What Disqualifies You From Being a Sperm Donor?

Have you thought about donating your sperm recently? You might have briefly come across an online thread, obscure digital ad, social media forum, or even discovered our site after a good google search binge. Aside from an initial pique in interest, you might feel apprehensive as to where to begin. Do you fit the key characteristics that are necessary for healthy sperm and a future successful pregnancy? What disqualifies you from being a sperm donor? If you DO qualify, where do you go from there?

Don’t worry, we won’t complicate things for you! Throughout this blog we’ll illustrate each possible sperm donor disqualifier so you can conveniently determine your own eligibility before taking our 10-minute application.

 

 

What disqualifies you from being a sperm donor?

Let’s start with the basics on what disqualifies you from being a sperm donor!

 

Age

If you are under the age of consent (18) or over the age of 39, you will not be eligible to donate sperm. This helps us ensure that the sperm is not compromised by age, as research shows that many aspects of a man’s sperm decreases as they age, including:

• Quantity of sperm: the amount of sperm in your semen
• Sperm vitality: the percentage of live sperm found in your semen.
• Sperm motility: the sperm’s ability to move toward the egg.

 

Where you live

Due to the frequency of donations required, sperm donors need to be within driving distance of our facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. While you don’t need to be right around the corner, our minimum requirement is that you reside in the state of Arizona. If you are somewhat farther away from our area, we suggest using your own preferences and judgement for how far you are willing to drive, 1 to 3 times a week. If you live in a different state, you will be automatically denied.

 

Sexual Partners

Due to regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), gay men who have had or are currently having sex with men are ineligible to donate their sperm. However, if they have not had sex with men or choose to not have sex with other men for at least one year, they may qualify.

 

Genetic Diseases

To no surprise, sperm donation has significant testing involved! Sperm donors will need to participate in essential genetic testing prior to becoming a full-fledged donor. But what does that mean? Our staff will run a genetic blood draw to test for any potential, serious genetic disorders that potentially be passed down to the future child. If there are serious mental or physical disorders detected, you will be disqualified.

 

Physical and Mental health

The testing doesn’t stop there! Our initial health screening also entails a urine sample, general physical exam by our Doctor of Medicine, as well as an evaluation by our psychologist. These assessments are to evaluate whether you are in general good health, and that you understand the process of donating sperm and are in a solid mental state to participate.

 

Sperm Count and Quality

Your first official donation will actually be a test sample! Our team does so to ensure your sperm is up to the standard of health and quality to be used for insemination. If our clinical staff tests your sperm and finds that your sperm count is too low, your sperm isn’t moving around, or has abnormal shape, you will be disqualified from donating your sperm.

 

STI’s

Our sexual health testing extends to the possibility of any infections. Sperm donors will be tested for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before they can move forward in the process. If you test positive for the following infections, you will be disqualified:

• HIV
• Hepatitis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea

However, once you undergo the necessary treatment and are cleared from infection, you may reapply.

 

Commitment Issues

Donating sperm can be like your own part-time job! Understanding the commitment this journey takes, we always encourage donors to check in with themselves and ask the following questions:

• Do I have the time to commit to the screening process and make regular donations?
• Do I feel comfortable with donating my genetic material?
• Do I feel mentally ready to begin this journey?

 

 

How do I start the process?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What disqualifies you from being a sperm donor?” let’s explore the initial stages of the journey!

1. Apply to donate online – All you need to do is click the link here, create an account, verify your email, and simply fill out the application.
2. Meet with our team– Once you have been approved online, you’ll visit our facility in Scottsdale, Arizona to go through the entire process with one of our clinical team members, and to schedule a test sample.

To see each step of the entire sperm donor journey, read our blog on the process to donate sperm!

 

 

Start Swimming Towards Sperm Donation… Apply Today!

We create a customized, comfortable environment for our sperm donors along with flexible scheduling and the needed privacy with our scattered donor appointments. Start your journey today by filling out our online application in less than 15 minutes!

 

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