Donor Gametes: Becoming an Approved Donor

Gamete donors are healthy adult volunteers who want to help others and are prepared to commit to donation. Some already have children; others are not currently planning parenthood or have decided not to have children.

Candidates attend a medical consultation where health and suitability are assessed. The page says there should be no serious hereditary disease among close relatives, screening for chromosomes and infections must be normal, the donor should have a healthy lifestyle, and each donor meets a therapist before donation. Gametes from one donor may be used for a maximum of five different families.

Egg donors: 20–35 years old

• Fertility is assessed as good based on an ultrasound examination and blood tests

• Egg retrieval must not pose a significant health risk to the donor

Sperm donors: 20–45 years old

• Semen quality must meet the required criteria, and the sperm must remain suitable for use after a test freeze and thaw