Why gay dads get semen analysis before surrogacy

Entering fatherhood with the love of your life can be quite the dream. And thankfully, there are many ways for two future dads to build a family. Surrogacy can be a fantastic option for both LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples who want to have biological children. The process can include many steps, including a semen analysis. 

What is a semen analysis?

Semen analysis is a medical procedure that gauges the overall health of a man’s sperm and whether it’s capable of fertilising an egg. Its earliest application dates back to 1934, way before the World Health Organization (WHO) created a standardised laboratory manual on the issue. 

The standard analysis looks into several key qualities of the semen, including sperm motility or how well the sperm move.

A semen analysis should be able to measure the amount of sperm that comes out with a single ejaculate. The average is normally 15 million sperm per millilitre or more, which indicates a high chance of conception. However, a lower count may indicate oligospermia. 

Oligospermia doesn’t necessarily mean that a man is infertile. However, lower sperm counts reduce the likelihood of fertilising the egg and creating an embryo. 

Sperm morphology

Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of the sperm. Sperm analysis can involve microscopic inspection to assess the shape and quality of your sperm. In a single ejaculation, each sperm can have different forms. 

At least 4% of the ejaculation needs to have what’s considered a typical form. Sperm with an abnormal shape may find it challenging to penetrate an egg cell. 

The semen analysis involves the total fluid created during ejaculation. To compare, the sperm count measures concentration, while the sperm volume measures the liquefied quantity. It’s better to have a high volume, as too little may suggest problems with the prostate. 

What surrogacy for gay men looks like

Surrogacy is traditionally known as the process of having a surrogate carry a child on behalf of another couple. It can be an effective way to help any couple have biological kids, including gay men. However, the proper terminology for them is gestational surrogacy or host surrogacy. 

Gestational surrogacy is distinguished by the surrogate having no biological relations to the baby they’re carrying. The embryo that will grow inside them is created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in a lab. Unless the surrogate is also the egg donor and you’re undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment, they would have zero biological connection. 

Both heterosexual and homosexual couples may opt for gestational surrogacy to avoid any emotional and legal risks. It can also be a safer and more successful method when done right. Gay men will need to carry out the following steps.

Finding a donor and surrogate

Since both men can provide the sperm needed to develop an embryo, their main goal is to find an egg donor. There are already donors available who have undergone suitability tests. It’s illegal to pay them directly, but rest assured, they’ve already been compensated for their completed donation cycle. 

It’s also vital to find a surrogate. Some may arrange a match between family members, but you can also look for a carrier within the surrogacy community. You can cover reasonable expenses like loss of earnings, maternity clothes and travel expenses. 

Using your or your partner’s sperm for the surrogacy can ensure that you’re biologically connected to the child. However, it’s important to evaluate whether either of you is infertile first. Infertility affects about one in six people of reproductive age worldwide. 

The semen analysis greatly helps with this, since it can accurately provide information on whether the sperm is in condition for egg fertilisation. A semen analysis is actually used as a way to confirm that a vasectomy procedure is successful. 

Choosing whose sperm to use

If you and your partner are both fertile, you’d have to choose whose sperm to use. You can both provide sperm sources, and the laboratory will assess which sperm is most compatible with the donated eggs. 

On the chance that both are compatible, you and your partner may choose which sperm is used for the egg. Some couples may decide to keep the sperm that was officially used private when retelling the story to avoid perceptions of who the “real” father is. That said, under the surrogacy arrangement, both dads are legally the parents of the child.  

You also must consider your overall health before the surrogacy. Some people may find blood in their semen and feel alarmed. Hematospermia is often due to a temporary infection, but you can seek additional evaluation to rule out underlying causes. 

The process of a semen analysis

Semen analysis may sound intimidating, but it’s a very noninvasive process. The sample is collected through masturbation and ejaculation. It’s recommended to collect the semen cleanly and without lubrication. Aim to avoid spillage and do not drink before the analysis.

Results from a semen analysis can be available within the same day or take a few days. The total timeline can depend on whether you collect the sperm at a clinic or at home. 

Can you skip semen analysis?

It’s not recommended to skip semen analysis since it provides critical information about the health of your sperm. If you and your partner are both possible candidates but have chosen a single contributor, the other person may opt out.

Should the results reveal that one person’s sperm is of low quality, it may be best to conduct another semen analysis. That way, you can see whether surrogacy is a viable option to start a family. 

More ways for gay dads to ensure a safe surrogacy

Semen analysis is a key step in ensuring a safe surrogacy for gay men, and there are many other ways that you can make the process smoother. 

Avoid rushing the process

As exciting as fatherhood can be, it’s important to exercise caution and patience. Surrogacy can have a longer timeline outside of your surrogate carrying your baby because of all the medical clearances and legalities that need to be ironed out. As lengthy as they may be, these steps ensure that everyone is safe and protected, including your future child. 

Review legal information

Remember to review the surrogacy arrangement and to work with a reputable donor, surrogate and fertility team. While not fully enforceable, they outline expectations regarding medical care and finances. Be wary of disagreements over who the child’s legal parents are, as this will result in a court decision based on the child's best interests.

Seek out emotional support

Going through surrogacy can be a stressful phase in your relationship and life. It’s vital that you and your partner practice open and transparent communication to avoid any misunderstandings and stay on the same page. You should also look to friends and family for support at every step. 

Make the right decisions for your future family

Pursuing surrogacy can require plenty of preparation from both dads. A semen analysis can help reassure you that you and your partner are ready to embark on the journey. Check your health and make informed decisions for your future children.