Are you interested in becoming a sperm donor but are in a relationship? Navigating a relationship when you want to become a sperm donor can be a challenge. Once you’ve had the talk and made the decision, learning to balance your relationship and sperm donation will be a learning curve for you as a couple. Here’s how to communicate with your partner about becoming a sperm donor.
Know Your Why
One of the first questions that will come up is why you want to do it. The answer you provide will help your partner understand your side and be more likely to be supportive of your choice. Explain to your partner how your donations make a difference to the lives of people who may otherwise be unable to start families of their own.
Your partner may have concerns about the process of becoming and being a sperm donor. These are things you can explain but also introduce them to the sperm bank you want to join and take advantage of any counseling services they may offer. Your partner may feel better about you becoming a sperm donor when they understand the process better.
Explain the Benefits
In addition to helping other individuals and couples to start their family, sperm donation can benefit you and your relationship. Reputable sperm banks conduct regular STI and health checks in order to provide the healthiest sperm from the healthiest donors. Becoming a sperm donor means your health is a priority in your life.
Having a partner who is diligent about their health is an attractive quality. As a sperm donor, it is advised that you don’t smoke and keep drinking to a minimum. You should also eat well and stay physically active. Mental health is just as important as physical health for sperm donors. You want to reduce your stress levels and take time to relax.
Explain Abstinence Importance
Abstinence as a sperm donor may be difficult when you’re in a relationship. At Cascade Cryobank, we ask that donors abstain for 48 – 72 hours prior to making a donation. This is not an arbitrary number. Abstaining for this period of time allows more sperm to be stored and remain healthy. Longer than 72 hours and the risk of damaged sperm increases.
By abstaining for too few hours, the amount of sperm in a sample won’t be as ideal. Timing donations and intimate time with your partner might not seem romantic, but sometimes scheduling can take the pressure off of everyone. Try to keep a positive spin on things when navigating this new circumstance.
If you become a sperm donor while you’re in a relationship, it can be a good bonding experience as you learn about it and experience it for the first time together.