Jessica Durando

USA TODAY

China has asked men between the age of 20 and 45 to show their patriotism in a rather untraditional way. "For the sake of your country, please donate sperm," the government said.

China hopes more young men will become donors to help fill sperm banks as they face shortages. Officials are also concerned that shortages will worsen since the government has allowed more Chinese couples to have a second child. China ended its decades-long one-child policy this year.

They are also using up to $1,000 in cash incentives as well as promises of a new iPhone, the New York Times reports.

China has an aging population and diminishing workforce, prompting the state-run media to urging people to "show your compassion" by donating, according to the newspaper.

But it may be a tough sell since traditional Chinese medicine associates semen with vitality, meaning men may not be as willing to part with it.

One Beijing sperm bank's ad reads: “Donating sperm and donating blood are the same thing. It’s all about giving back to society,” the Times reported.