Basic Information on Cryobanks
So often we talk about infertility with women, but what happens when it's male infertility? I have provided some basic information about cryobanks (sperm banks).
There are two main motives that drive donors:
1. Donations from fertile men who are preserving their reproductive options. Men will bank their sperm if they are about to undergo surgery, cancer treatment or have a low sperm count. These are men who want to be able to achieve parenthood at a later time in their life.
2. Donations from men who contribute for financial reasons. Men who donate to help infertile couples achieve a family.
If you think it is difficult to get into an Ivy League school, try becoming a sperm donor! Less than 5 percent of all candidates will be accepted as a donor. The screening process is vigorous and takes about three (3) months to complete. Samples and donors are screening continually for sexually transmitted diseases and genetic issues. Additionally, all donors are screened for cystic fibrosis and undergo chromosome analysis.
Donors may choose to be anonymous or ID Consent Donors. Anonymous donors are willing provide descriptive details about themselves and their family history with the understanding that they will never have direct communication with the recipients of their sperm or future offspring. ID Consent donors agree to allow the sperm bank to release identifying information about themselves to the offspring once they reach 18 years of age. ID Consent Donor are not required to meet the offspring; the program is designed to provide genetic information to the offspring.
Once the donation has been made, the sperm samples are prepared with a solution that minimizes damage during the freezing and thawing processes. The samples are frozen using liquid nitrogen.
Previously frozen sperm doesn't live as long inside a woman's uterus as fresh sperm. Thawed sperm lives up to 24 hours while fresh sperm can live for 3 - 5 days. There is no additional risk for birth defects using donated sperm.
If you require additional information about this, please contact a local cryobank.
