How to become a donor

Infertility is considered the inability of the couple to conceive, after regular sexual intercourse for a reasonable period of time. Fifteen percent of couples worldwide have difficulty conceiving, while in Greece 1 in 6 couples will need a doctor for fertility issues. When the spouse / partner does not produce any spermatozoa and therefore there is no chance of pregnancy or when the partner has a genetic abnormality that should not be passed on to his children, sperm donation is necessary. Sperm donation is an act of substantial help, generosity and social contribution.

Requirements of candidate donors for participation in the program

The selected donors are young adults exclusively of Greek origin, aged mainly 19 to 35 years, with full legal capacity. Requirementsfor participation in the program are:

• good health
• personal and family medical history without infectious, genetic or inherited diseases
• possibility and flexibility to visit the lab for the collection of samples, with abstinence from ejaculation for 3-4 days
• exclusive cooperation with HSB Sperm Bank

Eligibility Criteria for the Sperm Donation Program

Initial Eligibility Requirements

Prospective donors must satisfy several baseline conditions:

• Age between 18 and 40 years old
• Availability for consistent sample donations and blood testing
• Exclusive collaboration with SPERMIA Sperm Bank
• Preferably possess higher education
• Abstain from substance abuse

Program Acceptance Criteria

Following initial interview and preliminary screening, candidates undergo thorough medical evaluation. Acceptance requires:

• Excellent physical and mental health status
• No personal or family history of infectious, genetic, or hereditary diseases
• Achievement of excellent sperm quality standards

Why Become a Donor?

• Financial Compensation — Donors receive reimbursement for program participation expenses
• Free Fertility Evaluation — Including sperm quality, microorganism detection, and sperm DNA integrity analysis — an essential check for every young man that safeguards his reproductive future
• Free Health Screening — Genetic testing for hereditary diseases and regular screening for sexually transmitted diseases using specialized techniques
• Free Sperm Cryopreservation — Sperm collected during your participation is stored and preserved free of charge for your personal use
• Personal Impact — Your participation makes a significant contribution to society, helping individuals and couples who need your donation to start a family

What Medical Tests Are Performed on the Blood Sample?

Genetic and Virological Screening

• Karyotype (chromosomal analysis)
• Blood type and Rhesus factor (Rh)
• Immunological and molecular (PCR) testing for HIV I & II, Hepatitis B & C
• Serological testing for syphilis (RPR/VDRL)
• Immunological screening for HTLV-I & II (T-lymphotropic viruses)

Screening for Common Genetic Diseases

• Molecular testing for thalassemia (α, β, and δβ types)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Cystic fibrosis (CFTR) – gene sequencing for detection of ~99% of mutations
• CFTR gene deletion/duplication testing via MLPA method
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – SMN1/SMN2 genes
• Congenital or hereditary deafness – GJB2 gene

What Medical Tests Are Performed on the Sperm Sample?

Semen Analysis (Spermiogram)
Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation
Sperm count
Assessment of motility, vitality, and morphology
Differentiation and count of round cells

Post-Thaw Viability Test
Assesses sperm survival and quality after freezing and thawing to ensure suitability for future use.

DNA and Oxidative Stress Testing
Sperm DNA fragmentation analysis via flow cytometry
Oxidative stress measurement (8OHdG) via flow cytometry

Microbiological Testing
Aerobic and anaerobic culture
Sexually transmitted diseases (PCR method):

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Mycoplasma hominis / genitalium
• Ureaplasma urealyticum / parvum
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Herpes simplex 1 & 2
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Haemophilus ducreyi
• Treponema pallidum
• Candida albicans
• Gardnerella vaginalis
• Group B Streptococcus

Immunological Testing
Antisperm antibodies (ASA)

How long does the enrollment process take?

The entire donor enrollment process usually takes around 5 to 6 weeks. This duration covers the time required to complete all necessary steps, including medical tests and psychological evaluation.

How often must I donate sperm as an approved donor?

Once approved and active, regular donations are required, especially during the initial period. Frequency depends on your availability and the laboratory’s schedule. Each sample must meet quality and concentration standards to be accepted.

How to Join the Donor Program

Joining the donor program is simple and consists of the following steps:

Interview

In your first meeting, you will meet the scientific team, receive detailed information, and have the opportunity to ask any questions.

Initial Semen Quality Evaluation

Your semen sample will be evaluated, in order to see if it initially meets the banking criteria.

Medical Screening Evaluation

During our comprehensive donor screening process, as an applicant, you will undergo a full panel of medical tests to ensure safety and high-quality standards. These include blood tests for hereditary conditions and infectious diseases, as well as semen testing which covers key parameters such as DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) and screening for microbial infections.
Our goal is to protect both donors and future families by maintaining the highest level of medical accuracy and care throughout the evaluation process.

Psychological Assessment and Interview

You will participate in a psychological and social evaluation interview aimed at understanding your personality, emotional stability, and social environment. This is not a “test” but a friendly, supportive discussion with a qualified professional, ensuring your decision is informed, responsible, and made in good mental health.
During your interview, you will complete a questionnaire about your health and your family’s medical background. You will also be asked to provide personal and lifestyle details such as hobbies and personal goals so that we can get to know you better.

Written Consent

• Consent to participate
• Declaration of accuracy of your information
• Agreement for exclusive collaboration with the SPERMIA Sperm Bank

Cryopreservation Visits

You will be asked to visit our laboratory for sperm collections a few times, after making an appointment at your convenience.
As part of your thorough medical check up, you will undergo blood testing for infectious diseases approximately every three months.