Sperm donor pay: Learn how the donors are compensated
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is whether sperm donors are being paid to donate. The answer is no, they do not get paid for their sperm, but they are financially compensated for their time and effort. Read this blog to learn more about sperm donor compensation.
How do sperm donors receive their payment
At Cryos, a sperm donor can receive up to DKK 500 per donation (about EUR 67) but he must complete a batch of 10 approved donations before the compensation is paid out. It is possible to donate up to 3 times per week. If a donor chooses to fill out an Extended Sperm Donor Profile and perhaps agrees to become a sperm donor with Adult Photos, he will receive a one-time compensation for the extra time this requires of him.
Sperm donor pay is not the main motivation factor
It seems to be a common misconception, that the main motivation for men to donate their sperm is fast money. The truth is, however, that sperm banks are not allowed to pay sperm donors for their sperm. They are allowed to offer sperm donors a reasonable financial compensation for the time and effort - but the sperm donation process is so demanding, that the compensation they do get does not compare to the time spent.
Learn more about sperm donor compensation and motivation below.
Why sperm donors are compensated?
The sperm donor compensation is only paid out, if the donor lives up to our sperm donor requirements, is approved for sperm donation, and has delivered 10 donations. In other words, it is far from fast money, as it usually takes a couple of months or more before the initial application to a donor is approved. During this period, the donor goes through a physical examination, psychological evaluation, blood and urine tests, sperm analysis, and more, to ensure that only healthy men with good sperm quality will donate sperm. Follow the link to read more about Cryos' screening of sperm donors.
Once approved, the donor’s effort consists of the sperm donation (which possibly includes some transport time to and from the sperm bank), as well as continuous testing for infectious diseases. As long as a man is an active sperm donor, there are furthermore certain requirements regarding the donor’s lifestyle - for example, certain risky behaviour that must be avoided, and he must maintain a high sperm quality. Lifestyle choices and stress can have a big and immediate effect on a man’s sperm quality.
The sperm donor pay is not the determining factor
The donor compensation is appreciated, but not the primary motivation. A survey among our donors shows that the main motivation for our sperm donors is the possibility of helping someone achieve their dream of a child. In the handwritten messages that can be found in the Extended Profiles, many donors mention that a family member or close friend has struggled to become parents, which has been a big motivation for our sperm donors. The altruistic act is further confirmed by the fact that a large part of our sperm donors are also blood donors, where no compensation or pay is given. In other words, these men are driven by a wish to help others.
Additional benefits of becoming a sperm donor
While some men decide to donate their sperm because they receive payment for their time invested, there are additional benefits to becoming a sperm donor.
- Making a difference: A sperm donor helps singles, and couples fulfil their dreams of having a child.
- Health check: Sperm donors are checked for genetic and infectious diseases and they receive a free sperm quality test (Which normally costs 500 DKK)
- Free training: Sperm donors receive 200 DKK per month for their favourite exercise/workout when they donate their sperm on a regular basis.
How does sperm donor compensation varies by country?
Sperm donor compensation varies from country to country. In some countries, sperm donors are paid for each donation, while in others they receive a small stipend to cover expenses. In other countries, compensation is not offered at all. It is important to note that compensation laws and regulations for sperm donors are different in each country, and we recommend you do your own research with the appropriate authorities if you are about to donate. Here below we have gathered some examples of how sperm donors are paid in different countries:
- In Denmark, sperm donors do not receive payment for their sperm. Instead, they are compensated for the inconvenience related to sperm donation. In Denmark, a sperm donor can receive up to DKK 6.000 or EUR 800 each month which is often paid after a certain amount of successful donations.
- The compensation in the USA works a bit differently. Some sperm bank compensates their donors every time they donate, while others wait until they have made a certain amount of successful donations. In the US, it is possible to earn up to $780 or EUR 730 each month.
Frequently asked questions about sperm donor pay
How much do sperm donors make on average?
Sperm donors make between 200 - 500 DKK (27 - 67 Euro) on average pr. visit when donating their sperm at Cryos. The total amount depends on a lot of different factors, like the donor’s choice of profile, sperm motility, and amount of sperm donated. The maximum amount a sperm donor can in a given month is 6000 DKK.
Is the pay sperm donors receive tax eligible?
Yes, the pay you receive as a sperm donor is tax eligible and you must personally report this income to the Danish Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT).
Does sperm donor payment differ between sperm banks?
The payment sperm donors receive from sperm banks does not differ much in the same country. As sperm donor compensation is often regulated by law, the amount a sperm donor is paid will vary a lot from one country to another. Besides the amount each sperm donor is paid for their time and effort, they can also receive financial benefits such as subsidies for their training and general health. At Cryos, we offer a subsidy for our donors as we want to encourage them to have a healthy lifestyle.