Choosing to conceive using donor sperm is a significant and deeply personal decision. Whether you are a single person, a same-sex female couple, or someone whose partner has a sperm-related fertility challenge that cannot be overcome with other treatments, donor sperm can open a meaningful path to parenthood. At Genus Fertility, we are here to guide you through every step with honesty, clinical expertise and genuine care.
Choosing to conceive using donor sperm is a significant and deeply personal decision. Whether you are a single person, a same-sex female couple, or someone whose partner has a sperm-related fertility challenge that cannot be overcome with other treatments, donor sperm can open a meaningful path to parenthood. At Genus Fertility, we are here to guide you through every step with honesty, clinical expertise and genuine care.
Donor sperm treatment involves using sperm from a screened and licensed donor to achieve conception. Depending on your individual circumstances, donor sperm can be used in different treatment pathways, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
All donors used at Genus Fertility are recruited through licensed donor banks either in the UK or Europe, where donors undergo thorough medical screening, genetic testing, and semen assessment in line with UK regulatory requirements. In the UK, donors must be identifiable, meaning any child born as a result of the donation has the right to access identifying information about the donor when they reach the age of 18.
All donors imported from Europe or elsewhere must comply with UK standards prior to approval for import, including requirements relating to donor screening, consent, and donor identifiability (non-anonymity).
Our team will take the time to explain the practical, legal and emotional aspects of donor conception before you begin, so you can move forward feeling well-informed and fully supported.
Donor sperm treatment may be appropriate for you if:
A full fertility assessment will be carried out before treatment begins to ensure the chosen pathway is right for you and to give your treatment the strongest possible foundation.
How do I choose a sperm donor?
Donor profiles from our licensed donor banks can include non-identifying characteristics such as height, build, eye and hair colour, blood group, educational background, occupation, and personal statements.
Choosing the right donor is a vital part of this delicate and very personal process. We work with donor banks in the UK or Europe. All donors are selected and screened according to strict rules laid out by the HFEA.
Can I use a known donor?
Yes. It is possible to use a known donor, for example, a friend or family member. However, there are specific legal and regulatory requirements that must be met, and both you and your donor will need to undergo counselling and screening before treatment can proceed. Our team will talk you through all the steps involved if this is something you are considering.
What are the legal rights of a donor-conceived child?
In the UK, all sperm donors who donate through HFEA-licensed clinics are identifiable donors. This means that any child born as a result of the donation has the right to request identifying information about the donor, including name and last known address, once they reach the age of 18. The donor has no legal parental rights or responsibilities regarding any child born as a result of the donation. Our counsellor will explain the legal framework in full before treatment begins.
How many families can one donor help?
Under UK law, sperm from a single donor can be used to create up to ten families. This limit is in place to reduce the risk of consanguinity, where donor-conceived individuals from different families might unknowingly meet in later life. The HFEA manages a central register that tracks donor use across all licensed clinics in the UK. When using donors imported from Europe, the same UK limit of a maximum of 10 families per donor applies, and compliance with this limit is monitored by the HFEA.
However, it is important to recognise that these donors may have contributed to the creation of additional families outside the UK, including in other European countries, where different family limits may apply.
Will IUI or IVF be recommended with donor sperm?
This depends on your individual fertility assessment. For patients with no identified fertility concerns of their own, IUI is often the recommended first step, as it is less invasive and less costly than IVF. If there are additional factors such as reduced ovarian reserve, a uterine abnormality or previous unsuccessful IUI cycles, IVF will typically be recommended. We will explain the reasoning behind your recommended treatment pathway and answer any questions you have.
What emotional support is available?
We understand that using donor sperm to conceive involves a great deal of reflection and can bring up a range of emotions, whether you are going through treatment as an individual, as a couple, or at any stage of the journey. All patients at Genus Fertility have access to our fertility counsellor; you do not need to navigate this alone.