Sperm donation enables many people to realise their desire to have a child – be it single women, lesbian couples, or heterosexual couples facing male infertility. To ensure that this step is taken safely and responsibly, it is advisable to inform oneself early on about potential risks such as transmittable diseases and genetic factors. Only in this way can well-founded decisions be made and the wish for a child be realised within a secure framework.
Viral Infections
Even without direct sexual intercourse, viral pathogens can be transmitted via sperm cells. Thanks to modern technology and extensive screening standards, this risk is low, though not entirely to be ruled out. The most common viral diseases in the context of sperm donation include:
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS and is mainly transmitted through blood or sexual contact. State-regulated sperm banks test all donors for HIV and usually enforce a quarantine period.
- Hepatitis B and C: Both types of hepatitis are highly contagious and can be transmitted by blood, seminal fluid, and other bodily fluids. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing liver damage, such as cirrhosis.
- Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV): Both Type I (oral herpes) and Type II (genital herpes) can theoretically be transmitted via ejaculate. The risk increases significantly in the presence of open herpes lesions.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): CMV is widespread and usually asymptomatic. However, it can cause problems for immunocompromised individuals and during pregnancy. Many sperm banks therefore routinely test for CMV.
- Zika Virus: This virus is predominantly found in tropical regions and can persist in the ejaculate for weeks or even months. Individuals from risk areas are usually additionally tested or temporarily excluded from donating.
- HTLV (Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus): Although this group of viruses is less common, it can promote leukaemias or lymphomas. Reputable sperm banks therefore also conduct HTLV tests.
Bacterial Infections: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis & More
However, transmittable diseases are not limited to viruses. Bacterial infections can also be present in seminal fluid and may be transmitted. Important examples include:
- Chlamydia: One of the most common sexually transmitted infections, which often goes unnoticed. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility.
- Gonorrhoea: Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Transmission via ejaculate is possible here as well, even if no visible symptoms, such as a discharge, are present.
- Syphilis: Caused by Treponema pallidum. If untreated, syphilis can lead to severe organ damage. For this reason, testing for it is mandatory in many facilities.
- Other bacterial infections: Non-specific inflammations of the prostate or urinary tract can release bacteria into the ejaculate. A urological examination can help to identify such causes at an early stage.
Genetic Risks: Keeping an Eye on Hereditary Diseases
In addition to the dangers of infection, prospective parents should also consider potential genetic risks, as certain hereditary diseases can be passed on through sperm donation. Preventative screening frequently already includes various genetic tests. Examples of relevant hereditary diseases are:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF): A disorder that affects the lungs and digestive organs and is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene.
- Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassaemia: Both conditions alter the structure of haemoglobin in the blood (haemoglobinopathies).
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A progressive neurological disorder in which changes in the SMN1 gene lead to the degeneration of motor neurons.
- Tay-Sachs Disease: A rare neurodegenerative disorder triggered by a mutation in the HEXA gene.
- Fragile X Syndrome: The most common inherited form of intellectual disability, caused by changes in the FMR1 gene.
Private Sperm Donation or Sperm Bank: Which Is Safer?
Those who opt for sperm donation are often faced with the question of whether to choose a private donor or a sperm bank. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Sperm Bank
Sperm banks carry out rigorous screening with multi-stage tests and quarantine phases. Genetic checks are also frequently part of the process. In some countries, such as Germany, there is even a sperm donor register that later grants children the right to know their biological origins. Legal and medical procedures are uniformly regulated, which ensures a high level of safety.
Private Donation
A private donation can sometimes be more cost-effective or personal. However, health certificates are often harder to obtain, and the structured quarantine and multi-stage controls may be lacking. Legal issues – for example regarding custody and maintenance – can also become complex. Those opting for a private donation should therefore place special emphasis on up-to-date medical documentation and clarify legal aspects at an early stage.
Screening Procedures in State-Regulated Sperm Banks
In many countries, sperm banks are subject to state regulation with clearly defined legal and medical guidelines. These guidelines are designed to protect both recipients and donors as far as possible and to ensure the responsible use of sperm donation. In general, these guidelines include the following:
- Medical History: A comprehensive interview with the donor concerning his health and family history.
- Blood Tests: Screening for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis as well as other pathogens that may be relevant depending on the region.
- Swabs: Tests for sexually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia.
- Additional Tests: Depending on risk factors, the donor’s origin or place of residence, further examinations (e.g. for Zika Virus or HTLV) may be required.
- Quarantine Period: Sperm cells are often frozen and stored for several months. Afterwards, the donor is retested to exclude recent infections that were not detectable earlier.
These measures can significantly reduce the residual risk of disease transmission, even though it can never be completely eliminated. It is therefore important that individuals wishing to have children discuss any open questions with professionals at an early stage and, if necessary, seek legal or medical advice.
Conclusion
Sperm donation offers many opportunities but also comes with a certain degree of responsibility. Those who inform themselves early about screening procedures, legal frameworks, and genetic risks lay the foundation for as safe a donation as possible and reduce uncertainties in the long run. In addition to responsible medical procedures, open communication with all parties involved should not be neglected. In this way, sperm donation can become a sensible and trustworthy option on the path to starting one’s own family.