Post Shoojit Sircar's humourous take on sperm donation in India, fertility and IVF centers say they have many donors Shoojit Sircar's morality tale wrapped up as a fun bon bon, "Vicky Donor", might have floated 10 different ways to define the word sperm. But those in the business say they are busy celebrating the difference it has brought to the act of sperm donation. THE WORD'S SPREAD The film has definitely created a lot of buzz in Hyderabad about sperm donation, which was earlier considered taboo, points out Dr Samit Sekhar, chief embryologist, of an infertility center in the city. "Before this film, we would have to organize seminars and conferences in colleges and ask people to donate sperm. Now people are willingly coming forward to donate. We now get about five calls everyday from those wanting to donate," he says. And it is not just Hyderabad. Dr Sweta Gupta, consultant with a prominent IVF clinic in Delhi, says, "From barely two or three calls a day, we now receive 10-15 calls." MONEY HAI TOH… Interestingly, while the number of sperm donors has risen, IVF specialists say the reasons are not altogether altruistic. Money, according to them, is a big driving force. "I would say that's the biggest drawback of the film as it shows that one can earn a lot through sperm donation. This is misleading. In fact, earlier when we got people to donate via seminars and conferences, money was never even discussed. People just voluntarily gave their sperm to help those in need. But now, the queries that we get are about the money. It's not a quick process. After a person has donated his sperm, we freeze it for six months. Only after that can we know whether that person's semen can actually be used or not. Even if he is eligible, the money depends on a lot of factors, like parents' requirements, qualification of the donor, blood group, etc. A graduate is usually paid between 2,000 to 3,000, an engineer (if he fulfills all the other requirements) will be paid 5,000. But broadly, the money ranges from 1,000 to 5,000," explains Dr Sekhar. Dr Gupta in Delhi says, "After the film there is an assumption that one can earn one's living with sperm donation. In fact, we offer only 500 per donation. That means a person will be paid 5,000 for 10 donations. And a regular donor is allowed to donate that many times in six months." However, Ayushmann 'Vicky' Khurrana, who plays the lead in the film, puts that exaggeration down to artistic liberty. He says, "If we didn't show some exaggerated stuff, the viewers would not have been entertained at all. We are not making a documentary here!" 90 % BACK OUT Interestingly, after a willing donor is explained about the entire process of donation, 90 per cent of them back out, because they do not want to undergo various tests. Dr A Rajyalashmi, senior embryologist says, "Earlier, we would have a donor only once in a blue moon, but now, we get at least a few mails everyday. However, when we do write back to them explaining the process and asking for their details, family history, diseases if any, there are few responses." HYDERABAD FACT FILE Frequent donors: Aged between 20-30,mainly college students Frequency: As many times as the donor wants to, but it is usually restricted to five because of ethical reasons,say doctors. It's not that easy: Calls for a lengthy protocol Written Test: Donors have to answer 50 questions relating to their knowledge about sperm donation, reason why they want to donate. Checking family history — whether the donor is disease-free, any untimely deaths in the family,etc. Blood test to check if the donor is free of sexually transmitted diseases. Chromosomal testing, to ensure nothing affects the offspring. Explaining to donors that they have no right over babies. Common demands: 1.Matching blood group because most couple do not reveal to their family that they have taken the help of a donor. Same religion,caste. Same color. Good height. WHAT A MAN CAN EARN FROM ONE SAMPLE SESSION (APPROXIMATELY) HYDERABAD: 1,000 BANGALORE: 250-300 CHENNAI: 500 DELHI: 500 MUMBAI: 500 KOLKATA: 200 For Original article, click here >>