A sperm bank, semen bank or cryobank is a facility or enterprise that collects and stores human sperm from sperm donors for use by women who need donor-provided sperm to achieve pregnancy. Sperm donated by the sperm donor is known as donor sperm, and the process for introducing the sperm into the woman is called artificial insemination, which is a form of third-party reproduction.
From a medical perspective, a pregnancy achieved using donor sperm is no different from a pregnancy achieved using partner sperm, and it is also no different from a pregnancy achieved by sexual intercourse.
A sperm donor must generally meet specific requirements regarding age and medical history.
The man (called the sperm donor) is tested and screened at a sperm bank clinic for donor suitability.
- Once accepted, he produces a deposit of sperm at the clinic by masturbation.
- The clinic takes the deposit to the laboratory for analysis.
- The sperm deposit is evaluated for sperm count and sperm motility.
- The sperm is also screened for infectious diseases.
- Sperm may be prepared for use in IVF, ICI or IUI fertility procedures.
- The deposit is transferred into vials which are stored (frozen) in liquid nitrogen for at least six months before being made available for use.
- Sperm banking keeps a stock of sperm from a donor so that women may have the choice of additional children from the same donor.
Who is a suitable candidate for Sperm Banking?
Men who wish to store their own sperm for their own use in the future because they are undergoing chemotherapy, surgery for testicular or prostate cancer or a vasectomy, or they have a high-risk occupation.