Health Canada is once again reminding Canadians of the health risks of buying and using "fresh" semen donations, this time pointing out the risks of obtaining the semen through the Internet.

The agency says that donor semen obtained through websites may not have been appropriately screened and tested, and therefore may not be safe.

Health Canada warns that Canadian women should be cautious of websites advertising "fresh" semen with claims that the semen donors have been properly screened and tested.

"Such claims may not be true," the agency says.

While a number of websites offer fresh donor semen to Canadian women, distributing fresh semen is actually prohibited in Canada.

Under Canadian law, donated semen must be cryopreserved (frozen) and quarantined for a minimum of six months. Donors must be screened and tested before the donation and six months after, in order to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.

"Fresh semen" or semen donated outside those rules could pass on a range of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C, syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea to both mother and any child born through the use of donor semen.

"Canadians who are considering using donor semen for assisted conception should consult their health care professional," Health Canada Advises.

Health Canada maintains a list of semen processors and importers that are subject to regular inspections.