Web Extra Article - Health

Unreliable donor sperm may have serious health risks

(Special)-There are serious potential health risks involved in using donor semen for assisted conception obtained through potentially unreliable sources, such as the internet.

According to advisory recently issued by Health Canada, donor semen obtained through questionable means, such as through transactions arranged via the Internet, may not have been appropriately screened and tested, and therefore may not be safe.

For example, the sperm could pass on a range of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C, syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea to both mother and any child born through the use of donor semen.

There are strict controls in place for obtaining donor semen to protect the health and safety of Canadians and minimize the potential risk of transmitting serious infectious diseases. Canadians who are considering using donor semen for assisted conception should consult their healthcare professional.

Canadians are urged to be wary of websites advertising the availability of semen, including "fresh" semen that has not been processed and cryopreserved (frozen), with claims that the semen donors have been properly screened and tested. Such claims may not be true.

Regulations apply to the importation, processing and distribution of donor semen. They require that donor semen must be quarantined for a minimum of six months. Donors must be screened and tested before the donation and six months after, in order to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.

Health Canada maintains a list of semen processors and importers that are subject to regular inspections.

There are also regulations governing consent to use semen. Canadians wishing to donate semen should visit the Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (AHRC) website, http://www.ahrc-pac.gc.ca, call AHRC toll-free at 1-866-467-1853, or email info.ahrc-pac@hc-sc.gc.ca for more information about informed consent requirements.