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Become a sperm donor

Help others create the gift of life

Donating sperm is a generous act that will enable others to fulfil their dream of having a family. For many individuals and couples, using donor sperm is their only chance of having a family.

Victoria is experiencing a shortage of sperm donors, so we thank you for considering becoming a sperm donor and helping create a family. To help the many individuals and couples waiting to commence treatment with donor sperm at Melbourne IVF we would like to hear from you.

Can I be a sperm donor?

  • The person donating sperm must be an Australian Resident
  • If you are a healthy man between 23 and 45 years of age, you may be suitable to be a sperm donor.
  • If the person donating sperm has a partner, they are also required to attend counselling sessions along with the potential donor.

You may already have children of your own and want to help others experience parenthood. Or you may not be ready to have a family of your own but want to make someone else’s dreams come true. You can also donate sperm to a relative or friend who is trying to conceive. In this situation, we may consider donors over 45 years of age.

Can I be paid to be a sperm donor?

In Victoria, donating sperm is an altruistic act and it is illegal to pay a donor to donate.

However, donors can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during the process of donating. Melbourne IVF will reimburse reasonable expenses incurred with a proof of receipt.

The donor will only be reimbursed if accepted into the program and once sperm samples have been cleared for use.

Why do we need more sperm donors?

Infertility affects an estimated one in six couples. Many couples can be treated using conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF), but donor sperm may be required in some cases of severe male infertility where there is a failure of sperm production or where there is a serious medical or genetic condition.

Single women and women in a same sex and gender diverse couple will require donor sperm treatment, either clinic-recruited or recipient-recruited.

Why I became a sperm donor

Melbourne IVF are proud for the generous gift that many men have made which has enabled others to fulfil their dream of having a family.

Hear from two of our sperm donors on their motivations and experiences in donating.

Why one man decided to donate his sperm to others so they may too have a family: Read his story now 

Interview with a Melbourne IVF sperm donor:  Read the interview now

 Sperm Donor booklet

MIVF14 Becoming a Sperm Donor A5 09.08.22-HR.pdf

Download the booklet

Download

Watch a video on the sperm donation process

  • Counselling

    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.

    All parties, recipients, donors and partners, where applicable, need to sign detailed consent forms regarding the use of donor sperm before treatment may commence.

    If the donor is known to the recipient, a joint counselling session may be scheduled.

  • semen analysis

    2. Screening blood tests and semen analysis

    Following the first counselling session the donor has screening blood tests, which include those for infectious diseases, some genetic screening and a semen analysis.

    The results of these tests are reviewed and discussed during the medical assessment that follows.

  • medical appointment

    3. Medical assessment

    Each sperm donor has a consultation with a Melbourne IVF fertility specialist where the donor’s medical history, blood test results and semen analysis are reviewed.

    Sperm donors are also required to complete a Genetic and Medical Health Questionnaire which is discussed during this consultation. If required, a clinical geneticist will review the Genetic and Medical Health Questionnaire to assess the donor’s suitability to provide sperm for the Melbourne IVF donor sperm programme.

  • Sperm quarantined

    4. Sperm is quarantined

    Once counselling is completed, and if the medical assessment is satisfactory, sperm storage appointments are then arranged.

    Usually at least five sperm samples are required, and these are best produced and stored within a limited timeframe (one to two months). The donated sperm is stored and quarantined for a minimum of three months, after which time the donor is required to undergo further screening blood tests for infectious diseases. If the test results are negative, the stored sperm is made available for allocation and use by recipients.

If you're considering becoming a sperm donor or want more information please phone our Community Liaison Administrators on 1800 111 483 or fill in the form below.

Download our sperm donor booklet below which tells you more about the process involved in becoming a sperm donor.

Interested in becoming a sperm donor? Get in touch