Transmissible infections in sperm donation: viruses, bacteria and genetic risks

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Zappelphilipp Marx•
Labor technician examines a semen sample in a microbiology lab

Each year many people use sperm donations. Laboratory screening reduces the risk of transmission and genetic issues to a very low level, but it can never be completely eliminated. Here you can learn which pathogens and genetic variants are relevant, how reputable sperm banks screen donors, and what to watch for with private donations. Further reading: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), ESHRE recommendations, CDC on STIs, EU Tissue and Cells Directive.

Why multi-step screening is essential

Many pathogens have a window period: shortly after infection an antibody test may be negative while PCR/NAT can already detect the agent. That is why reputable programs combine medical history, serological tests, PCR/NAT and time-delayed release after repeat testing (often 90–180 days). This approach significantly reduces residual risk. The logic follows recommendations from ESHRE and public health agencies such as the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Viruses that can be detectable in semen

  • HIV – antigen/antibody combination test plus PCR/NAT; release only after a second blood sample.
  • Hepatitis B and C – HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and HCV-NAT; chronic infections must be reliably excluded.
  • CMV – IgG/IgM and PCR if needed; relevant in pregnancy.
  • HTLV I/II – rare, screened by many programs.
  • HSV-1/2 – clinical history; PCR if suspected.
  • HPV – PCR for high-risk types; positive samples are discarded.
  • Zika, dengue, West Nile – travel history, RT-PCR as needed and deferral after stays in endemic areas.
  • SARS-CoV-2 – now mainly history and symptom checks; program requirements vary.

Bacteria and parasites in the context of sperm donation

  • Chlamydia trachomatis – often asymptomatic; NAAT from urine or swab.
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae – NAAT or culture with resistance testing.
  • Treponema pallidum (syphilis) – TPPA/TPHA and activity markers (e.g. VDRL/RPR).
  • Trichomonas vaginalis – NAAT; can reduce sperm function.
  • Ureaplasmas/Mycoplasmas – treated selectively when detected.
  • Urinary pathogens (e.g. E. coli, enterococci) – culture if suspected; problematic strains are excluded.

Genetic risks: what is standard today

  • Cystic fibrosis (CFTR)
  • Spinal muscular atrophy (SMN1)
  • Hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell, thalassemias)
  • Fragile X (FMR1) depending on history
  • Y-chromosome microdeletions with severe oligo/azoospermia
  • Population-specific panels (e.g. Gaucher, Tay–Sachs)

Extended testing is guided by family history and ancestry. ESHRE recommends defining indication areas transparently.

Risk matrix: pathogen, test, window period, release

PathogenPrimary testWindow periodTypical releaseNote
HIVAg/Ab combo + PCR/NATDays to a few weeksAfter retest (90–180 days)NAT shortens uncertainty
HBV/HCVHBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV, HCV-NATWeeksAfter retestCheck HBV vaccination status
SyphilisTPPA/TPHA + activity markers2–6 weeksOnly with fully negative serologyTreatment → deferral until resolved
Chlamydia/GonorrhoeaNAAT (urine/swab)DaysIf negativePositive → treatment, follow-up test
CMVIgG/IgM ± PCRWeeksDepends on the bankRelevance in pregnancy
Zika/West NileRT-PCR + travel historyWeeksDeferral after travel/infectionConsider endemic areas

Specific time frames vary by laboratory and national requirements. Guidance is provided by ESHRE, the Public Health Agency of Canada and EU tissue and cells directives.

How the screening process works

  1. Medical history and risk assessment – questionnaire, travel and sexual history.
  2. Laboratory tests – combination of antibody/antigen and PCR/NAT.
  3. Genetic panel – according to guidelines and history.
  4. Quarantine – freezing and time-delayed release after retesting.
  5. Final release – only with completely normal results.

Private sperm donation: how to stay safe

  • Current written test results from both parties (HIV, HBV/HCV, syphilis, chlamydia/gonorrhoea; depending on situation CMV, trichomonas).
  • No unprotected sex with third parties during the window period after testing.
  • Use only sterile single-use containers, a clean surface, wash hands; no sample mixing.
  • Document date, time and test results; record agreements in writing.
  • If you have symptoms such as fever, rash or unusual discharge, postpone donation and seek medical assessment.

Medical background on STI prevention: the CDC and the Public Health Agency of Canada provide consumer-friendly overviews.

Sperm donation with RattleStork: organised, documented, safety-minded

RattleStork helps you plan a private sperm donation responsibly. You can securely exchange test results, set reminders for retests, use single-use material checklists and document individual consents. Our practical checklist guides preparation, clean collection and handover. This keeps the donation planned and transparent without compromising safety standards.

RattleStork app home screen with checklist for safe sperm donation
RattleStork supports testing, retesting, documentation and clean procedures.

Law and standards (Canada/International)

In Canada the collection, testing and release of donor gametes are governed by federal and provincial regulations as well as professional guidelines. Guidance is provided by Health Canada, professional fertility organisations and international bodies such as ESHRE. Many sperm banks also limit the number of children per donor and maintain registers.

Conclusion

Reputable sperm banks combine medical history, serological tests, PCR/NAT, quarantine and retesting. This makes infections and genetic risks very rare. For private donations the same principles are crucial: up-to-date tests, respecting window periods, hygiene, documentation and clear agreements. RattleStork offers structured support for a safe, responsible sperm donation.

Disclaimer: Content on RattleStork is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice; no specific outcome is guaranteed. Use of this information is at your own risk. See our full Disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

With combined testing and time-delayed release the risk is very low, but it can never be completely excluded.

HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea and, depending on the program, CMV, HTLV, HPV and a basic genetic panel.

The quarantine bridges the window period between infection and detectability and reduces residual risk.

After successful treatment and negative follow-up tests it is often possible; the facility decides on a case-by-case basis.

After travel to risk areas there are waiting periods and possibly PCR tests before release can be considered.

The vaccine reduces the risk from many high-risk types but does not replace laboratory testing and release processes.

Without standardised testing, quarantine and documentation the risk is higher; strict self-controls are necessary.

Cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, hemoglobinopathies and, depending on history, additional panels such as Fragile X.

Positive cultures are followed by resistance testing and problematic strains are consistently excluded.

Processing reduces cellular load but does not replace negative tests and is not, by itself, proof of safety.

At regular intervals and additionally before each release; the exact intervals are set by the facility.

That increases the risk of an undetected new infection and jeopardizes release, so it is not recommended.

Full vaccination is advisable and taken into account, but laboratory testing remains mandatory.

Stored in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees, quality remains stable for many years; there is effectively no fixed expiration date.

Yes, both parties should provide current results and respect the window period; otherwise the risk increases significantly.

You can exchange test results, schedule retests, check single-use materials and record consents in writing so procedures and evidence are always clear.