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Abstinence before sperm donation: why it’s important

Donors

Sperm donation is a deeply generous act that can help someone start or grow a family. However, we recognise that it takes substantial commitment on the donor’s part.

Part of this commitment revolves around short-term changes to your lifestyle and routine to ensure the quality and safety of the donation samples that are collected. One important part of the process is abstaining from ejaculation for a short period before each donation.

In this article, we’ll explain why abstinence matters, how it works in practice, and what to expect throughout the donation process.

How is sperm made?

To understand why abstinence is required before sperm donation, it helps to know a little about how sperm is made and why timing plays such an important role.

Sperm production takes place in the testicles and is part of a process called spermatogenesis. This process takes about 65 to 75 days from start to finish and happens continuously; your body is always working to create new sperm and around 300 million are produced every day. Once produced, sperm are stored in a structure called the epididymis, where they mature and are kept ready for ejaculation.

Even though sperm are constantly being made, the number and quality of sperm in each sample can vary depending on how recently you’ve ejaculated. That’s where abstinence comes in. When you refrain from ejaculation for a few days, it gives your body time to build up a higher concentration of mature sperm.

Can abstinence increase sperm count?

Yes, one of the main parameters that abstinence affects is sperm count. Numerous studies have concluded that the number of sperm in a sample increases with a short period of abstinence.

In one study of nearly 2,500 semen samples, sperm concentration significantly increased after both 2-5 days and more than 5 days of abstinence in comparison with a 2-day abstinence. Another smaller study found that sperm concentration was significantly higher after abstinence periods of 5 and 8 days in comparison to 1 day’s abstinence.

However, it isn’t just the number of sperm in a sample that can be improved by refraining from ejaculation. Research has shown that other parameters also benefit from an abstinence period.

Better sperm quality

The number of sperm in a donation sample isn’t the only important factor; sperm health and quality are also paramount. Factors including sperm motility (how they move) and sperm morphology (their size, shape and structure) contribute to the likelihood of fertilisation.

Research reveals that abstinence does influence other aspects of sperm quality. For example, a study of over 9000 samples found that sperm motility was best after 1 day’s abstinence, plateauing after 5 days of abstinence.

Sample volume

Abstaining from ejaculation for a few days before your donation can also help increase the volume of your semen sample. This is important because a higher volume often means a higher total number of sperm available for use.

A systematic review of existing research found that 15 out of 17 studies analysed established that semen volume increases with a longer period of abstinence.

While semen volume can vary naturally from person to person, allowing your body time to replenish between donations can support more consistent and usable samples.

Reduced oxidative activity

A short period of abstinence before donation can also help lower what’s known as oxidative stress in sperm. Oxidative stress happens when there’s an imbalance between free radicals (unstable molecules) and the body’s natural defences.

If sperm are stored for too long in the body before ejaculation, they may be exposed to more oxidative stress, which can damage their structure and reduce their ability to function well.

Finding the right length of abstinence is a careful balance. Enough time is needed for sperm count, quality, and volume to reach optimal levels, but not so long that the passing of time has a detrimental impact. That’s why following the recommended guidance ensures your donation is in the best possible condition to help someone start a family.

Do sperm donors have to abstain from sexual activity completely?

When it comes to how long it takes to donate sperm, a sperm donation period typically lasts 3-6 months, depending on individual sample quality and storage targets. During this time, we do not expect you to refrain from sex or masturbation entirely. Instead, we ask that you abstain for a set number of days before each donation appointment.

If you are having sex during your donation period, we do ask that you practice safe sex to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using barrier contraception (i.e. condoms) is mandatory, even if your sexual activity is with a long-term partner.

How many days of abstinence are required before sperm donation?

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend an abstinence period of 2–7 days prior to semen collection. However, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) suggest 3–4 days.

At the London Sperm Bank, we ask our donors to abstain from any sexual activity for a specific period of 2-7 days before each donation, although other sperm banks may vary.

Do all sperm donors have to abstain for the same length of time?

No, not all sperm donors have to abstain for the same duration. While all donors will be required to refrain from ejaculation before each appointment, the number of days will vary depending on the sperm bank and individual donor factors. This is because some donors will be able to provide better samples with a shorter abstinence period, while others may need slightly longer to ensure optimal sperm quality.

With the London Sperm Bank, once you have completed the eligibility and screening processes, you will be ready to begin your donation period. Prior to each appointment, you will be given guidelines tailored to you on the number of days of abstinence you need to have.

What happens with a longer period of abstinence?

While it might seem like a longer break between ejaculations would naturally lead to a better sample, abstaining for too long can actually have the opposite effect.

After around 7 days or more, sperm begin to accumulate in the body and can become older and less efficient. Research indicates that while the sperm count may go up, too long a period of abstinence can decrease sperm motility and increase DNA fragmentation, which affects the overall quality of the sample.

If you don’t follow your given abstinence guidelines before donation, the sample provided might not be of sufficient quality. This can result in the sample being unsuitable for storage or use in fertility treatment, which ultimately wastes time for both you and the clinic. It may also mean your overall donation period needs to be extended to collect enough high-quality samples.

That said, we understand that life happens, and a one-off timing issue is not the end of the world. The most important thing is to be open and honest with your clinic. If you haven’t met the abstinence period for any reason, just let us know. We can advise you on whether to go ahead or reschedule your appointment for the best outcome. Your time and effort are incredibly valued, and we’re here to support you throughout the process.

Your commitment to following the donation process, including short periods of abstinence, plays a vital role in helping hopeful families build their future. Ready to take the next step? Find out more about becoming a sperm donor.

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