Creating embryos is one of the most important steps in the surrogacy process, and for many intended parents in California, that step includes selecting a sperm donor. Choosing a donor who meets strict medical, legal, and ethical standards helps protect both your future child and your surrogacy investment.
Sperm banks establish clear donor requirements to ensure donated sperm is healthy, genetically screened, and suitable for use in IVF, IUI, or surrogacy. Understanding these requirements allows intended parents to move forward with confidence as they prepare for embryo creation.
If you are still in the planning stage, working with professionals early can help you prepare for donor selection and the next steps in your surrogacy journey. Contact us today!
What Are Sperm Donor Requirements?
Sperm donor requirements are standards used by sperm banks and fertility clinics to determine whether a potential donor is eligible to donate. These requirements are shaped by medical best practices, FDA regulations, and ethical guidelines designed to protect intended parents and resulting children.
Requirements can vary slightly between sperm banks, which is why it is important to review screening criteria before selecting a donor. Reputable sperm banks maintain rigorous standards to ensure sperm quality and donor reliability.
Common Sperm Bank Requirements
Most licensed sperm banks screen donors for a combination of physical, medical, and personal factors, including:
-
Overall physical health
-
Mental health history
-
Age, commonly between 18 and 40
-
Height requirements, often starting around 5 feet 6 inches
-
Educational background, some banks prefer college enrollment or degrees
-
Lifestyle habits and personal history
These criteria help sperm banks narrow their donor pool to candidates most likely to produce healthy embryos.
The Sperm Donation Screening Process
Before a donor is accepted, sperm banks typically require a comprehensive screening process that may include:
-
Detailed health and family medical history questionnaire
-
Physical examination
-
Criminal background check
-
Semen analysis and sperm quality testing
-
Genetic carrier screening, recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
-
Infectious disease testing
Only a small percentage of applicants successfully pass all screening steps and become active sperm donors.
Infectious Disease Testing Requirements
Infectious disease testing is required and regulated by the FDA. Donors are tested for conditions including:
-
HIV I and II
-
Syphilis
-
Chlamydia
-
Gonorrhea
-
Cytomegalovirus
-
Hepatitis B and C
-
West Nile Virus
-
Additional FDA mandated screenings
These tests protect intended parents, surrogates, and future children by minimizing medical risk.
What to Look For in a Sperm Donor?
Beyond basic screening requirements, choosing a sperm donor is a personal decision. Intended parents may prioritize different factors based on their family goals.
Some families seek donors who are not carriers for specific genetic conditions. Others look for donors whose physical traits, interests, or personality align with their own. Sperm banks provide detailed donor profiles so you can make an informed choice that fits your values and preferences.
There is no single right answer, the most important factor is selecting a donor who meets medical standards and feels right for your family.
Do Sperm Donor Requirements Affect Surrogacy Success?
Yes, sperm donor quality plays an important role in embryo development and surrogacy outcomes. High quality sperm contributes to higher quality embryos, which increases the likelihood that an embryo transfer will result in a successful pregnancy.
By working with a sperm bank that carefully screens donors, intended parents reduce the risk of failed embryo transfers and repeated IVF cycles. This can save time, emotional stress, and financial resources throughout the surrogacy journey.
Long Term Considerations for Sperm Donation Recipients
Some sperm donors remain anonymous, while others agree to identity disclosure once the child reaches a certain age. This decision can affect your child later in life, especially as questions about identity and genetics arise.
With the increasing availability of consumer DNA testing, even anonymous donors may eventually be identifiable. Many professionals recommend being open with children about their conception story in an age appropriate way to foster trust and understanding as they grow.
How Can I Find a Sperm Donor Near Me?
Not all areas have local sperm banks, but location is rarely a limitation. National sperm banks routinely ship sperm to fertility clinics throughout California and the United States.
When evaluating sperm banks, consider asking:
-
What medical and genetic screening is performed
-
What donor identity options are available
-
How many families a donor is allowed to help
-
How sperm vials are stored and shipped
-
How coordination with fertility clinics is handled
These questions help ensure a smooth and well managed donor selection process.
Choosing a sperm donor is an important decision, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Our specialists can help you understand donor requirements, review screening standards, and prepare for embryo creation as part of your surrogacy journey. Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and begin planning your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sperm Donor Requirements
What disqualifies a sperm donor?
Potential sperm donors may be disqualified due to age, health history, genetic risks, poor sperm quality, criminal background, or lifestyle factors. Many applicants do not qualify due to the strict screening process.
What qualifies a man to donate sperm?
To qualify, donors must meet age and health requirements, pass genetic and infectious disease screening, clear a background check, and demonstrate acceptable sperm quality. There is no single qualifying factor, eligibility depends on meeting all screening criteria.
Do you have to be six feet tall to donate sperm?
No, donors do not need to be six feet tall, although some sperm banks may have minimum height requirements.
How much money do sperm donors get paid?
Sperm donors are typically compensated between $70 and $200 per donation. Donors who participate regularly may earn more over time.