London Sperm Bank Digest!

Be a hero, become a sperm donor!

2012-01-24T06:06:00.000-08:00

In the UK there is a huge demand for donor sperm which has lead to some patients having to go on very long waiting lists. The London Sperm Bank has grown to become one of the largest sperm banks in the UK and thanks to our donors we have successfully created 1661 families through our parent clinic The London Women’s Clinic.

To these patients our donors are quite frankly their hero’s because without their help their beautiful family unit would not exist. Sperm donation is a vital part of a long journey that women take in order to have a family.

There are many more reasons for becoming a donor each reason unique to the individual, which makes the recruitment process all the more fun for us.

Apart from the national shortage and the act of doing something selfless, men have chosen to come forward for the following reasons including to pass on genes: Although sperm donors are not legal parents of donor conceived children genetic preservation seems like a satisfactory alternative for some men.

The initial process is fairly simple in that if you are interested you can simply fill out an enquiry form on our website www.londonspermbank.com or call us on 020 7935 4305 to register an interest.

The requirements:

· Aged 18-45
· Healthy and free from infection
· Free from hereditary disease
· Agree to make up to 25 donations over a period of 3-6 months

The initial screening tests to join the program will be complete within the first 2 visits to the clinic and they consist of a semen analysis and a blood and urine test. All visits to and from the clinic are reimbursed in terms of loss of earnings and travel. Once you have completed the donor program you can also find out from us specific information about the outcome of your donations such as the number of live births you have had as well as the sex and year of birth of any offspring created as a result of your donations.

Pass on your genes and make this year the year you chose to be someone’s hero. Make this year count.

Donor 101: Caucasian, green eyes, brown hair, 1.80m, atheist, marketing executive

2011-11-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

What would your profile say?

If you feel you have good genes, are healthy and like the thought of “passing on your genes”, then why not become a sperm donor?

Continue your gene pool and help others not able to conceive complete their family. Becoming a donor is more than just a gesture of altruism, but a way that you too as a donor can achieve your desire to procreate in an unconventional way.

Whether you are currently in a relationship or single we would like to hear from you. Our donors come in all shapes and sizes, regardless of your education, social background, race or hobbies, we want you- so long as you are aged 18-45, fit and healthy and free from hereditary or infectious disease.

The first step involves filling out an enquiry form on our website: www.londonspermbank.com or calling one of our consultants on 020 7935 9004 to book an initial screening visit.

During this visit you will get the chance to speak to a member of the team who will be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have. We will also get you to complete a medical questionnaire and also produce a sperm sample for us to check it’s suitability to freeze.

If you are considered fit and healthy with great sperm quality after freezing, you are already half way through the screening process. We will then ask you to come in for a blood and urine test which tests for sexually transmitted disease. If these tests come back with the all clear, you are asked to see our medical doctor for a medical assessment and then you are free to start making donations.

Even if for any reason you are not accepted onto our program, our meticulous screening process means that at the very least you find out more about yourself than when you previously enquired.

If you’re still not 100% sure about making that initial enquiry, here are just some of the reasons why our donors have joined the program- men just like you:

‘…people close to me have suffered testicular cancer and become infertile…’
Police Officer, 34

‘…my partner and I won’t be having kids so I really want to help couples that want them…’
Plumber, 32

‘…I have no idea what might happen in the future and I knew a couple unable to have children so I decided to do this…’

Student, 26

‘…so that my friends could know more about where sperm used to create their child came from…’
Mathematician, 29 (known donor to lesbian couple)

Each and every donor has their own reason for joining, so whether you are considering donating for altruistic reasons or to “pass on your genes” make today the day you choose to take action!

Red-heads welcomed!!!

2011-09-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

Unlike the Cryo's International sperm bank, here at The London Sperm Bank, we are looking for men from all different walks of life with a variety of different characteristics. In fact we embrace donors that are individualistic and personally we feel that we quite frankly do not have enough red haired donors- so please do apply.

Requirements:

Age 18-45
Healthy (free from infectious and hereditary disease)
Willing to commit to regular donations
Can commute into London, UK for donations

The rest is down to us, during your first visit our friendly scientists will take a look at your sperm just to make sure that they are nice and healthy and of course freezable. If they are and your blood tests and medical assessments confirm that you are nice and healthy- then you're in!!! Simple as that!

Get in touch with us to start the ball rolling, we are fascinated to find out more about you and any anecdotal stories you might have- we’re all ears! To book your first appointment either drop us an Email: info@londonspermbank.com or give us a call on 020 7935 9004

Our donor accounts from article- Who's the Daddy!

2011-08-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

Clint Launceston, 25
Vet and international cyclist
"If a woman donates an egg, she's a hero. If a man donates sperm, he's the butt of jokes. Yet it's a vital way for some people to have a family. The image of sperm donation does need humanising and should be viewed the same as blood donation. I've got a medical background so I see science as a force for good.

"If you pay donors then you'd get more men signing up but it may attract a different type of donor. Money wouldn't have made a difference to me. For me, it was about doing the right thing and there's also something reassuring about my genes carrying on if I get run over by a bus tomorrow.

"I'm curious to know (if I have children) but it's not a burning need. I don't think I'd see them as my children. I wouldn't know how their minds work because I'm not their parent. Biologically I'm the father but I've not put in the effort raising them. And that's what parenting is about. I was brought up just by my mother from the age of five. I look and sound like my father but I'm the product of the woman who raised me. But I'd be very willing and perfectly comfortable to meet up. When I was 21, my father told me that I had an older sibling from another relationship and it didn't bother me. I thought it was fantastic.
"My girlfriend knows I've donated and 95 per cent of my friends have been positive. The fact is you're not changing society as we know it. You're mainly helping married couples have children. Isn't that what society approves of?

"Sperm donation can put a huge strain on your relationship, especially as you have to abstain from sex for about three days before you give your sample. It takes nearly a year to donate because there's a lot of screening and tests, especially psychological ones. You get tested for genetic diseases as well so there's a twinge of apprehension there.
"You get asked if you want to write your children a letter and I jumped at the chance. Mine was along the lines of: 'Hi. I'm the person who helped your parents make you. If Facebook still exists when you're 18 then look me up'."

Peter Law, 28
Musician and producer from south London
"Most of my friends are married or divorced or have children. When I visit my friends and see kids running around I definitely want children but just not yet. I'm single, I'm still finishing my degree and I want to travel. My passion is music - I play the guitar in a band, I teach music and produce - so it's hard getting a break and establishing yourself.

"I suppose donating and having my sperm frozen for my own use later is an insurance policy. So I Googled clinics which stored sperm. Then I thought, 'why not donate as well?'
"You're doing something good for others. I had a perfect childhood, then my parents divorced but I'm still close to them both and my sister Louise. The family unit is important to me - it's about love and strength. I don't see sperm donation as creating children then giving them away. I'd be the father although someone else is bringing them up.

"If someone asks me if I've donated then I'm not going to lie. I do have this close female friend and I wasn't going to tell her but I had to abstain from sex before donating - as a man you can't pretend to a woman that 'I'm on my period'. I think I'd tell any future partners that I could have donor children and I wouldn't choose to be with someone who isn't open-minded. My mum and dad, my sister know - they're all quite open-minded anyway.

"Sperm can be stored for 50 years so I could be a pensioner before my children trace me. It would make me really happy though that someone had made the effort to find me. Of course I'll think about the children I've created. I'm going to write them a letter. I want to write in case the kid is curious. It's hard, though, because I don't know where I'll be when they reach 18, what planet I'll be on or even if I'll be alive.

"To me, giving sperm is like donating a kidney - if something in your body doesn't work then you use someone else's. I do realise, though, that I'm making a decision now that has consequences later in life. But I don't think I'm irresponsible being a donor. Having children by accident, now that's irresponsible."

Joe Turner, 38
Married software engineer from west London
"My wife Sam has never had any problems about me donating. She suggested it after reading an article about the shortage of donors. Perhaps if I'd done it secretly then she'd have been upset, especially if a strange teenager knocked at the door and said 'you're my daddy.'

"We've got two children of our own aged three and seven but when you can't have any it must be hard. The shortage of donors surprised me so I thought if I could help then I would. The fact that I'm adopted was another major factor in my decision. If anyone knows what it's like to grow up without biological relatives then meet them, I do. My birth mother contacted me a few years ago after being forced to give me up as a teenager. It's all been good and I keep in touch with her and my half-sisters. Being adopted was never a problem but I was told early on, and that's really important with sperm donor children as well.
"It's a human right to know about your biology - I feel very strongly about that. I'm very proud to have donated and I always tell people. The first thing they ask is 'Why? You're giving away your children'. Some react with horror when I tell them my donor children can contact me at age 18. A lot comes down to ignorance - people's knee-jerk reaction.

"The fact is that IVF exists, you can't uninvent it. Women in heterosexual or lesbian relationships and single women need donors. I trust the bank not to give my sperm to someone incapable of bringing up a child. The alternative is women using companies selling live sperm - that's disgusting. They go through the internet but the sperm hasn't been tested for disease. Donating through a licensed clinic is a rigorous process. Only a tiny percentage of men get accepted.

"It would be interesting to meet my children but they're not my family. It's not that I don't feel any emotion but 'biological father' is just a medical term. Having said that, if one of them felt differently that's fine. And I'd also respect it if they didn't want to contact me.
"I haven't rehearsed what I'd say if my child came knocking. What I do know, though, is I'm the perfect person to answer their questions."
The pictured donors' names have all been changed.

What does being a sperm donor really mean?

2011-06-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Sperm donors needed. Expenses paid!”

Many of you would have seen these words in the classified section of the papers, on the tube, and even on social networks, but what is this all really about?

There are many women across the UK who require donor sperm either due to infertility or the absence of a male partner. The UK has traditionally had problems recruiting volunteers for sperm donation, with demand consistently exceeding supply. This means thousands of women are denied the chance to have children. We want to change this and we need your help!

“My partner and I thought long and hard about having a family. We both wanted to be parents, and had been together happily for many years, with a supportive wider family who encouraged us to go for it. After much talking, we conceived our first baby through sperm donation (and later again with sperm from the same donor). It wasn’t something we did lightly, and I am sitting here struggling to find the words to communicate quite how important the decision was, and how having children has transformed our lives. We now have two miraculous children - a son and daughter - whom we adore, and who adore each other. They are bright, happy, confident kids, who have brought so much joy, not just to us, but to our parents (particularly one set who thought they would never be grandparents), and to our sisters, brother and nieces. Sperm donation is the most incredible life-transforming gift, and we are forever grateful to the wonderful man who made it possible for us to create a family.” Recipient, two children (donor sperm used from our donor bank for treatment at our sister clinic The London Women’s Clinic)

There are many more touching stories like this which bring home the reality of what becoming a sperm donor really means to the recipients. Although donating may be inconvenient at times you really are the important link that can complete our recipient’s family.

If you are a healthy male, aged between 18 and 45 we would be delighted to hear from you!

We welcome enquiries from potential donors from all walks of life and every background. The women who come to us for donor sperm are from very diverse backgrounds but they all share one common desire - to have a child, and contrary to many misconceptions, the realities are:

1. Your legal status does not change by becoming a donor. The law means that children born as a result of your donations can find out who you are at age 18 but you will have no legal rights or responsibilities over any child conceived with your donations.

2. You are in control – you can withdraw consent at any time and have choices regarding how your sperm is used.

3. You can donate your sperm regardless of your sexual orientation- Gay or not, we want to hear from you- we are more interested in your life experiences and reasons for donating

4. You will not have hundreds of children all over the UK with your genes- Each donor can be used for a maximum of 10 families only.

The first step is easier than you think- simply call us on 020 7935 9004 or email us on info@londonspermbank.com . You can even fill out an enquiry form on our website: www.londonspermbank.com

Why do men donate their sperm?

2011-06-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

Helping someone to have a child is one of the most special and generous gifts to give. Although the press have been talking about Britain’s donor shortage and the lack of altruistic sperm donors, we are grateful for the men that we have had come forward from all different walks of lives armed with different life experiences.

We would like to share with those of you that are thinking of doing something special the reasons some of our donors are donating, in hope that you will realise that although an uncomfortable subject, people just like you are making that decision and have taken the leap.

Please note that names have been changed to protect the donors’ anonymity.

Alan, a 41-year-old actor, saw the effects of infertility at close hand. “My sister and her husband tried for a long time to have a baby,” Alan recalls. “But when she finally did become pregnant, she miscarried. It was just devastating for everyone. I felt it very deeply - in fact it was the only time in my life I’ve ever written poetry.”

“It certainly made me think about the future and it put things in perspective. Eventually, my sister and her husband were treated at a fertility clinic, and now I have two nieces – the first was born following ICSI nine years ago. So I know what effect childlessness can have. It doesn’t just affect the couple, but ripples out to all the family. I asked myself how I could help; I wanted to help.”

Like many of the donors on our program, Alan has no worries about anonymity. In fact, he says, his only worry was whether his sperm would be suitable, but semen analysis at the start of his programme found his sperm counts and motility high. “The new anonymity laws don’t bother me “he says. “When they’re 18, I’ll be 59. I’ve read that those who search for a biological father will be counselled through the process, so I expect it will be done in a responsible way. The way I see it is that I’ve simply helped someone else to have a baby.”

Here are some of the other reasons our donors made that important decision to join our donor program:

‘…people close to me have suffered testicular cancer and become infertile…’
Police Officer, 34

‘…my partner and I won’t be having kids so I really want to help couples that want them…’
Plumber, 32

‘…many of my friends were having problems conceiving, so I thought about other people out there and decided this was something I could do to help…’
Actor and Air Steward, 40

‘….being able to make a huge difference to those people who cannot have children. A charity donation or giving blood only make a small difference, this lasts a lifetime…’
Recruitment Consultant, 31

What would your reason be?

If you are aged 18-45, healthy and able to make a donation once a week for 3-6 months then we would love to hear from you.

To find out more information about our donor program and eligibility please visit our website on www.londonspermbank.com. You can also contact us via email on info@londonspermbank.com or by phone on 020 7935 9004

Why not become a sperm donor?

2011-04-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

The press have been talking about the UK sperm donor shortage for a few years now but are we any closer to meeting this demand? Why are there so few men willing to come forward and donate their sperm?

Perhaps because of the many misconceptions surrounding sperm donation men are put off by myths that are not true. We find during the recruitment process that once men are provided with accurate information and facts they go on to complete a course of donation and stay committed to the bank. We believe that many more men could be recruited armed with the relevant information.

Helping someone to have a child is one of the most special and generous gifts to give and after reading this article we hope that many more of you decide to do this.

If you are aged 18-45 fit and healthy with heaps of enthusiasm and altruism, here are the answers to some of the niggling questions that you might have regarding donating your sperm

“If I donate my sperm then I will have to pay child support to resulting children”
The changes to the law made in 2005 only relate to the anonymity of your donations. Yes, children born as a result of your donations can have access to identifying information about you as a donor. However if you donate to a HFEA registered clinic, such as The London Sperm Bank, you are not financially responsible, or legally responsible, for any future children born through your donated sperm. The recipients of your sperm are the child’s legal parents, not you.

“A child could come knocking on my door in the future and tell me that I’m their dad.”
The law changes made in 2005 by the HFEA does mean that children born as a result of your donations can apply to receive indentifying information about you once they reach 18. Prior to this age, the only information available to them are non- indentifying such as your eye colour, hair colour and height. You can find out the number of children born as a result of your donations at any stage even long before they reach 18. By doing this you will know the exact number of potential children that might want to find out information about you. You can also find out their year of birth and sex. Studies have indicated that children seeking information about their donor are more likely to want to find out specific information about the genetic back ground and any siblings they might have. Donor conceived children recognize the recipients as their parents and are also offered counseling prior to receiving indentifying information.

“There could be thousands of children running around as a result of my donations.”
Not so. In the UK there is a maximum limit of 10 families who can use your sperm. Once this limit is reached, your sperm can no longer be used by another family. You are also able to reduce the number of families you wish to help when you come in to fill out your consent forms. You can also withdraw consent to use your sperm at any time, putting you in full control of your donations.

“If I don’t get accepted as a donor, then I am infertile.”
Again not true. The recruitment processes in sperm banks are very meticulous and thus men are rejected on parameters that are not examined during a “normal” semen analysis. The majority of men who are rejected based on sperm quality are rejected on the basis of a poor resistance to the freeze conditions.

“I’m gay so I can’t be a donor.”
The misconception is that sperm banks turn away gay men because they are seen as a high risk group. An online co-parenting website recently indicated that the demand for gay sperm donors from lesbians and single women on their website has significantly increased. They stated that 51% of their registered members were looking for gay single men and 31% were looking for gay donors in a relationship. At the London Sperm Bank we welcome men from all different backgrounds, so long as you are free from sexually transmitted infections (and practise safe sex) and have a good sperm quality.

We hope that you are now fully armed with enough information to at least make an enquiry and come and meet us at the bank. We are a friendly bunch and are happy to answer any more questions that you might have. The more questions you have, the more serious we know you are about actually donating.

To contact us send us and email info@londonspermbank.com or call us on 020 7935 9004. You can also visit our website on www.londonspermbank.com

Can cycling affect your fertility?

2011-03-01T04:08:00.000-08:00

According to a study carried out by researchers at the University of Cordoba Medical School in Spain, professional cyclists should consider freezing their sperm prior to commencing their careers as a cyclist!

15 triathletes with an average age of 33 were asked to produce sperm for analysis and the results were compared with their training routines. The study found that only cycling, and not swimming or running affected their sperm quality. Those who covered more than 186 miles a week on their bikes had less than 4% normal looking sperm.

Another research carried out at Boston University suggests that men who cycle for more than five hours a week have fewer and less active sperm than men who do not exercise at all. The study looked at the sperm quality of more than 2,200 men visiting fertility clinics. The results showed no difference in sperm quality between those who did general exercise and those that didn’t exercise at all, but interestingly those who specifically cycled for at least 5 hours a week were twice as likely to have both low sperm count and poor motility.

It is important to note however that the study was carried out amongst men who were attending fertility clinics, thus more likely to have fertility problems. The researchers have stated that more research is needed to replicate the findings of this study over a wider population group.

The link between fertility and cycling is believed to be the effect of temperature rises and scrotum trauma that occur as a result of regular cycling.

If you are considering coming into our sperm bank for an initial sperm analysis, it is important to not worry about a poor result especially if you cycle as such activities have yet to be proven as concrete causes of poor sperm counts and certainly not as sole reasons for poor quality. It is more important to ensure that you are fit and healthy, reduce alcohol intake and smoking habits and limit exposure to sexually transmitted infections by practising safe sex!

500 Sperm donors needed: Can you help?

2011-01-31T08:04:00.000-08:00

Did you know that in order to meet the current UK demand for fertility treatment using donor sperm, approximately 500 donors are needed every year?

The current UK shortages mean that thousands of couples and single women are left on long waiting lists, are forced to travel overseas for treatment, or perhaps resort to using sperm from unsafe and unregulated sperm websites, which do not have the same strict rules, regulations, screening and testing procedures which protect both donor and recipient.

Meeting the UK demand for donor sperm is not as easy as simply finding 500 men to donate sperm, because on average only about 5% of applicants are accepted. Unfortunately the majority of sperm are just not suitable for freezing or are not high enough in concentration to consider. Some potential donors are also unsuitable because of their medical history.

This poor acceptance rate means that to meet the demands, we simply need to raise awareness and encourage more men to come forward and drive the number of accepted sperm donors.

At the London Sperm Bank we are looking for men from all different backgrounds with the right attitude and commitment level to complete the course of donation.

It is very stereotypical to assume that sperm donors are mostly students, as at our bank we have seen men from the Financial industry, city professionals, older men in their mid 30’s to 40’s who already have children, men in the healthcare sector, teachers, civil servants, men in the armed forces and many other various backgrounds.

If you would consider donating your sperm, then instead of just thinking about it, why not find out if you are suitable? Simply fill out our sperm donor application form and we will get in touch with you with more information.

Although expenses are paid covering travel and loss of earnings, the greatest feeling is the knowledge that you are able to help childless couples and women achieve their hope of child birth. Not to mention, the knowledge that you are amongst the 5% of men with suitable sperm quality and medical history.

The more men we get coming forward the more likely we are to meet the current shortages.

Can antioxidant and folic acid intake improve sperm quality?

2010-12-16T05:49:00.001-08:00

Making slight changes to your diet can help in improving the quality of your sperm.

A study carried out by researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain, prompted by the gradual decline of sperm counts across Europe, hypothesised that a healthy antioxidant rich diet could potentially improve sperm concentration and motility by reducing the oxidation of molecules which harm sperm.

Professor Mendiola, one of the researchers said, “People who eat more fruits and vegetables are ingesting more antioxidants, and this is the important point”

The study showed that those men on the study with a good sperm count ate significantly more fruit and vegetables than those who had diets rich in meat and full fat dairy products.

So, a diet rich in antioxidants is thought to be the key in terms of sperm quality and motility. Foods like, blueberries, garlic, broccoli, plums, strawberries, spinach, citrus fruits and Vitamin C are rich in antioxidants and could mean faster swimming sperm.

Another study carried out at the University of California, looked at the diet and consumption of vitamin supplements of 89 healthy non smoking men and measured the effect it had on their sperm quality.

They concluded that a diet with sufficient amount of products rich in folic acid prevents formation of defective sperm, in particular aneuploidy (the presence of defective sperm with extra or shortage of chromosomes). Thus a diet rich in folic acid helps reduce the risk of chromosomal anomalies in newborns.

Brenda Eskenazi, head researcher,stated that “the study showed that among men who consumed the largest doses of folic acid (the dose ranged from 722 to 1150) aneuploidy was observed by 20-30% less than in the participants who received low levels of folate”

Eskenazi also reported that this study is the first one to demonstrate that a man’s diet could play a key role in the development of a baby.

Foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, whole-bran bread, yeasts, and liver are great sources of folic acid.

How to preserve your fertility

2010-11-16T04:19:00.000-08:00

There are many more environmental factors that can affect male fertility. The factors include:

endocrine disrupters
toxic pollutants
sexually transmitted infections
zinc deficiency
alcoholism
smoking
anabolic steroid use
Ionising radiation.

Endocrine disrupters are chemicals present in the environment that, by virtue of their ability to adversely affect the endocrine (hormonal) system, cause health consequences. Several industrial pollutants can affect fertility, as can smoking and alcohol use. Some of these toxins can cause reproductive disorders, neurological disease, immune system disorders and cancer

How can I preserve my fertility?

1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

2. Don't smoke or use recreational drugs.

3. Don't drink alcohol, or keep alcohol consumption within recommended limits.

4. Try to avoid exposure to industrial and occupational hazards by following safety procedures and wearing protective clothing when provided. Your employer has a legal responsibility to provide information on occupational health risks and to ensure employees have a safe and healthy working environment.

5. Avoid exposure to sexually transmitted diseases by adopting safer sexual practices, such as using condoms and reducing your number of partners.

6. Treat underlying medical conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions may help increase your fertility. Untreated diabetes may lead to infertility, specifically causing retrograde ejaculation. Even if you're without symptoms, you might want to get your blood sugars tested if you have been diagnosed with retrograde ejaculation. Up to one third of people with diabetes are unaware that they have the disease.

An untreated infection of the reproductive system or urinary tract can cause infertility in men. For example, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may lead to reduced sperm motility, and repeated STD infection may lead to scarring, which can block the passage of semen. Some infections have no symptoms besides infertility.

Other medical conditions that can lead to infertility are thyroid disease, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, Cushing's syndrome, and anaemia. These diseases are also commonly missed. For example, it's not uncommon for someone to walk around with thyroid problems for years before getting a diagnosis.

Be sure to get a well-check with your primary care doctor before you start trying to conceive, and if you suspect something's not quite right with how you're feeling, voice these concerns.

7. Reduce your soy intake: Too much soy may impact your sperm counts, according to a research study that looked at eating habits. The study found men who ate high amounts of soy had lower sperm counts than men who did not. In fact, men who had the highest soy intake had 41 million/ml less sperm than men who did not eat soy foods.

8. The causes of stress in modern life are legion and concerns over fertility or failure to conceive are very important causes of stress. If you are concerned that you have a fertility problem, it is sensible to seek advice from your family doctor.

Sperm Donation Myths

2010-11-10T06:32:00.001-08:00

Erm, no! You can't just pop into a donor bank and make one extremely large deposit!!! Sperm Banks do need to see you a bit more often than that! But donors will get a Free STI check and Fertility test, oh and not to mention a Free Sperm Mug and T-shirt, If you donate at The London Sperm Bank!!

There are many myths surrounding sperm donation, here are just a few of them:

Myth: Sperm Donation Is Easy

Fact: Although it may seem like an easy proposition, the truth is the screening process for sperm donation is rigorous and less than 5% of the men attempting to become a sperm donor are successful. The screening process includes testing for STDs, genetic abnormalities and disease. Sperm must meet specific quality standards regarding sperm count, and both physical and psychological factors are considered. A donor must be over 18, able to provide their family’s health history and be able to commit to the program for up to six months. They must also be in good health.

Myth: Sperm Count Is Constant

Fact: Many men believe their sperm count will be the same every time it is examined. Not so. A man’s sperm count can fluctuate depending on several factors. Illness, medication, and especially the time between ejaculations will have an effect on sperm count. Before making a sperm donation, a man will be requested to refrain from ejaculating for up to three days prior to the appointment.

Myth: Sperm Donation Pays Good Money

Fact: It's a myth! Many people seem to think you can make a fortune but that is simply not true. In the UK, Sperm donation is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Due to this regulation, it is illegal in the UK to pay sperm donors for their donations. Although there are banks outside of the UK that pay for donations, sperm donors in the UK can only make expense claims for things such as travel and loss of earnings.

See the following directions for receiving money as a donor according to the human fertilisation and embryology act 1990:

Individual donors of gametes may be given money or other benefits for the supply of their gametes, subject to the conditions of these Directions.

2. In money or money's worth, a donor may be reimbursed reasonable expenses which he or she has incurred, within the UK, in connection with the donation.

3. Donors may be compensated for loss of earnings (but not for other costs or inconveniences) up to a daily maximum of £55.19 but with an overall limit of £250 (or the equivalent in local currency) for each course of sperm donation or each cycle of egg donation.

Sperm donors must be altruistic first and foremost with a strong desire to help others. Without sperm donation, many couples and single women would have no recourse to starting a family. Sperm donation is a very special gift to people struggling with reproductive issues.

Does sperm count decrease with age?

2010-11-09T05:07:00.001-08:00

According to Dr. Silber, of St Luke's Infertility Hospital in the US, until recently we have had a poor understanding of the effect of aging on male fertility. As many examples have been offered of older men having babies, the thought of decreased fertility in men was never greatly addressed. "It was assumed that male fertility was relatively immortal because so many elderly men have been able to impregnate their wives," says Dr. Silber. "However, there has been previous crude data showing a relative decrease in sperm count, and possibly fertility, in a certain percentage of aging men. Now, the field of male fertility has come to be mainstream and full of new research, new data and new conclusions."

Research is exploring many of the whys and how’s of decreased sperm production and maturity with age. As a result, many explanations have been uncovered.

"Men experience an age-related decrease in testicular size and in sperm production," says Dr. Silber. "In some men, there is a decline in testosterone production that becomes noticeable after the age of 40. The loss of testosterone can result in a decrease in bone and muscle mass in the aging male, the loss of sex-drive, the decreased ability of the body to produce and mature sperm cells, as well as the inability to obtain or maintain an erection. Both the decrease in testosterone and the decrease in sperm production cause an age-related decrease in fertility. In addition, sperm may also be affected by repeated ejaculation decreasing the secretions of the glands, the decrease of the number of hormones and the weakening of the sexual muscles."

some of the most common effects of age on the sperm that is produced include the following:

Decreased Motility: Sperm that has not matured will not have the adequate motility to reach and penetrate the egg. In addition, with age comes a decreased ability to have strong ejaculations, thus, decreasing the distance that the sperm will travel upon ejaculation.
Decreased Strength: Immature sperm will not have the needed strength to travel the distance to the egg, nor the needed strength to penetrate the membrane for fertilization.
Decreased Potency: The force of the ejaculatory squirt in young men is often powerful and can eject the sperm some distance. The force of the squirt, propelled by the powerful contraction of the bulbocavernosus muscles, is much less in older men than in younger men. Thus, in every measurable way male potency is clearly affected by age.
Altered Genetic Make-Up: As men age, sperm cells can accumulate mutations that are passed to offspring. Regardless of age, sperm continues to reproduce through division. If a sperm becomes altered or mutates, any other sperm that is produced by the natural division will also be altered or mutated. Each successive division introduces a slight risk of error in the genetic material of the new sperm, which is passed on to the children.

"Sperm studies in aging men often show kinetic or formation disorders," says Dr. W-B Schill, professor in the Department of Dermatology and Andrology at Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany. "Most observed were impaired spermatogoniogenesis (reproduction, dividing and development of the sperm cell) or spermatid (a maturing sperm cell) malformations, paralleled by a highly significant decrease in daily sperm production. This indicates and accompanies a gradual decline of fertility with increasing age. And, although alterations in sperm quality may be apparent, reduced motility and a lower percentage of spermatozoa (a totally mature sperm cell) with normal morphology are most frequent."

Male Fertility Myths

2010-11-09T05:06:00.001-08:00

Male infertility can result from many different reasons from abnormal formation of sperm to failure of sperm – egg interactions. Medically, the definition of infertility is the inability to conceive a child after twelve months of active or regular unprotected sex.

Many myths surrounding male fertility included ‘if you have more sex, you will exhaust your sperm supply’ or ‘if men masturbate, they will have less sperm’. This is not true. The frequency of sex or number of times a man ejaculates does not decrease the amount of sperm, or sperm count. In fact, a man may lose all sensations and sexual functions due to a spinal cord injury but he still has a normal sperm count.

Fertility Myths and Facts

Myth: Only people over 40 have fertility issues.

Fact:People can face fertility issues at any age. Varicoceles, damage to the sex organs, and chronic diseases all affect fertility. This common fertility myth probably came from good, well-intentioned advice–older men are more susceptible to infertility, according to several studies. This does not mean young men are automatically excluded from having these issues, however.

Myth: The best way to conceive is by having sex every day.

Fact:Regular sexual intercourse actually decreases a couple's ability to conceive. According to Sharon Perkins (author of Infertility for Dummies), having too much sex depletes sperm volume, decreasing a man's ability to reproduce. This fertility myth was probably based on common sense; having more sex would seem to increase conception rate. It does more harm than good, however.

Another fact: Want to increase your fertility? Try smart sex instead. Only have sex when your partner is ovulating, as determined by a physician, and have sex every other day to maximize sperm volume. This maximizes your reproductive potential during this period (and it may lead to a more satisfying sex life).

Myth: Keeping testicles cold helps you conceive.

Fact: Along with being painful and potentially dangerous, keeping the testicles cold does not increase fertility. Increased scrotal temperature decreases sperm volume, but this does not mean cold temperatures improve this rate. Taking care to keep cool before intercourse is the best method for increasing your reproductive rate.

Myth: More semen increases conception time.

Fact: Many believe bigger volumes of semen increases conception time, but this is actually a myth. The fact is the quality of semen is just as important as volume. Combining both factors maximizes a couple's ability to conceive.

Myth: Infertility doesn't really exist. Just relax and you'll get pregnant!

Fact: This myth is believed by most couples. It is not true, however. 10% of couples each year face fertility issues, and that number is rising. Getting medical help for fertility issues resolves nearly all cases, so it is important not to ignore it.

Myth: Infertility is a woman's issue.

Fact: Half of all fertility issues are a man's issue. Male infertility affects half of all couples, but many do not report it because of a lack of information.

Myth: Stress causes infertility.

Fact: Stress affects sex drive, but it does not affect infertility. Getting rid of stress will not increase fertility either–it is a medical issue, not a psychological one.

‘viagra increases sperm count’ - Viagra does not increase sperm count but helps a man maintain or get an erection.

‘the bigger your penis, the more sperms’ - Size of the penis has nothing to do with sperm count or fertility.

‘wear your pants too tight and you will kill the sperms' - This one is not a myth, so it is true. Temperature affects the sperm’s well being and it thrives in an environment that’s between 74 – 7 degrees cooler than our body temperature. Sperm motility declines when the environment is not conducive. Men in tropical climate, compared to their male counterparts in cooler climates, have a lower sperm count on average. A normal count is about 20 million sperms or more.

More facts:

Male infertility can be caused by any of the following:

too much heat around the testicles (affecting sperm count)
high levels of free radicals (example, men who smoke in excess)
taking excessive alcohol
too much smoking
stress
childhood infections like mumps that may affect the testes and sperm count
undescended testes where the testes is in a abnormal position – stays too high in the groin area
genetic abnormalities
obesity, causing testosterone/ ostrogen imbalance
impotence
medical history with prolonged illness like liver or kidney failure
some drugs and medication may affect the hormones and formation of sperm
trauma to the groin due to accidents or sports injury
varicceles – a congestions of veins on top of the testes (increases temperature of the testes, affecting sperm count)
blocked epididymes caused by scarring like after infection with Chlamydia or gonorrhea
untreated low grade infection with inflamed cells in the semen
prostate cancer
anti-cancer chemotherapy
immoderacy sperm antibodies
retrograde ejaculation where the sperm flow backwards into the bladder instead of being ejaculated from the penis during an orgasm and they would be lost of discharged next time the bladder is emptied

Sperm Bank Jokes

2010-11-09T04:20:00.001-08:00

One day a man was talking to his aunt and tells her she needs a job so she goes out and looks for one the next day.

She calls up her nephew and tells him the news. He asks, “Where did you find a job at?”

She replies, “At a sperm bank.”

He says to his aunt, “Well what do you do there?”

She says, “I greet and say goodbye to the men.”

He says, “Well what do you say when they enter?”

She says, “Hello, please wait over here.”

He continues, “What do you say when they leave?”

She replies with honesty, “Thanks for cumming.”

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Q. How do you cancel an appointment at the sperm bank?

A. Ring them up and say you can't come

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Boy: Dad, why is sperm donation more expensive than blood donation?

Dad: Because its handmade.