A sperm bank based in Hove has urged more donors to come forward because of a national shortage.
Sussex Sperm Bank, in Boundary Road, Hove, is one of the longest-established donor banks in the south east.
It said: “For the 1 in 7 UK couples experiencing difficulties trying to conceive, the shortage of sperm donors means they can frequently face a long wait to start their family.
“The shortage is hitting crisis point with around three-quarters of sperm used in UK fertility clinics imported from overseas.”
Most donor sperm is imported from America and Denmark, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Sussex Sperm Bank executive Dorian Ransome said: “We desperately need more men to come forward as potential donors to help people fulfil their lifelong wish – to become a family.
“Being a sperm donor is a highly personal choice but one that has a lasting impact on those wishing to start their fertility journey.
“We want to encourage as many men as possible to come forward as potential sperm donors.”
Sussex Sperm Bank said: “The clinic’s donor recruitment campaign is aimed at healthy men in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area, aged between 18 and 45, of any ethnicity.
“The only exclusion is that they must not have previously donated or be donating at other HFEA licensed centres.
“Sussex Sperm Bank offers a number of benefits to its donors, including up to £45 compensation per visit to the clinic, including online consultations, plus reimbursement of travel costs or free Uber transport to and from the clinic.
“There is also free parking at the clinic, which is located just off the seafront near Hove Lagoon, easily accessible by public transport and near to Portslade railway station.
“Donors also receive continuous support from the clinic team including ongoing screening and health assessments.
“Scheduling appointments is made easy by the clinic’s secure booking system, allowing donors to book appointments in advance around their availability, making it easier to fit alongside work, study or other commitments.
Dorian Ransome added: “We would urge anyone who has ever considered it or has only recently become aware of the need for more donors to come forward.
“Not all prospective donors will be successful candidates as the testing and storing process means only the highest-quality sperm can be used.
“In order to meet demand for donor sperm, we therefore need far more men to be willing to be tested as prospective donors.”
For more information, click here, email donor@sussexspermbank.com or call 01273 620165.
