method which was used much more frequently a few years ago. The introduction of ICSI just over ten years ago has meant that the use of sperm donations has become somewhat more limited. In spite of this, we still come across cases where it is not possible to find sperm, even after carrying out a testicular biopsy. Sometimes, when we carry out in vitro fertilisation, we also find that the sperm, even if they are sufficient in number, are not of any use from the functional point of view. In such cases we have to resort to a sperm sample from a donor. For this we have our sperm bank, where semen donated by men for reproductive purposes is frozen and stored.

The characteristics which donors must meet are regulated by law. First of all, the semen sample which is donated must comply with certain quality levels which are even higher than those used for other types of sample. The men must be of age and their personal and family history must be checked to ensure that they do not have, nor ever have had, any infectious disease of any kind. They must also undergo a series of tests, also laid down by law, to ensure that they have no pathological condition which contraindicates the donation. Furthermore, a sample of semen will not be valid until the donor repeats these tests six months later. Only if these tests still produce normal results will the sample be approved for use in donation.

It is important to point out that the donation of semen in Spain must be anonymous. This means that neither the donor may know any information regarding the couple or woman who is to receive the donation, nor that the recipient couple or woman may know any information concerning the donor. Equally, the donation must be altruistic, although financial compensation is allowed for inconveniences which may arise.

The criteria used to select the ideal donor for each case are, first of all, the blood group and the Rh factor. In addition to this certain specific physical characteristics are taken into consideration in the interests of achieving as great a physical similarity between the parents and the children as possible.

Finally, it should also be pointed out that there is a limit for donors of six pregnancies which is laid down by law. If a donor produces six pregnancies, he will not be allowed to continue donating semen.

We hope that we have clarified any possible doubts about the sperm bank. However, if you have any other doubt or query, please do not hesitate to contact any of our centres.