How to Donate a Testicle for Money (Is It Even Legal?)

You cannot donate a testicle for money; paid donation of organs is illegal in most parts of the world, including the U.S.^[1]

In addition, there has never been documented evidence of someone being paid to donate a testicle, and no doctor admits to doing so.

To verify this information, we contacted medical schools and research centers in large cities to ask officials if such donations were possible; the consensus was no.

Other Medical Options for Making Money

While you can’t donate a testicle for cash, there are other medical studies and donations you can participate in for money.

We provide details about the types of contributions to consider below.

Donations

Plasma

• Process: Donating plasma is similar to donating blood — you’ll undergo a short medical screening then relax in a chair while the blood is drawn from your arm.
• Payment: $20 to $75 per donation (as previously reported), depending on how often you donate and where
• Requirements: 
  • Must be 18 years old
  • Must weigh at least 110 pounds
  • Must pass a medical examination
• Side effects: Your arm may be sore for a day or two, but it’s rare to experience more severe side effects.^[2]
• Where to donate: See our lists of paying plasma donation centers by region and the highest-paying plasma donation centers.

Sperm

• Process: You’ll provide a sample to the sperm bank of your choice to make sure that it’s viable; once approved, you can donate one to three times per week (as previously reported).
• Payment: Varies by sperm bank; up to about $1,500 per month (as previously reported)
• Requirements:
  • Must be between about 18 and 40 years old (exact age limits vary by donation center)
  • Must be in good health and not use drugs or tobacco products
  • Must have a clean personal and family medical history with no genetic illnesses
• Side effects: None
• Where to donate: Search for “sperm bank near me” to find nearby locations.

Hair

• Process: Cut off at least the minimum length of hair required by the buyer and send it by mail; you may need to create a listing to find a buyer.^[3]
• Payment: Varies depending on the buyer, how long your hair is, and other factors like whether your hair has ever been dyed. You can use HairSellon’s calculator to estimate a price for your hair.
• Requirements:
  • Your hair has to be long enough to donate — usually at least 10 inches^[4]
  • May require unbleached/natural hair, depending on the buyer^[5]
• Side effects: None
• Where to donate: BuyandSellHair or HairSellon

Women can also get paid to donate eggs; find more details in our research on how much egg donation pays.

Paid Studies

Paid medical studies can vary from drug trials to eating a specific diet to sleeping a certain amount per week or answering health-related questionnaires.

Payment varies depending on the study’s length, the risks (if any), the level of participation it requires, and other factors.

You can find clinical studies through the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s ClinicalTrials.gov portal or local research universities.