More Sperm Donors Needed In The South Of England

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 16 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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Fertility experts at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust need to recruit more donors to allow them to continue treating infertile couples desperate for a child of their own. The Trust currently runs one of the few sperm banks and active donor programmes in the south of England.

Couples are referred for treatment from across Hampshire and parts of Dorset, Sussex and Wiltshire but the number of sperm donors has dropped in recent years.

The problem echoes a nationwide trend, with a shortage of sperm donations across the country at present.
v The shortage has worsened since a change in the law in April 2005, meaning people conceived through donation are allowed to find out the identity of the donor once they reach the age of 18.

SUHT has now decided to issue a public appeal for sperm donors in the hope that more men will volunteer their services.

Fertility consultant Nick Brook, based at the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, said: "The donation of sperm to help a couple have a child is one of the most generous gifts anyone can give.

"Although we have donors at present, we desperately need more.

"We are keen to hear from any men aged between 18 and 45 who may be willing to provide this vital service to help infertile couples."

Mr Brook said the change in anonymity laws should not put potential donors off helping couples who could not otherwise become parents.

"Obviously the decision to donate is one which should not be taken lightly and men need to think carefully about the possible impact it could have on their own family," he said.

"We have a first-class unit with highly experienced staff who can answer any questions men may have about becoming a donor.

"Counselling is also offered before consent forms are signed to ensure donors have a chance to air any further concerns."

The Trust is approaching local colleges and universities in the search for more sperm donors, as well as advertising on hospital notice boards and via the Internet.

All potential candidates are asked to fill in a confidential questionnaire before being invited to the hospital for an interview and medical tests.

Once they have been screened, successful applicants can donate up to ten times, for which they are entitled to a maximum payment of £250.

Source
Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust

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