Photo/prideangel

Canadian health officials are warning citizens again of the potential health risks of acquiring semen from unreliable sources such as on the internet. The first warning was issued in December of last year.

The say in an Information Update released Monday, that donor semen acquired via sources like through the internet, may not have been appropriately screened and tested, and therefore may not be safe. For example, it could pass on a range of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, or Gonorrhea to both mother and any child born through the use of donor semen.

In addition to the appropriate infectious disease testing, the public should beware of internet sites that advertise the availability of “fresh semen” that has not been processed and cryopreserved (frozen), with claims that the semen donors have been properly screened and tested; as such claims may not be true.

Health Canada recommends that people who are considering using donor semen for assisted conception should consult their health care professional in obtaining properly screened and processed donor semen.

According to the release:

Regulations apply to the importation, processing and distribution of donor semen. They require that donor semen must be quarantined for a minimum of six months. Donors must be screened and tested before the donation and six months after, in order to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Health Canada maintains a list of semen processors and importers that are subject to regular inspections.

 

Source: Outbreak News

The Desk of Brian recommends:

Gary Condit’s DNA found on Chandra Levy’s underwearCanadian Survey finds most fear boomers will cripple health-care systemIllinois teacher, Jacqulyn Levin, teaches kids ‘Vagina Dance’: “It’s a mnemonic song”‘People become immune to coffee boost’, experts believeMeat from Toronto store could have E. coli: CFIAFirst case of superbug confirmed in OntarioCPSC issues recall for Little People Play ‘n Go Campsite™Michigan Oil Spill prompts home evacutions