Two provincial sperm banks have used the appeal of Apple phones to encourage more donations, causing much controversy, Changjiang Times reports.

A WeChat social media account managed by Hubei Human Sperm Bank on Monday sent out an article to its followers, titled "New ways to get an iPhone 6s." Therein, an image of the phone was followed by an ad targeting sperm donors, saying "The bank is seeking donors aged 22 to 45, each to get 5,000 yuan ($815) in subsidies, while the iPhone 6s is priced at 5288 yuan on the mainland."

One day later, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank at Renji Hospital also sent out an ad via WeChat with the same title and similar contents, which has been read more than 400,000 times.

A college student surnamed Li said he and his roommate felt "tempted" to respond to the ads. Wang, another college student, said, "It's nothing bad, but indeed a new way."

Zhu, a doctor from Hubei Human Sperm Bank, said they have been struggling to attract donors, as related information isn't allowed to be put on traditional social media as ads.

He admitted to learning about marketing skills from popular WeChat accounts, but defended his actions by stating that potential donors are grownups who have complete value orientations.

China has strict rules on the founding and managing of sperm banks, allowing only one in each province. Lack of sperm donations has been a major issue at all 18 centers nationwide.

According to research conducted by the National Population and Family Planning Commission, domestic male sperm fertility has dropped by 1 percent annually since the 1980s.