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OTTAWA — Health Canada reminded the public Monday to be aware of donor semen obtained from unreliable sources, such as over the Internet.

The ministry aimed to reinforce a similar statement issued in December, warning Canadians wanting to undergo assisted reproduction that “fresh” donor semen can carry serious health risks.

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Donor semen obtained through questionable means, such as websites, may not be properly screened for disease such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C and sexually transmitted infections, the statement said, which could be transmitted to both mother and child.Strict regulations are in place to make sure the importing, processing and distributing of donated semen is safe, the ministry said. The semen must be quarantined for a minimum of six months. Donors must be screened and tested before and after donating. Regulations are also in place governing consent to use semen.

“In light of media reports involving the advertisement of ‘fresh’ donor semen over the Internet, and websites advertising such services, Health Canada is reminding Canadians to use the utmost caution when considering sources of donor semen for assisted conception,” Health Canada said.

People should be wary of websites advertising semen that hasn’t been processed or frozen, it said, or claiming that donors have indeed been screened and tested when that might not be true.

Those considering using donor semen for assisted conception should consult their doctor.