ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sperm bank

A sperm bank is a place where people store sperm. Sperm is very important because it helps create babies. Sometimes, people who want to have a baby cannot do so naturally. That’s where a sperm bank comes in.

People who want to have a baby can go to a sperm bank and choose the sperm they want. The sperm is usually donated by people who want to help others have a baby. Their sperm is tested to make sure it’s healthy, and then it’s frozen and stored in the sperm bank.

When someone wants to use the sperm, a doctor will take it out of the sperm bank and use it to help create a baby. Sometimes the sperm is used to fertilize an egg in a lab and then put inside a woman's uterus so the baby can grow inside her. Sometimes the sperm is used to fertilize an egg that’s already inside a woman's body, but needs a little extra help to become a baby.

Overall, a sperm bank is a special place that helps men and women who want to have a baby, but might need a little extra help to do so.