Be the reason someone smiles again!
Sperm donation is an act of generosity with a truly meaningful impact. Many people who, for medical or social reasons, cannot conceive naturally rely on the kindness of anonymous donors to make their dream of having a family come true. Among them are men with azoospermia, many families with genetic or hereditary diseases and single-parent families in the process of having a child.
Eligibility Criteria for the Sperm Donation Program
Not everyone can become a sperm donor.
Only a small percentage of candidates are ultimately accepted into a donor program, mainly due to recessive genetic conditions that, although they do not affect the donor’s own health, may significantly impact the health of a future child.
Initial eligibility criteria before medical testing
A prospective donor must:
- be between 18 and 40 years old
- be available for regular sample donations and blood testing
- collaborate exclusively with the SPERMIA Sperm Bank operating within the “Zeginiadou Andrology Lab”
- preferably have higher education
- not use substances of abuse
Criteria for acceptance into the donor program
After the initial interview and preliminary semen screening, the candidate undergoes comprehensive medical testing of both semen and blood. A donor is accepted into the program only if they:
- are in excellent physical and mental health
- have no personal or family history of infectious, genetic, or hereditary diseases
- meet the standards for excellent sperm quality
Why Become a Donor?
- Financial Compensation
- You receive reimbursement for expenses related to your participation in the program
- Free Fertility Evaluation
- Your sperm quality, presence of microorganisms, and DNA integrity will be analyzed—an essential check for every young man concerned about his reproductive health
- Free Health Screening
- Genetic testing for hereditary diseases and regular screening for sexually transmitted infections using advanced methods are provided at no cost
- Free Sperm Cryopreservation
- The sperm collected during your participation is stored and preserved for your personal future use, free of charge
- Emotional Fulfillment
- Your contribution helps individuals and couples realize their dream of having a family. It is a deeply meaningful act of kindness—a gift to humanity!
What Medical Tests Are Performed on the Blood Sample?
Genetic and Virological Screening
- Karyotype (chromosomal analysis)
- Blood type and Rhesus factor (Rh)
- Immunological and molecular (PCR) testing for HIV I & II, Hepatitis B & C
- Serological testing for syphilis (RPR/VDRL)
- Immunological screening for HTLV-I & II (T-lymphotropic viruses)
Screening for Common Genetic Diseases
- Molecular testing for thalassemia (α, β, and δβ types)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Cystic fibrosis (CFTR gene sequencing—detects ~99% of mutations in the Greek population)
- CFTR gene deletion/duplication testing via MLPA method
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – SMN1/SMN2 genes
- Congenital or hereditary deafness – GJB2 gene
What Medical Tests Are Performed on the Sperm Sample?
Semen Analysis (Spermiogram)
Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation
Sperm count
Assessment of motility, vitality, and morphology
Differentiation and count of round cells
Post-Thaw Viability Test
Assesses sperm survival and quality after freezing and thawing to ensure suitability for future use.
DNA and Oxidative Stress Testing
DNA fragmentation analysis via flow cytometry
Measurement of oxidative stress (8OHdG) via flow cytometry
Microbiological Testing
Aerobic and anaerobic cultures
PCR testing for sexually transmitted infections:
-
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Mycoplasma hominis/genitalium
- Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Herpes simplex 1 & 2
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Haemophilus ducreyi
- Treponema pallidum
- Candida albicans
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Group B Streptococcus
Immunological Testing
Antisperm antibodies (ASA)
How Long Does It Take to Join the Sperm Donation Program?
The entire process usually takes around 5 to 6 weeks, covering all necessary steps such as medical examinations and psychological assessment.
How Often Should I Donate Sperm as an Approved Donor?
Once you are approved as an active donor, regular donations are required, especially during the initial period.
Frequency depends on your availability and the laboratory’s schedule. Each sample must meet strict quality and sperm concentration standards to be accepted.
