Sperm donation is a procedure in which a man donates his seminal fluid that contains sperm. Sperm donation is generally done to help other couples get offspring.
The donated sperm will be used to help a woman get pregnant through the artificial insemination process. The most common types of artificial insemination for sperm donors are: intrauterine insemination (IUI), which is done by inserting donor sperm directly into the uterus.
However, in Indonesia sperm donors cannot be done. This is because Indonesian law prohibits a woman from accepting donor sperm from a man who is not her partner.
Therefore, it is difficult for a man to donate his sperm in Indonesia. He might be able to realize this intention in a country where the rules allow sperm donors, such as the UK.
Condition for Donor Sperm
There are many requirements that a man must meet if he wants to donate his sperm. Here are some criteria that must be met to donate sperm:
1. Enter the donor age category
Generally, the age of sperm donors is limited from 18-39 years. Some clinics or sperm banks even limit the age of donors to a maximum of 34 years.
2. Passed a health check
A man who wants to donate sperm must pass a medical examination, which includes a blood test and a urine test.
This health check is carried out to ensure that the sperm donor is free from genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, as well as infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
In addition, to really ensure that the sperm donor does not have a genetic disease or disorder, the donor must attach a family history of disease, at least 2 generations before.
3. Passed the seminal fluid examination
Sperm donors are also usually asked to provide a sample of their semen. This is done to check the sperm thoroughly, such as quantity, quality, and movement.
For this reason, donors are usually asked not to ejaculate for 2–5 days prior to seminal fluid sampling.
4. Passed personal history check
The lifestyle and activities of sperm donors will also usually be reviewed to ensure that their lifestyle does not pose a risk of inviting diseases, such as HIV infection. Some of the behaviors assessed include drug abuse and sex life.
After going through a series of tests and examinations above, sperm from donors who pass the eligibility test will then be frozen and quarantined for some time, usually a minimum of 6 months.
Then, before being released from quarantine and used for therapy, the sperm will be re-examined to ensure that the sperm is completely free from the risk of disease.
Things to notebySperm Donor
Sperm donation can be done anonymously or openly (donors are willing to reveal their identity to donor recipients). In addition, donors can also directly give sperm to certain partners. This is usually done when the donor and recipient already know each other.
However, before deciding to become a sperm donor, there are several things you need to pay attention to and consider first, including:
- Readiness to abolish your rights as the biological father of the child born
- Mental readiness if one day the child born from your sperm donor wants to meet
- Mental readiness for a response from family or relatives if one day they find out you have a biological child from sperm donor activities
In addition, if you donate sperm to a partner you know, you may also need to make an agreement regarding your rights and obligations as the biological father of the child being born. With this agreement, this can prevent unwanted things from happening in the future.
Given the many things that must be considered, before making a decision to become a sperm donor, it's a good idea to discuss and ask your family's opinion first. That way, the family can provide opinions and psychological support, especially if there are problems that occur in the future.
If you still have questions regarding sperm donation or other questions about planning a pregnancy, don't hesitate to ask and consult a doctor.
