IVF with Sperm Donor
Our thorough matching process will help you find your perfect sperm donor
Sometimes, using your own sperm in your fertility treatment just isn’t an option – whether that’s because you’re having trouble with male fertility, or because you’re a single woman or female couple. If that’s the case, we could still help you start your family by using donor sperm with IVF.
Is IVF with donor sperm right for me?
Our sperm donor programme is available to:
- Couples with male fertility problems.
While for some choosing IVF with donor sperm is the only option, for others, it’s not always an easy decision to make. That’s why we’ll be with you every step of the way, using counselling and support networks to help you decide what’s right for you.
Get in touch to speak to one of our dedicated Care Fertility team, who can talk you through your options.
What does IVF with donor sperm involve?
1. Initial consultation
The first step in starting IVF with a sperm donor is to register with your local Care Fertility clinic and book a consultation. During this consultation, we’ll identify whether IVF with donor sperm is the best option for you and answer any queries you might have.
2. Determining your treatment plan
We have two different treatment options if you are using donor sperm: IUI – also known as donor insemination – and IVF. Your consultation will enable us to determine which is the right course of treatment for you.
Donor insemination vs IVF with donor sperm
IUI - Donor insemination – also known as IUI – is a fairly quick procedure which involves inserting your chosen donor sperm through your vagina into your uterus at the time you ovulate.
IVF with donor sperm - IVF using donor sperm involves using fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries. Your eggs are then inseminated with your chosen donor sperm, cultured in our laboratory and then transferred into your uterus.
If you or your partner are dealing with any female fertility problems, we’ll suggest IVF with donor sperm; otherwise, we should be able to treat you with IUI.
3. Care Fertility support
Because starting IVF using donor sperm is an important decision, we ask everyone planning to have treatment to meet with one of our specialists before you decide to go ahead.
The Sperm, egg and embryo donation (SEED) and PET are also available to help give advice and support on donation to donors, intended parents and surrogates.
4. Choosing a sperm donor
The next step is to find your perfect donor. You may choose a donor from a partner sperm bank, or use Care Fertility's own sperm bank. The choice is yours, and we can help you with this.
We can arrange the shipment of your donor from a sperm bank to any Care Fertility clinic for treatment. We ensure all donors have been very carefully selected, and that each is fully screened and registered with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
All sperm donors are assessed on their health and medical history to help identify and screen out donors whose sperm could pose a health risk to you or your future child. We check that all donors:
- Have good sperm counts
- Are aged between 18 to 45 years
- Are in good health
- Have no personal or family history of genetically inherited conditions
- Have no sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Donors are asked to provide a personal description which can be helpful when selecting your donor. You’ll be able to read their pen portrait, a goodwill message, and other non-identifying information they’ve provided.
Once you’ve told us what you’re looking for, we’ll match you with someone who fits your profile as closely as possible.
5. Starting your treatment
After we’ve determined the best course of treatment and you’ve chosen your sperm donor, you can begin your treatment plan, once your frozen donor sperm arrives at your chosen Care Fertility clinic.
IVF with sperm donor costs
You can find the most up-to-date information about the cost of treatment using donated sperm in the price list of your Care Fertility clinic.
Your payment will confirm the reservation of your chosen donor sperm in the Care Fertility Bank and ensures that the sperm is transferred to your chosen Care Fertility clinic.
If you decide not to use the donor sperm within 12 months, standard storage fees apply. If you decide not to go ahead with treatment, a refund of 50% may be possible if the sperm can be returned to the Care Fertility Bank for future use.
IVF sperm donor FAQs
Why should I use a fertility clinic for donor sperm treatment?
- When you use donor sperm from a licenced fertility clinic, the sperm has been screened and rigorously tested for infections and genetic disorders to ensure it’s healthy and safe to use.
- A sperm donor from a fertility clinic will not be considered the legal parent to your child, be named on the birth certificate, or have any rights over how your future child is raised.
- A clinic can determine the most accurate time for insemination, enabling the best chance of conception.
Can I use a private donor?
Can I use the same sperm donor if I want my child to have siblings?
What information can a donor-conceived child find out?
- The donor’s name
- Their date of birth
- The town or district where they were born
- Their last known postal address.
What information can the sperm donor find out about my child(ren)?
Will my sperm donor have legal parental rights?
Kate talks about her experience at Care Fertility and her decision to use donor sperm. For more information on using donor sperm in your fertility treatment, get in touch.