Just four men donating sperm in the Hampshire area (From Daily Echo)

Just four men donating sperm in the Hampshire area

8:50am Sunday 11th January 2009 in

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MORE sperm donors are needed to help childless couples across the south. Fertility experts need to recruit more men to allow them to continue treating infertile couples desperate for a child of their own.

Their appeal comes after a drop in the number of men donating sperm following a change in the law three years ago that removed donors’ anonymity.

Fertility consultant Nick Brooks said that before the law change there were typically around 20 sperm donors a year but now there are only four.

This means the Southampton unit’s banks of sperm have run dry leaving up to 200 couples facing an endless wait for their dream of having a child to come true.

Mr Brook said the change in anonymity laws, which means that people conceived through donation can find out the donor’s identity once they reach the age of 18 , should not deter potential donors.

“Obviously the decision to donate is one which should not be taken lightly and men need to think carefully about the possible impact it could have on their own family,” he said.

“We have a first class unit with highly experienced staff who can answer any questions men may have about becoming a donor.”

He added: “The change in the law had a huge effect. I think men were scared that they were going to have children turning up on their doorstep.

“The reality is that this would not happen as can be seen in Scandinavia where they have the same law.”

He added sperm donation was governed by a very tight legislative process, with any initial request for contact between a child (aged at least 18) and donor, being made through the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

There are currently between 150 and 200 couples on the fertility unit’s books, including 25 couples to be seen during the next three months alone.

Mr Brook added that there could be many reasons a man might not have any sperm – including chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

“The donation of sperm to help a couple have a child is one of the most generous gifts anyone can give,” said Mr Brook.

“To see these couples go from childless to having children is amazing.”

Since the Southampton fertility unit’s creation 20 years ago more than 500 babies have been born thanks to sperm donors.

Dr Kathryn Bull, an andrologist at the Princess Anne Hospital unit, said that in some cases men may be reluctant to donate sperm because they are too embarrassed.

But she said: “It is not embarrassing.

No one would know why you are there. It’s a small discreet unit and completely confidential.”

Any sperm donor can ask how many children have been born from their donations and whether they are male or female, although no identifying details are given.

The Southampton Fertility Unit would like to hear from any men aged between 18 and 45 interested in donating sperm All men are asked to fill in a confidential questionnaire before being invited to the hospital for an interview and medical tests.

Counselling is also offered.

Once they have been screened successful applicants can donate up to ten times, for which they are entitled to a maximum payment of £250 to cover expenses.

Anyone interested in becoming a sperm donor should call 023 8079 6048 or email fertility@suht.swest.nhs.uk.

No legal responsibility

DONORS have NO legal responsibility for any children that result from their sperm – their name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate and they have no legal requirement to pay any maintenance payments.

A donor can make up to ten donations of sperm – referred to as “family events”. Each could lead to the birth of a single baby, twins, or triplets. However, a donor can choose to make just one donation.

Although since April 2005 children have been able to find out the identity of the donor once they reach the age of 18, any contact must be made initially via the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the process is tightly legislated.