Become a sperm donor

Thousands of Australians need help becoming parents. Your donation can change lives.

There are many people out there who need help to start a family, and you could be carrying something special to make that happen. Sperm donation gives people the chance to experience parenthood when they otherwise might not be able to.

Life. Pass it on.

Donate Sperm

Why donate?

You want to pass on something life changing.

Becoming a sperm donor is one of the noblest things you can do. There are many reasons people decide to donate, including:

  • Wanting to make a difference that will last a lifetime 
  • Knowing someone personally who has struggled with infertility 
  • Remembering the joys of childhood, and wanting to pass it on.
  • Knowing the joys of having a child, and wanting others to experience that too 
Become a donor

Who am I helping?

Many people need donor sperm to achieve their dreams of parenthood. They might include: 

  • single women 
  • women in same-sex relationships 
  • couples experiencing infertility
  • men experiencing male infertility 
  • transgender or gender-diverse people 

Who can donate?

If you’re a healthy man aged between 23 and 45, and you’re willing to donate altruistically (without payment), we’d love to hear from you.

It’s also important to understand that your identifying information will be provided to VARTA (Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority), who maintain the Central and Voluntary donor register, so that a child can access these details once they turn 18.

We know that this is a big decision to make. Take the time to read our FAQ’s and step-by-step guide below to understand what’s involved with donating. We cover everything you need to know about the requirements for being a donor, the legislation and more.

What’s the process for becoming a donor?

There are a few steps involved prior to donating, including counselling, medical screening, and semen analysis. At Melbourne IVF, we have a dedicated and experienced donor team who provide guidance and support throughout the entire process. 

You are important to us. And we want you to feel informed, empowered and supported throughout every stage.

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    Step 1 – Counselling

    Sperm donors (and their partner, where applicable), whether clinic-recruited or recipient-recruited, are required to attend a minimum of two counselling sessions with a Melbourne IVF counsellor to discuss the social and legal issues around donor-conceived families.

  • A scientist looking in to a microscope.

    Step 2 - Blood tests and semen analysis

    Next we'll organise screening blood tests, which include infectious diseases, some genetic screening and a semen analysis.

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    Step 3 – Medical Assessment

    Then you'll have a consultation with a fertility specialist to review and discuss your medical history, blood test results and semen analysis.

    You're also required to complete a Genetic and Medical Health Questionnaire and if required, it will be reviewed by a clinical geneticist.

  • Donate sperm

    Step 4 – Donation

    Once all of the test results are back and have been discussed with you, appointments will be scheduled for the donations at our private clinic.

    You can typically expect between five and twelve appointments for sperm donation. This ensures that there are enough swimmers available from your donation, to give people the best chance possible who are hoping to conceive.

  • Become an egg donor

    Step 5 – One last check

    Once you donate, your sperm is quarantined for a minimum of three months. After this time, we then ask you to attend a further blood test, as a final screen for infectious diseases. Your sperm can then be cleared for use, and will be released to our recipients for treatment. You'll also be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses incurred.

    It’s an incredible gift, and could help someone achieve their dreams of having a family.

Ready to become a sperm donor? Get in touch.

You must be between the age of 23 and 46 to become a sperm donor.

FAQ's

Can I be an anonymous sperm donor?

The privacy of all donors is protected until the child is aged 18, however, once a child is born from a sperm donation we are required to provide information regarding births of donor conceived offspring to Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), who will maintain the Central and Voluntary donor register. When the child is aged 18, they will be able to access this information.

The reason for this is that in the past, many donor conceived individuals have reported extreme distress about the lack of information about their biological parents. Nowadays, the possibility to receive this information once the child has turned 18, is considered an essential part of the process.

Can I be paid to be a sperm donor?

In Australia, it’s illegal to take payment for any human tissue, including sperm. However, you can be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses you incur throughout the process of donating sperm, such as parking, travel, and medical expenses.

What information will be shared about me to intending parents?

If you are donating sperm as a de-identified donor we will provide relevant medical, genetic and family history as well as your profile such as eye colour, personality traits, education, and ethnicity. We will also ask you to include a photograph of yourself as a child. You will remain completely anonymous to the intending parents, and identifying details will only become available once the child turns 18 and requests this information.

Will I be told if a child is born from my donated sperm?

Information is available from Melbourne IVF. Donors will also be notified by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) that a birth resulting from their donation has been recorded on the Central Register.