Why men should donate blood
Reasons why men make good blood donors
Men can donate more often than women
Men can give blood every 12 weeks whereas women have to wait 16 weeks to protect their iron levels.
As men can donate more often, men who donate regularly play a big role in providing the almost 5,000 donations needed every day.
Men’s blood often contains fewer antibodies
The absence of some antibodies in men’s blood makes it easier to use in blood products such as plasma and platelets.
They are often used to treat people with burns and cancer or those in accidents or with weakened immune systems.
Become a blood donor
I feel really good after I donate, especially when you get the text message to say which hospital your blood has gone to.
Meshach Snape, 27, has donated blood 16 times
At the moment, two thirds of new donors are women and a third are men. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to fill a blood bag.
To get started as a blood donor you just need to sign up and book an appointment.
Your blood type
You will find out your blood type at your first donation. Find out why some types are in high demand.
Got a busy week?
Don’t worry if you can’t find an appointment straightway - book one further in the future instead.
Our 25 permanent donor centres have the most blood donation slots, and many are open at the weekend.
People need blood all year round so your donation will still save lives, even if it's a few months in the future.
