The UK has launched a free sperm analysis initiative to combat a record low in sperm donations, while simultaneously seeing a rise in births through donor conception. This new initiative comes with a £10 increase in donor compensation, reflecting the growing demand for sperm donors.
Sperm donations in the UK have hit an all-time low, despite donor conception accounting for over 4,100 births in 2019. This represents one in 170 of all births, and nearly one in six IVF births across the country.
To address the shortage, the government raised donor compensation by £10 in October 2024, bringing the payment to £45 per donation. Additionally, Cryos International, a Manchester-based sperm bank, has launched the UK’s first same-day semen analysis service, designed to help men better understand their reproductive health.
The free, non-diagnostic service assesses key sperm quality indicators such as sperm count and motility.
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Located in Manchester near the city centre and university campuses, the clinic offers men aged 18 to 45 a quick, confidential process with same-day results. The initiative is part of Cryos’ wider commitment to improving male reproductive health, reducing stigma around sperm donation, and supporting individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
Lab Manager Samantha Duffy-Olive commented, “Simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve sperm quality. With our new free semen analysis service, we hope to provide valuable advice that could make a real difference to male reproductive health. By encouraging more men to prioritise their well-being, we aim to help even more families achieve their dreams of parenthood.”
Appointments can be booked through the Cryos website, and the semen analysis results, benchmarked against World Health Organisation standards, will be provided confidentially via phone or email. Participants will also receive advice on lifestyle changes that may improve sperm quality, including reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet.
This initiative follows the successful launch of Cryos’ Manchester clinic last spring and aims to address the growing demand for fertility services in the UK, where sperm donation births have tripled since the turn of the millennium, even as donor numbers continue to decline.