The UK is now offering free sperm analysis in response to a record low in sperm donations, while also witnessing a rise in births. This initiative coincides with a £10 increase in donor compensation.
Sperm donations in the UK have reached an all-time low. Despite this shortage, donor conception led to over 4,100 births in 2019, accounting for one in 170 of all births and nearly one in six IVF births across the UK.
To address these challenges, the UK has increased donor compensation by £10 from October 2024, raising it to £45 per donation. Cryos International, a Manchester-based sperm bank, has introduced the country’s first same-day semen analysis service, offering men a clearer understanding of their reproductive health. This free initiative provides a non-diagnostic assessment of key sperm quality indicators, including sperm count and motility.
The quick and confidential process takes place at Cryos’ Manchester clinic, situated near the vibrant city centre and university campuses. It is open to men aged 18 to 45, with participants guaranteed same-day results.
This service forms part of Cryos’ commitment to demystifying male reproductive health, highlighting the impact of lifestyle factors on male fertility, reducing the stigma surrounding sperm donation, and supporting more people in their journey to parenthood. The launch comes amid an unprecedented demand for fertility services in the UK, where births from sperm donation have tripled since the turn of the millennium, even as donor numbers have plummeted.
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.”
Men can book appointments via the Cryos website before completing the process at the Manchester facility. The semen parameters analysed are benchmarked against World Health Organisation standards and are provided confidentially via phone and email. Participants will also receive advice on improving sperm quality through lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet and other positive habits. This initiative follows the successful launch of Cryos’ Manchester clinic last spring.
