Nagpur: Nagpur is increasingly emerging as an important centre for sperm collection, preservation and donor sperm-based fertility treatment, with 13 registered Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) banks reportedly operating in the city.
Several young men visit these centres every month to donate sperm, while couples from across Vidarbha as well as neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh travel to Nagpur for fertility treatment. The growing demand for assisted reproductive services and the use of donor sperm in certain infertility treatments have brought increased attention to sperm banking.
Around five years ago, Nagpur had only three to four ART banks. The number has now increased to 13, while two more banks are reportedly awaiting approval. An ART bank receives an average of 15 to 20 or more potential donors every month, though the official number of sperm donors across the city needs to be verified.
Several factors behind male infertility
Medical experts say infertility can have several causes. Low sperm count or poor sperm quality, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, certain medical conditions and environmental factors can affect male fertility.
In cases where a man’s sperm cannot be used for treatment, donor sperm may be considered as an option. Donor sperm may also be considered under medical guidance in situations involving the risk of certain serious genetic disorders.
Donor screening and cryopreservation
Under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, sperm donors must be between 21 and 55 years of age. Donors undergo required medical and infectious-disease screening before the collected sperm is frozen and stored.
The process of freezing and preserving sperm is known as cryopreservation. ART banks are required to maintain confidentiality regarding donor information, use samples in accordance with prescribed regulations and comply with applicable legal provisions.
Cost of sperm banking and donor compensation
Information indicates that a donor may receive around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 or more per sample, although the exact nature of such payments and the applicable legal provisions need to be verified.
At the same time, the cost charged for a preserved sperm vial can reportedly range from ₹8,000 to ₹20,000, depending on the centre and the services involved. These costs may include donor screening, sample processing and preservation.
With the number of ART banks increasing in the city and patients arriving from neighbouring states, Nagpur is gradually becoming an important regional centre for assisted reproductive treatment and sperm banking.
