16/03/2010
Drive For More Sperm Donation
Calls have been made for more British men to donate sperm to help those suffering from fertility problems.
The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) said it needs to reach a minimum target of 500 donors this year to help couples in need.
At present only 384 men are on the UK sperm donor register.
Research from the trust has revealed that men in Manchester are more willing to donate sperm.
The NGDT has called on them to be part of the latest national drive, which hopes to encourage more sporty donors.
The new recruitment campaign, launched in Manchester today, asks ‘Have you got the balls?’ in a bid to encourage men to step forward and consider sperm donation.
Almost a quarter of men in Manchester surveyed (22%) said that now they are aware of the need they would definitely be willing to donate sperm to help other couples, which compares to one in ten men (11%) nationally.
A further third (35%) said they would possibly donate after further consideration, compared with 24% nationally.
When asked how they would feel if they found out they had donor quality sperm, men in Manchester said they would be proud (33%), and one in five (21%) would want to help others by donating their sperm
Laura Witjens, Chair of the National Gamete Donation Trust, said: "In the UK there are hundreds of couples who need a sperm donor to help them conceive the child they long for so much, either because of infertility or genetic disease. These couples rely on men stepping forward as sperm donors."
John, 25, from Lancashire has recently enquired about sperm donation.
He said: "My friend has recently had trouble conceiving and it got me thinking about sperm donation. Before then I didn’t really realise there was a need for sperm donors.
"I called the NGDT and I’m about to start the process. I’m really excited about the prospect of helping couples in need and hope this campaign will encourage other normal guys like me to step forward."
The National Gamete Donation Trust was set up in 1998 as a national government-funded charity to raise awareness of and seek ways to alleviate the national shortage of gamete (sperm, egg and embryo) donors.
(PR/BMcc)
The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) said it needs to reach a minimum target of 500 donors this year to help couples in need.
At present only 384 men are on the UK sperm donor register.
Research from the trust has revealed that men in Manchester are more willing to donate sperm.
The NGDT has called on them to be part of the latest national drive, which hopes to encourage more sporty donors.
The new recruitment campaign, launched in Manchester today, asks ‘Have you got the balls?’ in a bid to encourage men to step forward and consider sperm donation.
Almost a quarter of men in Manchester surveyed (22%) said that now they are aware of the need they would definitely be willing to donate sperm to help other couples, which compares to one in ten men (11%) nationally.
A further third (35%) said they would possibly donate after further consideration, compared with 24% nationally.
When asked how they would feel if they found out they had donor quality sperm, men in Manchester said they would be proud (33%), and one in five (21%) would want to help others by donating their sperm
Laura Witjens, Chair of the National Gamete Donation Trust, said: "In the UK there are hundreds of couples who need a sperm donor to help them conceive the child they long for so much, either because of infertility or genetic disease. These couples rely on men stepping forward as sperm donors."
John, 25, from Lancashire has recently enquired about sperm donation.
He said: "My friend has recently had trouble conceiving and it got me thinking about sperm donation. Before then I didn’t really realise there was a need for sperm donors.
"I called the NGDT and I’m about to start the process. I’m really excited about the prospect of helping couples in need and hope this campaign will encourage other normal guys like me to step forward."
The National Gamete Donation Trust was set up in 1998 as a national government-funded charity to raise awareness of and seek ways to alleviate the national shortage of gamete (sperm, egg and embryo) donors.
(PR/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2014
National Sperm Bank Launches In Birmingham
A national sperm bank has launched in Birmingham. The centre is a collaboration between the National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) and Birmingham Women's Hospital, and aims to address the shortage of sperm donors in the UK. The number of UK-based sperm donors has increased since 2004, but demand has increased at a more accelerated rate.
National Sperm Bank Launches In Birmingham
A national sperm bank has launched in Birmingham. The centre is a collaboration between the National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) and Birmingham Women's Hospital, and aims to address the shortage of sperm donors in the UK. The number of UK-based sperm donors has increased since 2004, but demand has increased at a more accelerated rate.
20 April 2010
Could Donating Your Organs Pay?
Financial incentives are being explored as a means to increase the number of UK organ donors. A consultation has been launched on how the number of organ donors can be increased ethically. One suggestion is providing financial incentives, including the payment of funeral expenses.
Could Donating Your Organs Pay?
Financial incentives are being explored as a means to increase the number of UK organ donors. A consultation has been launched on how the number of organ donors can be increased ethically. One suggestion is providing financial incentives, including the payment of funeral expenses.
21 September 2005
‘Glowing green’ sperm to aid fertility research
A technique which makes sperm glow fluorescent green could be used to aid research into male infertility, scientists have claimed. Scientists at Oxford University say that have found a way to introduce a synthetic gene – or transgene – directly into a normal, live animal, in such a way that the gene is expressed in mature sperm.
‘Glowing green’ sperm to aid fertility research
A technique which makes sperm glow fluorescent green could be used to aid research into male infertility, scientists have claimed. Scientists at Oxford University say that have found a way to introduce a synthetic gene – or transgene – directly into a normal, live animal, in such a way that the gene is expressed in mature sperm.
26 January 2005
Department of Health encourages egg and sperm donation
A campaign by the Department of Health is urging British men and women to donate sperm and eggs to help couples with fertility problems have children. The 'Give Life, Give Hope' campaign will target men aged between 28-45 and women aged between 28-35.
Department of Health encourages egg and sperm donation
A campaign by the Department of Health is urging British men and women to donate sperm and eggs to help couples with fertility problems have children. The 'Give Life, Give Hope' campaign will target men aged between 28-45 and women aged between 28-35.
26 June 2015
Men Should 'Bank Sperm' At 18 To Help Avoid Preventable Diseases
Sperm banking should be offered free to all young men in an effort to reduce the risks associated with delayed fatherhood, a new paper published in the Journal of Medical Ethics has proposed.
Men Should 'Bank Sperm' At 18 To Help Avoid Preventable Diseases
Sperm banking should be offered free to all young men in an effort to reduce the risks associated with delayed fatherhood, a new paper published in the Journal of Medical Ethics has proposed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.