Sperm donation cases constitute more than 20% of the IVF cases in Cyprus. Sperm donation option emerges when all treatment options are exhausted in male factor infertility cases. In 20-30% of couples diagnosed with infertility, the cause is the male factor alone, while in 30% of infertility cases, a male factor is involved in addition to the female factor.
Why Sperm Donation? Are There Alternative Treatment Methods? The most common reason for sperm donation is azoospermia, that is, the absence of sperm cells in the ejaculate. If the sperm is produced in the testicles and cannot be ejaculated, the sperm can be removed from the testes with interventional methods such as TESE (MESA , TESA...) and sperm donation is not required most of the time. Micro TESE (search for sperms from testicles under the microscope) should not be carried out before trying it twice at 6-month intervals. If sperm cannot be produced at all, the only treatment option in these cases is sperm donation. In azoospermia cases, genetic testing is requested from the male and hormone levels are checked. These are then evaluated by a male urologist. If the reason is genetic, it is very difficult to find healthy sperm that will function. Hormonal sperm disorders can usually be treated. Sperm donation is suggested if the morphology (structure) of the sperm is severely impaired (no healthy sperm). Sperm donation is not only preferred in cases of infertility, absence of sperm or severe disorders in sperm structure. Sperm donation can also be used in recurrent pregnancy loss, which may be due to the male factor. It is also a suitable method in cases where there is a possibility of transmission of hepatitis C or especially HIV virus. In cases like consanguineous marriages, sperm donation may be considered in an attempt to eliminate hereditary diseases. In cases where sperm can be obtained (with TESE, for example), sperm donation will be an unnecessary treatment method. If there is no sperm or if pregnancy cannot be achieved with any of the treatment methods, the only alternative to be used is sperm donation. Donation cannot be obtained from promising treatment methods such as stem-cell therapy today. What Does the Sperm Donation Process Involve? For sperm donation in Cyprus, sperm are taken from a registered sperm bank in accordance with in vitro fertilisation laws. When a couple makes a request for sperm donation, the sperm of a suitable sperm donor is selected and in vitro fertilisation process is started. How is the Appropriate Sperm Selected? Sperm selection is made so that the physical characteristics of the father-to-be are similar and the blood group is the same. Childhood photos of the donors are sent to our center and their identity are kept confidential. In addition, there are detailed information about the donors such as their hobbies, height, skin and eye color, educational status as well as their origin. In accordance with international standards of sperm donors, genetic tests, tests for sexually transmitted diseases, general blood tests and mental health assessment of the donors are carried out. How Does the Sperm Donation Treatment Work? The treatment is actually no different from a normal IVF treatment. The only difference is that the fertilisation process is carried out with a sperm obtained from the sperm bank. In a classical IVF treatment, first of all, the eggs of the expectant mother are grown. Then, with ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) , the sperm is sent into the egg with the help of a very thin rod. After about 24 hours, fertilisation is checked. All of these evaluations are carried out under the microscope in the laboratory. Fertilised egg/ s (embryos) are transferred into the mother's womb 3 or 5 days after the egg collection process. Should Sperm Donation Be Done in Cyprus? Sperm donation in Cyprus is carried out using sperm taken from European Union certified sperm banks. All rights on the baby to be born will belong to you. Thanks to the confidentiality, no unnecessary person will be informed about the donation process. The donor's identity is strictly protected by both the sperm bank and our center. Individual Sperm Donation For the selection of the appropriate sperm, parameters such as the appearance of the father-to-be, eye and hair color, height and nationality are carefully evaluated. The infancy or childhood photos of the person who has donated his sperm to our center is provided by the sperm bank. In this way, the most suitable sperm is selected in accordance with the request of the family. The blood group must also be the same with the father-to-be. Sperm Donation Success Rates The success rate of sperm donation in our center are proportional to the age of the expectant mother. The younger the expectant mother is, the higher the success rate. In addition to the age factor, the presence of fibroids or polyps in the womb of the expectant mother may also affect the results. Our average success rate in sperm donation is 67%. Of course, although these rates vary with the age of the expectant mother, the number of embryos transferred is one of the most important determinants of success. Acceptance of Donation and Ethical Aspects of the Treatment Almost no one who is able to have a healthy child with their own sperm can choose the donation method. This method of treatment is used as a last resort. There can be no natural right and desire beyond a couple's wish to have a child. We believe that every woman has the right to be a mother. It is not easy for the couple to decide on sperm donation. People usually prefer to think over this before they make their final decision. Although couples sometimes retrain from choosing this method in the beginning, their desire to have a baby is usually outweighed. Over time, these couples usually accept the fact that a different treatment method is not available for them. The baby to be born will belong to the couple in every way.