For some couples there is a male relative or friend who is willing to donate. For others there is no-one available or willing or for preference an anonymous sperm donor is needed.

To be a sperm donor is an altruistic act. It is illegal for fertility practices to pay for donated sperm other than to reimburse reasonable time and travel costs. Most sperm donors are men who have their own families and know, themselves, the joy that children bring to the family.

All potential sperm donor need to have a physical examination and blood tests for infectious disease or common genetic disorders. They also need to undergo counselling so that they understand the Western Australian law and the implications for themselves.

The Keogh Institute for Medical Research established the first sperm bank in Western Australia. We need sperm donors for couples with infertility due to azoospermia. We also arrange the appropriate medical and screening programme for couples wishing to use a known friend or relative for sperm donation.

If you wish to talk to a consultant about being a sperm donor or if you have a need of donated sperm for fertility, please ring 9346 2008 and ask for Ben

Sandy presented her findings at the ENSA Scientific Meeting in Melbourne last year and was awarded a travel grant to allow her to attend and present at the US Endocrine Society meeting in Washington DC this year.  She also won an award for the best new presenter at the meeting.  Sandy showed that men who have infertility as a result of a pituitary gland insufficiency can successfully achieve fatherhood with medical treatment, without the need for the partner to undergo IVF.  Sandy’s research highlighted the central role of the specialist endocrine nurse in a fertility clinic. Her attendance at the US meeting will allow her to exchange information with endocrine nurses from around the world.

The Keogh Institute has an active clinic treating men with endocrine disorders which affect their sperm count and their fertility.  Sandy van der Westhuizen is the endocrine nurse in charge of the fertility service.

The clinic number is 9346 2008