Help others create the gift of life
Donating sperm is one of the most generous things a man can do, helping others to achieve their dream of having a child. For many individuals and couples, using donated sperm is their only chance of conceiving a child – please take a few moments to read this page, and think about whether becoming a donor is right for you.
Why do we need more sperm donors?
A considerable number of men cannot produce the sperm needed for conception – often due to problems within the testis, or sometimes due to illness. Many couples may benefit from donated sperm, and recent legislation means this now includes same-sex couples and single women.
Donors play an important role in our program, so we’ll make sure you are supported throughout the process. This includes flexible appointment times to fit with your schedule, one convenient location, and reimbursement for any expenses you incur during the process - including parking, travel and time spent attending appointments if you’re a clinic recruited donor.
You will also have a dedicated donor program nurse to guide you each step of the way, and to be your core point of contact throughout the entire process.
Who can be a sperm donor?
If you’re a healthy man between 25 and 45 years of age, you may be suitable to be a clinic recruited donor. Through our sperm donor program, we are able to help hundreds of individuals and couples every year.
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 Australia, donating sperm is a generous gift, and it’s illegal to take payment for it. You can, however, have your travel or parking expenses reimbursed - either by the recipient if they are known to you, or by the clinic at which you donate.
Clinic recruited donors will be reimbursed by Melbourne IVF for their time spent attending appointments. $250 per donation will be reimbursed in two lump sums; $160 after completing donations and the final $90 on completion of the post-quarantine blood tests. Most men who donate average between 5 and 10 donations in total.
How do I become a sperm donor?
The first step is to contact us through this website, or phone Sarah our Donor Program Nurse on (03) 9473 4428, or email donor@mivf.com.au. We will then send you all the information you need to get started.
Then what happens?
Before going ahead, you and your partner (if applicable) will need to attend at least two counselling sessions with a Melbourne IVF counsellor to discuss the social, ethical and legal implications of sperm donation. You will also need to sign a consent form.
Following the first counselling session you’ll be required to undertake screening blood tests for infectious and some genetic conditions and a semen analysis, which will assess the quality of your sperm.
You’ll then attend a medical consultation, where your medical history, semen analysis and blood test will be reviewed. Your completed Genetic and Medical Health Questionnaire and Sperm Donation Statement will also be reviewed, and if necessary these details will be reviewed by a clinical geneticist.
Donors who are found to be suitable will need to attend at least five donation appointments. The donated sperm is stored and quarantined for six months, after which time you are required to undergo further infectious screening blood tests. If the test results are negative, the stored sperm is made available for allocation and use by recipients.
Find out more about becoming a sperm donor
We hope you will want to help others by becoming a sperm donor.
> Phone our Sperm Donor Program Nurse on (03) 9473 4428
> Contact us for further information on becoming a sperm donor
> Download our Sperm Donor Patient Information booklet, which tells you more about the process involved in becoming a sperm donor.
