By Chioma Umeha
As infertility rates increase, more and more
couples are using assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including
artificial insemination and IVF, to reach their dreams of parenthood.
The increased demand for these procedures has
resulted in an increase in sperm banking.A sperm bank, also referred to as a
cyrobank, is a facility that collects, freezes, and stores human sperm.
The sperm kept at a sperm bank is either donated
by men to be used by couples seeking sperm donations for artificial
insemination or IVF procedures, or is provided by men who want to preserve
their own sperm for future use.
Why do men choose to bank their sperm for future
use?
Male fertility can be compromised by a variety of
factors and life events. Sperm banking offers men an insurance policy in the
event that their fertility is diminished at the time in their life that they
are ready to father a child.
Age is key contributing factor to declining sperm
count and sperm quality. As a result, some men choose to bank sperm while they
are young to ensure they have healthy sperm down the road.
Certain cancers and cancer treatments jeopardize
sperm quality and fertility, so men facing these health conditions may choose
to bank sperm before undergoing surgery or beginning chemotherapy and
radiation.
Sperm banking is also helpful for couples who are
trying to get pregnant via assisted reproductive technologies, and the man
travels extensively or is deployed in the military. Banking sperm ensures that
there will be sperm available when it is time to do the procedure.
Finally, some men who are choosing to have a
vasectomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting the tubes that carry
sperm during ejaculation, desire to bank sperm in case they wish to have
additional children following the vasectomy.
Why do men donate sperm?
Donated sperm is in high demand. As a result, men
can earn money by donating sperm, which is then sold to infertile couples
undergoing ART.
While sperm banks have different qualifications
and requirements, becoming a sperm donor typically requires health screenings
and tests, all of which are performed by the sperm bank facility at no cost to
the potential donor.
