What is Sperm Donation?
Sperm donation is an assisted reproductive technique applied in cases where there is no sperm production due to congenital or acquired reasons. Sperms obtained from sperm banks are used in the treatment. As the British Cyprus IVF Hospital, we collaborate with internationally accredited sperm banks operating abroad.
Sperm donation is a preferred method, particularly by patients with azoospermia (the absence of sperm in the semen), and it can also be chosen by single women and lesbian couples.
Who is Sperm Donation Suitable For?
- Patients with undescended testicles whose sperm production has been severely damaged due to lack of timely surgery,
- Patients whose sperm production has been affected by chemotherapy or radiation therapy,
Patients whose testicles have been damaged due to a previous infectious disease or mumps, - Patients who do not have a testicle due to trauma or other reasons, or patients who cannot produce sperm due to genetic diseases,
- Patients with repeated IVF failures where poor sperm quality is determined as the cause,
- Patients at risk of having children with genetic disorders due to consanguineous marriage,
- Can also be applied to single women or lesbian couples.
Sperm Donation in British Cyprus
Detailed information about the necessary tests and examinations before starting sperm donation treatment in British Cyprus will be provided to you. For an initial consultation, you can either come to Cyprus for a day or contact us via phone/email. For patients who will start the treatment in their own country, it is sufficient to undergo a gynecological examination and all the requested tests at their local location and send the results to us.
After the tests and examinations are evaluated by our doctors, a personalized treatment program will be planned for you. The treatment process and medication dosages will be determined by our doctors based on ultrasound results.
Patients who apply to our hospital for sperm donation can choose to undergo the entire treatment process at our hospital or follow the preparation process remotely according to our instructions from their current location. The process operates similarly in both cases. If remote monitoring is chosen, it is only necessary to be in Cyprus for 6 days.
Sperm Donation Process at British Cyprus IVF
In sperm donation treatment, the ovaries of the intended mother are prepared. If intrauterine insemination (IUI) is planned, the natural development of the egg is monitored, or low-dose medication is administered to stimulate the development of one or two eggs, and a trigger injection is given at the appropriate time. Approximately 34-36 hours after the trigger injection, the donor sperm sample is prepared in a specialized environment and injected into the uterus of the intended mother through a catheter.
If in vitro fertilization (IVF) is chosen as the treatment method, the intended mother needs to use medication for approximately 2 weeks (10-12 days). Treatment with ovarian stimulation drugs starts on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. Around 12 or 14 days after the start of treatment, when the eggs have reached the desired size, the egg retrieval procedure is scheduled.
When the eggs reach the desired maturity, the trigger injection is administered at the planned time, and approximately 34-36 hours later, under general anesthesia, the egg retrieval procedure (OPU) is performed. The collected eggs are fertilized in the laboratory using donor sperm selected based on the physical characteristics of the intended father and the blood type of the family.
After 4-6 days of egg retrieval, the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the intended mother. The transfer procedure is a painless process, and the intended mother only needs to come to our hospital for a day. The pregnancy result is determined by a blood test 10-12 days after the transfer.
For sperm donation, the intended mother needs to stay in Cyprus for one week. This period includes the time from egg retrieval to one day after the transfer. However, for those who prefer or have time constraints, it is sufficient for the intended mother to be present at our hospital only on the day of egg retrieval and transfer.
We Obtain Sperm Solely from Certified Sperm Banks
In our hospital, only certified sperm samples obtained from licensed sperm banks operating abroad (Cryos or European Bank) are used. Although we have a variety of sperm samples available in our stock to match every ethnic background and blood type, if the patient wishes, they can select from the bank and have the specific sperm brought for them.
Infectious diseases that could be transmitted to the child through sperm and genetic diseases that could cause serious health problems in the child are screened. Screening tests for infectious diseases such as jaundice (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C), HIV (AIDS), Syphilis, Cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia, as well as genetically transmitted diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Thalassemia (Mediterranean Anemia), are conducted as part of a comprehensive screening program that also includes karyotype (chromosome) analysis.
All genetic and serological screening tests for the sperm donor, as well as psychosocial evaluations, are indicated on the certificates.
How Do We Select the Most Suitable Donor for You?
One of the most frequently asked questions by those who undergo sperm donation at British Cyprus is how we select the donors. Donor matching is a highly serious process during the donation procedure. At British Cyprus IVF Hospital, we have years of expertise and work with a professional team specialized in this field.
When selecting a donor, we consider factors such as blood type, physical characteristics (height, weight, eye color, skin color, facial features), educational background (completion of university/graduate education), psychological traits (active, outgoing, curious, enthusiastic, positive), and family history, which are documented on the donor’s certificates. Patients can choose a suitable profile from these certificates, or based on their preferences, we can provide them with options.
It is also possible for patients to request a specific sperm sample directly from the sperm bank.
What to Consider When Choosing a Clinic for Sperm Donation?
We understand how strong the desire to have a baby is. To avoid financial and emotional disappointment when taking the first steps towards your biggest dream, it is crucial to make the right choice in selecting a fertility center. We have listed the points you should consider and question before starting your treatment:
- Inquire about the experience of the embryologists, their years of practice, and whether they hold international certifications. Request to see their certifications.
- Ask how they procure donors. Find out if the partnered sperm banks have international certifications.
- Request a detailed list of the tests performed on the donors.
- Obtain information about the technological infrastructure and devices used in the embryology laboratory.
- Question the validity of the data presented. Remember that success rates above 90% are not realistic.
- Find out if the center has embraced digitalization concerning patient data, donor data, and laboratory security.
- Question the transparency of the institution regarding financial matters. Get information in advance about any additional expenses that may arise during the treatment process.
- Request photos and videos of the center to avoid surprises.
- Inquire about the center’s commitment to privacy and ethical values.
Is Sperm Donation Legal?
We frequently come across the question, “Is sperm donation legal in Cyprus?” Yes, donation treatments are legal in Cyprus, and there are no restrictions in place. According to the law, the sperm used in these treatments is sourced from internationally certified banks with distribution capabilities, and it is imported into the country with special permission from the Ministry of Health.
Can Single Women Undergo Sperm Donation?
Yes, that’s correct. There are no legal barriers to undergo fertility treatments in Cyprus. In Cyprus, there is no requirement to be married for undergoing IVF treatment.
How Much Does Sperm Donation Cost at British Cyprus?
Sperm donation prices can vary depending on the treatment process. The cost of sperm donation treatment may differ based on the treatments required for the prospective parents and the duration of the treatment, which will be planned with our expert doctor.
When inquiring about the price of sperm donation in Cyprus, we advise ensuring the transparency of the clinic and confirming whether there are any additional costs. At British Cyprus, you will know the cost of sperm donation before starting the treatment.
To obtain detailed information about the price of sperm donation, you can fill out our contact form or reach out to us via WhatsApp.
I Want to Be a Sperm Donor, What Should I Do?
As British Cyprus Hospital, we exclusively work with certified sperm banks that provide services abroad. We do not accept individual sperm donor applications.
