Using a free sperm donor: why you should reconsider
While finding a free sperm donor online might seem like a cost-effective solution for fertility treatment, it is important to consider the risks and potential expenses involved. Sperm donors found online at Facebook groups and similar places, have not been tested to the same extent that donors at licensed sperm banks, which can lead to unforeseen health and legal complications. Read on to learn why you might want to reconsider using a free donor.
Why do some men offer their sperm for free?
- Altruism: Most sperm donors do it as they have a genuine wish to help others start a family.
- Financial benefit: Some donors are motivated by potential payment or perks.
Please note: Opting for a free donor outside a licensed facility can involve legal and potential health risks.
Can you get a sperm donor for free?
Yes, it is possible. However, we recommend you reconsider, as there is a strong case for using a sperm bank like Cryos. This helps protect your health and that of your future child.
Cost breakdown: Is donor sperm really expensive?
Many believe donor sperm is costly. But at Cryos, the cost of donor sperm starts at just EUR 144 (excluding VAT) for one round of treatment. Donor sperm is therefore just a small part of the cost of having fertility treatment as illustrated below:
| Treatment | Starting cost (UK) | Donor sperm share |
| IUI | EUR 1,150 | 12,5% |
| IVF | EUR 3,500 | 4,1% |
So, is it worth the investment?
Donor sperm is only a small part of the overall cost, and many believe that it is well worth it. If you are still not convinced, below are five key advantages of using a licensed sperm bank:
1. Thorough screening: Medical and genetic checks offer a safer start for you and your future child.
2. No paternity claims: Donors waive parental rights, preventing unexpected legal issues.
3. Higher sperm quality: Only top-quality sperm - capable of surviving freezing and thawing - is accepted.
4. Professional guidance: Experts assist with regulations, improving your chances of success.
5. The right sperm donor: Choose from over 1,000 donors worldwide to find your perfect match.
We will cover each of these points in more detail below.
Let us help you on your journey to parenthood
Get personal help and guidance from our dedicated Customer Care Team. We are here to assist you with everything from how to choose a sperm donor, where to have your fertility treatment, or when to order donor sperm.
5 reasons why you should reconsider a free sperm donor
We have helped thousands of people fulfil their dream of a child and we understand that some see fertility treatment with donor sperm as an expensive solution. However, there are very good arguments for using a licensed sperm bank instead of a free donor found on the internet or social media groups. Hopefully, after reading our five reasons, you will consider using a licensed sperm bank instead of a free sperm donor.
1. Proper screening of the sperm donor
One advantage of using a licensed sperm bank is the screening process all donors must pass to become eligible for donations. The screening process provides you with security in terms of potential health risks for you and your future child. All donors must complete a thorough screening process to ensure they are healthy and have high sperm quality. We also review their family history for mental or physical diseases that may be hereditary.
Because of the thorough screening process, the risks of a donor transferring genetic variants causing diseases to your child are low, compared to using a free sperm donor, where you can never obtain the same security regarding your and your future child’s health. Follow the link to read more about the genetic screening our sperm donors go through.
2. All paternity rights are waivered
When using a licensed sperm bank, you do not have to worry about any legal issues regarding the donor. All potential sperm donors sign a legal document waiving any parental right they have towards children born from their donations. Even though you want to use a friend as a known sperm donor, we still recommend you use a licensed sperm bank to ensure that all legal issues are resolved.
Sperm banks and private persons operating outside official regulations do not necessarily comply with the same standards of quality and safety. This means that there is, for example, a considerable risk of less or no screening of the donor, and therefore a risk of passing on diseases to you or your child. There is also no way of knowing how many donations these donors distribute.
3. Guaranteed high-quality sperm
Only donors with high-quality sperm can donate at licensed sperm banks. The sperm needs to be high-quality to survive the freezing process while maintaining the ability to fertilize the egg and create a pregnancy. The freezing and thawing process affects the sperm cells, leading to a deterioration in quality, which makes it hard for the sperm cells to fertilize the egg. By using a licensed sperm bank, you can trust the quality of the donor sperm you ordered, as we test every donation we receive.
4. Higher chance of success because of proper guidance
When ordering donor sperm from Cryos, you receive guidance from our Customer Care Consultants, who are ready to answer any question related to the process. They are bilingual and are used to consult customers regarding laws and regulations on fertility treatment in your country. We have more than 35 years of experience and use that every day to ensure that our customers have a great experience when ordering donor sperm from us.
5. Choose between more than 1.000 sperm donors
Another reason to use a licensed sperm bank is the selection of donors. In our Sperm Donor Search, we have more than 1000 donors available worldwide. If you choose a licensed sperm bank, it is also possible to get to know the donor beforehand. Some of our donors have Extended Profiles containing personal letters, voice recordings, and pictures of the donors as adults and children. Simply choose your treatment country and use the filters to find the perfect sperm donor for you. You can create filters based on the donor’s physical appearance or personality – whatever you prefer.