Interview with journalist Ioanna Fotiadis published in the newspaper “Kathimerini on Sunday”

On the day your son turns 18, along with advice for a successful career and a happy life, point him to a reliable … urologist. If men visited their doctor proactively, just as women do, they might save themselves from suffering in later life. One of them is infertility.

Greece is in 17th place among the “27” of the EU in terms of fertility index,” says Lina Evgeni, Reproductive Biologist and Scientific Director of “Cryogonia”, the largest Greek sperm cryopreservation bank. “We work with Greek donors to ensure the relevance of the physiognomic characteristics,” she explains. “The interested donors are between 19 and 35 years old and are motivated by a willingness to offer, as the procedure does not involve a fee but only a symbolic compensation,” she stresses, “most of them are blood and marrow donors or have experienced infertility in their environment.”

Young prospective donors undergo a months-long process of thorough screening, analyses of their sperm quality, tests for the most common genetic mutations, sexually transmitted diseases and psychometric tests. Often, however, Mrs Evgeni is called upon to give them unpleasant news. “Only 10% are deemed suitable” based on a sample of 500 men from 2012. The percentage is indicative of the problems that are unknowingly inherent in men’s bodies.

“I therefore recommend that younger people have a spermogram when they reach adulthood.” This test can bring out an infection or varicocele in time, which is successfully treated. For more serious complications or for those about to undergo strong treatments, cryopreservation is recommended, an investment for the future.

There is, of course, the option of receiving genetic material from a donor, Greek or foreign. “The legislative framework in Greece is ideal, as it ensures the anonymity of the donation,” explains Ms Eugenis, “hence we have many foreigners who choose Greece for this procedure.” Indicatively, in Australia, the USA and the UK, donation is anonymous.