There are many reasons to become a sperm donor. Some join to earn extra income, while others have a personal connection to donation. Regardless of the reason, all donors in our program make a real difference by helping couples and individuals who rely on these donations to start or grow their families. Here’s what it takes to become a sperm donor at Denver Sperm Bank.
Donor Requirements
To become a sperm donor, there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet:
- Age: Donors must be between 21 and 39 years old. This age range ensures optimal semen quality, as sperm health typically begins to decline with age.
- Time Commitment: We seek men who can commit to the program for at least six months and are available to donate once a week or more. It takes six months to complete the required FDA infectious disease testing, and donating frequently helps ensure we have enough samples for multiple rounds of treatments. On average, it takes three samples for a successful pregnancy.
- Semen Analysis: Your first visit to our lab will include a semen analysis. Our lab team will evaluate the sample to check sperm count, motility (how well the sperm swim), and overall sperm health. These factors determine whether your sample is suitable for future treatments.
What We Look For in Donors
We are looking for more than just physical traits in a donor. It’s important for donors to understand the significance of sperm donation, as their contribution will help create families. Not everyone may feel comfortable with this responsibility, and that’s okay.
At Denver Sperm Bank, all donors agree to a one-time contact with any donor-conceived adults once they reach the age of 18, under our Open ID policy. We’ll discuss this in greater detail during the application process.
In terms of physical characteristics, there are no restrictions. We welcome donors from all backgrounds, as families seeking donors come from diverse backgrounds as well.
The Donor Application Process
Here’s what you can expect when applying to become a donor:
- Submit an Online Application: Start by submitting your interest through our online application. You’ll receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your semen analysis.
- Complete a Semen Analysis: During your visit, you’ll be shown to one of our comfortable donation rooms, where you’ll provide a semen sample in a sterile cup. You can use supportive materials on your phone—bringing headphones is recommended. Any samples submitted during the application process will be discarded.
- Medical History Review: We’ll review your medical history, including details about your parents, siblings, grandparents, and any children you may have. Our genetic counselors will assess any patterns that could indicate inheritable conditions.
- Lab Testing: You’ll undergo testing for infectious diseases and a genetic carrier screening. These are legal requirements for tissue donations, but they also ensure that all samples are safe for recipients.
Benefits of Becoming a Sperm Donor
Being a sperm donor is a rewarding experience that offers several benefits:
- Compensation: You’ll receive $100 for each donation that is cleared for treatment. This means your sample has passed all the required tests, including semen quality and infectious disease screenings.
- Making a Difference: Your donations help families worldwide, giving you the unique opportunity to positively impact lives on a global scale.
- Flexible Schedule: Unlike other side gigs, sperm donation allows you to have full control over your schedule. You can donate once a week or up to three times a week, depending on your availability.
- Routine Health Checks: While in the program, you’ll receive regular STI testing and physicals. Plus, during the application process, you’ll undergo a comprehensive genetic carrier screening for over 500 conditions—an excellent opportunity to learn more about your genetic health.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re interested in becoming a sperm donor, you can apply online now. Have questions? Our Donor Coordinator is here to help—contact us at 303-970-5897 or via email at [email protected].
