On behalf of Queensland Fertility Group we would like to thank you for giving consideration to donating your sperm for use with infertile couples.

The following information is provide to ensure you have an initial understanding of the procedures used for selection, any medical testing required, how and when to donate, what will happen to your sperm, on whom it will be used and some of the potential psychological issues that we suggest you give thought to prior to your donating.

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Selection of Donors

Selection of donors is a two way process.  Each donor is then interviewed by one of our Scientists and one of the Gynaecologists within the Group.  These interviews are to check basic medical information, gain background family information, appropriateness of yourself as a donor, and to give information regarding donations.  Following this, remaining potential donors are asked to see our psychologist to just review aspects of the donation with you, and provide you with whatever other information you may seek.

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Medical Testing

A small number of medical tests are required prior to, during, and after donations.  These include the provision of a sperm sample for analysis to determine whether it is of sufficient quality, as well as blood tests before donating and every subsequent three months (while you are making donations) for any infectious or other sexually transmissible diseases.  The protocol for testing may vary slightly over time, and will be fully explained to you by the gynaecologist or scientist.  We will test whether you carry a mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene and screen your chromosomes for any chromosomal rearrangements that you may carry.  You will also be requested to complete a family medical history and lifestyle declaration before donating and every three months while you are making donations.

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How and When to Donate

Donations are made on a regular basis, with times and dates arranged with the scientist.  Donations will be left at the Queensland Fertility Group Office on the 1st floor, Watkins Medical Centre, 225 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane.  They may be given to the receptionist, or directly to the scientist if available.  It is critical that all samples are fully labelled, and procedures for transport and timing suggested by the scientist adhered to. 

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What will Happen To Your Sperm?

Once your sperm is collected, it is processed by the scientist to prepare it for storage over time.  This involves analysis and addition of a cryoprotectant.  The sperm is then frozen, and kept for a minimum of six months in liquid nitrogen until ready for use.  Sperm can be safely stored for up to ten years if required.  During this time, and prior to use, blood tests are again conducted to ascertain a clean bill of health for yourself, and the sperm.

Sperm is then collected by the doctor for use with couples who are unable to conceive due to a low sperm count, abnormal sperm or absence of sperm.  A lack of sperm or sperm quality may be caused by a number of factors including childhood illnesses, undescended testis, poor circulation which has not been able to be remedied, use of radiotherapy, or inability to reverse a previous vasectomy.  Many have unknown causes.  Each couple is fully counselled regarding the use of donor sperm, and again any longer term potential issues.

Your sperm will not be used for experimentation or any other similar scientific purposes.

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Will Anyone Know Who I Am?

Donors are now required to be open and willing to have contact with any offspring, if requested, once the offspring reach the age of 18.  This contact has to be agreed to by both parties and may take the form of a phone call, email, letter or a face to face meeting.  For this reason, we ask you to maintain contact with the Cryobiology Coordinator and inform them of any change to your contact details. 

Your identity is not revealed to the recipient/recipients, or the doctor treating the couple.  An extensive profile of the donor is given to assist with the selection of a suitable donor.  If the use of your semen is successful and a pregnancy results neither yourself nor the recipient/recipients are informed about each others identity.  You will not be informed if your sperm has achieved a pregnancy or a live baby.  Following the birth of a live baby, the recipient/recipients may request non-identifying information about the donor used.  This may include physical characteristics, such as height, weight etc, as well as other non-identifying information we have obtained from you (interests, job type, educational level etc).

Information on your identity will not be available either now or in the future to the recipient/recipients.  It will only be provided to any children when they reach the age of 18, and only if they request it.  Similarly, information about the recipient/recipients and children arising from use of your semen will not be available to you.  According to current accreditation guidelines a donor can achieve births to a maximum of 10 families. 

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Legal Aspects

Separate records will be kept of donors, recipients and successful births.  This record is held by the Queensland Fertility Group for the medical protection of both the donors and any children arising from use of the semen.  It is not accessible to other parties or subject to disclosure to any Government agency.  This is different from other states, where some have a register of donors and offspring.

Each recipient couple signs a consent form for use of the donor semen.  At registration of the birth of a child resulting from donor semen, the male partner within the couple is registered as the legal father.  Under current Australian law, the semen donor has no legal or financial responsibility to the child, the mother, or the couple now or in the future.

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Is there any Compensation for Donating Sperm?

Donors receive no financial gain as Australian legislation prevents payment for any human tissues. An amount for out-of-pocket expenses (travel and parking) is available to the donor.

For further information you can submit an enquiry here, or call 1800 734 483