Dr. Murat ÖNAL

Sperm Donation in Cyprus

Sperm donation in Cyprus is an effective assisted reproductive treatment widely preferred for male infertility, genetic risks, or single women. IVF centers in Cyprus are among the first choices for many couples from Turkey and Europe due to their wide donor pools, affordable prices, and legal flexibility.

In this article, you will find all the details about the sperm donation process, legal status, donor selection, costs, and success rates in Cyprus.

What is Sperm Donation?

Sperm donation is the process of fertilizing an egg with sperm obtained from a healthy and genetically screened donor in a laboratory environment. It is especially preferred for:

  • Couples experiencing male infertility
  • Single female patients
  • Couples at risk of passing on genetic diseases

Donor sperms are screened according to international standards and used anonymously.

When is Sperm Donation Needed?

  • Azoospermia (absence of sperm cells)
  • Poor sperm quality
  • Genetic disease carriers
  • Women who wish to become single mothers

This treatment method can be applied as IVF (in vitro fertilization) or insemination (IUI) with donor sperm. Clinics in Cyprus generally recommend the IVF method due to its higher success rates.

Is Sperm Donation Legal in Cyprus?

Yes, sperm donation is legal in Cyprus and is regulated under Cyprus IVF Laws. Many couples and single women from Turkey choose Cyprus to receive treatment safely without legal issues, as it is prohibited in Turkey.

Legal Features:

  • Donors are anonymous, and their identities are not disclosed.
  • Donor selection is made according to the patient’s desired physical compatibility.
  • The legal father of the child born from donor sperm is the woman’s husband (if any) or the single mother herself.

Sperm Donation Process in Cyprus

Kıbrıs’ta sperm donasyonu tedavi süreci oldukça sistematiktir. Genel olarak:

1. Initial Consultation

Patient history is taken, examinations and hormone levels are reviewed.

2. Treatment Planning

The ovarian stimulation protocol is prepared. Most preparations can be completed in Turkey.

3. Donor Selection

The most suitable donor is selected according to the criteria.

4. Arrival in Cyprus

Patients travel to Cyprus during the final days of ovarian stimulation or on egg retrieval day.

5. Egg Retrieval (OPU)

Eggs collected are fertilized with donor sperm in the laboratory.

6. Embryo Development

After 3–5 days of incubation, the best quality embryos are selected.

7. Embryo Transfer

Transfer is performed according to uterine readiness

8. Pregnancy Test

A blood beta-hCG test is requested 10–12 days after transfer.

Who Can Receive Sperm Donation Treatment?

Sperm donation is suitable for different patient groups:

Sperm Donation for Single Women

Single women who wish to become mothers can have children through sperm donation treatment. This practice is common and legal in Cyprus, and donor selection is made according to the preferred criteria.

Sperm Donation for Couples

Sperm donation is recommended for couples experiencing male infertility, azoospermia, or who are genetic disease carriers. Specifically:

  • Patients with non-obstructive azoospermia
  • Men with genetic diseases they do not wish to pass on
  • Couples who failed micro TESE procedures

can achieve successful results with this treatment method.

In Cyprus, all donor sperms must be sourced from international sperm banks that are approved by the Ministry of Health.

Sperm Donation Success Rates in Cyprus

Sperm donation success rates in Cyprus vary depending on clinical infrastructure and laboratory quality. Average success rates:
Age Group Success Rate (with IVF)
<35 65–75%
35–40 50–60%
40–43 30–40%
43+ 20–25%
Factors Affecting Success:
  • Woman’s age and ovarian reserve
  • Embryo quality
  • Uterine structure and health condition
  • Clinical laboratory equipment

Embryo Transfer After Sperm Donation

Embryo transfer is the placement of fertilized and developed embryos into the uterus.

  • The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.
  • Patients rest for 20–30 minutes after transfer.
  • Pregnancy is confirmed with a blood beta-hCG test 10–12 days later.

Pre-Transfer Preparation:
Endometrial thickness is checked via ultrasound, and progesterone hormone support is given if necessary.

Advantages of Sperm Donation in Cyprus

Reasons why sperm donation is preferred in Cyprus:

1. Legal Convenience:
Unlike Turkey, sperm donation is legal in Cyprus.

2. Wide Donor Pool:
Donors of different ethnic backgrounds and physical characteristics are available.

3. High Success Rates:
Pregnancy rates are high thanks to modern laboratory techniques.

4. Short Treatment Duration:
Most preparations can be completed in Turkey.

5. Affordable Prices:
Treatment options are more economical compared to European countries.

6. Anonymity and Privacy:
Donor information is not shared with the patient; the entire process is legally confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sperm Donation in Cyprus

How does the sperm donation process work in Cyprus?

It consists of consultation, donor selection, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization, and embryo transfer steps. The process takes approximately 7–10 days.

Is the sperm donation procedure painful?

No. Only the egg retrieval procedure is performed under mild sedation; embryo transfer is painless.

Who does the baby genetically resemble in donor sperm pregnancies?

The baby genetically resembles the biological mother and the donor. There is no genetic connection to the social father.

Is hormone therapy required after sperm donation?

Yes. Progesterone support is necessary after embryo transfer to maintain the pregnancy.

Which are the best sperm donation clinics in Cyprus?

Clinics with high success rates, patient satisfaction, and international accreditation should be preferred. Free counseling services are recommended for clinic selection.

How many days should one stay in Cyprus for sperm donation?

A 7–10 day stay is sufficient. If preparations are completed in Turkey, the stay can be reduced to 3–5 days.