Sperm Donation Eligibility Requirements and Limits

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements

Most sperm banks accept donors aged 18-39, with many preferring donors under 35. Younger donors generally have higher sperm quality and face fewer genetic testing complications. Some banks accept donors up to 44 for those with proven fertility or exceptional profiles. Age limits exist because sperm quality and genetic mutation rates correlate with age.

Height Requirements

Many sperm banks have minimum height requirements, typically 5'8" to 5'10" depending on the bank. This reflects recipient preferences rather than medical necessity. Some banks waive height requirements for donors with exceptional educational backgrounds, rare ethnicities, or other highly sought characteristics.

Education and Background

Many banks prefer donors who are currently enrolled in or have completed college education. This is driven by recipient demand rather than biological factors. Banks also screen for family medical history, requiring detailed information about parents, grandparents, and siblings' health.

Location Proximity

Donors must live near the sperm bank facility for the duration of their commitment period. Regular in-person donations are required, typically 1-3 times per week. Relocating during your donor period usually ends participation. Some banks offer housing assistance for out-of-area exceptional candidates.

Donation Limits and Restrictions

Family Unit Limits

To prevent half-sibling proliferation, banks limit how many family units can use each donor's samples. The ASRM recommends a maximum of 25 live births per 800,000 population. Most banks interpret this as 25-30 family units total. Once limits are reached, your samples are no longer distributed, regardless of remaining inventory.

Abstinence Requirements

Banks require 2-5 days of sexual abstinence before each donation to ensure adequate sperm concentration. Too little abstinence results in low counts; too much abstinence can affect motility. This requirement limits practical donation frequency and requires lifestyle coordination.

Commitment Period

Donor agreements typically span 6-12 months of regular donations. Banks invest significantly in screening and need sufficient inventory from each donor to justify costs. Early termination forfeits completion bonuses and may affect references for future donation programs.

Screening and Disqualification Factors

Genetic Testing

Comprehensive genetic screening tests for hundreds of hereditary conditions. Carriers of serious recessive conditions may be excluded or limited to recipients who have been tested as non-carriers. Family history of certain conditions (Huntington's, early-onset Alzheimer's, schizophrenia) often results in rejection.

Infectious Disease Testing

Donors are tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections. Testing occurs during screening and periodically throughout the donation period. Any positive result ends participation immediately.

Psychological Evaluation

Banks require psychological screening to assess motivations, understanding of the process, and mental health stability. This evaluation explores your feelings about potential offspring and contact scenarios. Concerning responses can result in rejection.

Common Mistakes That Affect Eligibility

Incomplete Family Medical History

Banks require detailed health information about biological relatives. Not knowing your family history or providing incomplete information often results in rejection. Adopted individuals may face additional challenges without access to biological family records.

Underestimating Sample Quality Requirements

Sperm must survive the freezing and thawing process with sufficient count and motility. Many men with normal fertility have samples that do not freeze well. This is only discovered through testing and cannot be improved through lifestyle changes.

Ignoring Lifestyle Factors

Heavy alcohol use, marijuana use, tobacco use, and certain supplements affect sperm quality. Banks test for drugs and expect donors to abstain from marijuana entirely. Lifestyle changes may be required during your donation period.

Overcommitting Before Qualification

The screening process takes weeks and has high rejection rates. Making financial plans based on expected donor income before completing screening leads to disappointment for most applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions