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Hepatitis C Passed Through Sperm Donation

By Thulas Sukati
Sep 26, 2008
Sperm donation is the practice by which a man donates his semen to be used specifically to produce a baby for another couple whom he may or may not know. Clinics where this occurs are known as sperm banks and the man, a sperm donor.

Most sperm donation is carried out anonymously buy some doors are known to the recipient, however, the law may decide just how many people can use the same sperm for conception. When a couple specifically ask someone to provide sperm for them they usually ask someone close and this is normally referred to as a Known Donor.

However, the most likely scenario is that he will donate sperm anonymously so the woman receiving it will not know any personal details of the donor. Unfortunately this anonymity is not set to last as DNA testing and legal issue allow fathers and children to be made aware of each other if they wish.

The health of the sperm donor is paramount and tests for HIV, disabilities, sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis, drug abuse or any genetic conditions are carried out on the sperm donor. With safety in mind, sperm banks have become very cautious in recent years and a sperm donor's medical history must be studied along with the type of person he is so that this information can be used when sperm is matched to the recipient.

The sperm donor must be prepared to undergo a series of medical examinations which will determine his blood group details, whether he is infected with HIV or has a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea for example. Safety of the woman and her child are paramount so these test will ensure neither are at risk from infection contained within the sperm.

To ensure the health, count and mobility all sperm donations are tested as well and must be completed before sperm donation registration is permitted. During the six month quarantine period, sperm donations cannot be used so tests are run to prove the sperm is healthy and can be used as soon as the quarantine is over.

Sperm donation might be the only course many couple can take to conceive a child despite the number of fertility treatments now possible. Most infertility methods rely on the male sperm but if there is a low count, poor movement of the sperm is malformed then sperm donation may be the only answer. The number of people using sperm donation is on the increase especially in the Western world and in the UK at least one thousand couples make use of this facility each year to have a child they might not have had.
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