In 2003, the Reproductive Medicine Centre in Albury, Australia ran an advertisement offering a package worth more than $5,000 to eligible sperm donors worldwide. The advertisement, originally printed in a Canadian student publication, prompted a flood of applicants. Advertisements like the one from the Reproductive Medicine Centre run in student publications throughout the country, offering big bucks in return for what seems like a simple task. But for those already spending their expected earnings, don’t go blowing your wad just yet because it may be anywhere from six weeks to six months before you even see a drop of the pay-off.

Initial consultation/application:: This is where they begin to separate the men from the boys. You’ll be asked to specify your height, weight, eye color and level of education. You may also be asked about diseases in your family. The sperm bank will use this to rule out some potential donors en masse, almost like that old MTV dating show, Singled Out, with Jenny McCarthy.

Potential donor screening:: If you meet all the necessary prerequisites, you’ll be called in to give your first sample. Unfortunately you won’t be paid for it because this one will be used for analysis. They’re looking for sperm count, freezability, motility (are they strong “swimmers”) and morphology (the form and structure of organisms without consideration of function). Be prepared to take a blow to the ego because a large amount of applicants’ sperm is not accepted.

Conditionally qualified donor screening:: Even though now you and your sperm have been deemed acceptable, you’re still not in the clear. Before you can be officially cleared, you still need to provide your family’s full medical history, which may be required to go as far back as four generations and have a full medical exam. If you are in perfect health and can prove that your family is too, then you’re ready to sign the contract.

Making it official:: Once you’ve been cleared, you’ll be presented with a contract that fully outlines what you’re about to get yourself into. It will detail how long you need to commit to the program, what your rights to confidentiality are and, in case you may have overlooked this, how long you need to abstain from sex before your deposits. Now, if this all still seems worth it, then you’re good to go, but keep up that healthy living because sperm banks will continue to check up on you.

– Information compiled by staff writer Bobby Hankinson from www.cryobank.com and www.soyouwanna.com