International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A shortage of sperm donations is having an impact on fertility treatment in the UK, it has been reported.

Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at Sheffield University Medical School, UK, reported that 85 per cent of applicants for sperm donation are rejected because of poor semen quality.

In addition, the sperm of only 3.6 per cent of the accepted applicants were used in assisted conception after further screening, he noted.

Writing for The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, he reported that sperm donation levels have fallen significantly in recent years, with the removal of donor anonymity potentially one reason for this.

Dr Pacey said, "We are really in a terrible position in the UK with regard to the provision of sperm donor assisted conception.

"Latest figures show that in 2007, the lowest number of patients ever - 1,779 - received treatment with donor sperm."

Dr Allan Pacey, of the British Fertility Society, stated recently that donation of sperm, eggs and embryos is "a key aspect of assisted reproduction" and many couples rely on donors to create a family.

Posted by Alexandra George