Sperm donation is used for artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization or other assisted reproductive methods for partners that have fertility issues. The medical screening process to select sperm donors is very strict and there are a number of medical tests that should be taken to be accepted as a sperm donor. In addition, there are also other selection criteria that will be considered such as gay donors or donors of a certain race and certain physical traits.
Psychological Problems
In addition to a medical screening, a psychological evaluation of the potential candidates is essential. Certain psychological issues are genetic (i.e., schizophrenia or the bipolar disorder) and may be transmitted to the offspring. Candidates with psychological issues will not be accepted.
Gay Donors
Sexually active gay candidates are not accepted in many countries as sperm donors. In the US and UK, gay men cannot donate sperm at sperm banks. This may be due to several factors including the fact that sexually active gay candidates are more exposed to HIV (due to the numerous sexual partners and possible unprotected sexual encounters) as well as the fact that many parents don't want a gay sperm donor. According to certain theories, sexual preferences could be inherited. However, there is not sufficient data to support these theories.
Bald Donors
Baldness or alopecia is a hereditary condition and even if a bald father may not necessarily produce a child that will also be balding when older, there are chances that baldness will occur in the offspring as well. Not all sperm banks refuse bald donors, but there are certain banks that will not accept donors that have alopecia.
Short Donors
There are a few sperm banks that will not accept short candidates (i.e., less than 5ft 5in or 160 cm). Even though short people may not necessarily have short offspring, there are chances that the child will turn out to be short as well, and there are a lot of couples that would like their child to be taller. A taller sperm donor will more likely have tall offspring.
Healthy Teeth
Some sperm banks will require the screening of the teeth of the candidate. The oral health is determined by a cumulus of factors and genetics is included in these. Consequently, a sperm donor with bad teeth may have offspring with bad teeth. Certain banks will prefer candidates with healthy teeth.
Age
Some sperm banks may consider age as a selection criterion. Typically, men under the age of 50 or even 40 will be preferred.
Other Criteria
Certain sperm banks will reject candidates based on their race or different physical traits. This is due to the fact that the bank has requests mainly from a few racial groups and typically the partners ask for specific physical traits (specific eye color, hair color). Each bank may have additional screening policies which should be available on their website or included in their brochure.
