Sperm Donation

Are you interested in becoming a sperm donor? For many people, using donated sperm may be the only chance they have to start a family. Find out what sperm donation involves below.

Why are donors needed?

Donor sperm is needed by a significant number of patients who are undergoing fertility treatment. This includes patients with poor sperm quality, same-sex couples, or single people wishing to start a family. Male fertility has reduced dramatically and having difficulty conceiving is exceptionally common. At Cambridge IVF, we test around 5,000 patients a year who are having difficulty conceiving. In some of these cases, donor sperm is the only option for them to achieve their hopes of starting a family.

Who may be able to donate?

The initial eligibility criteria to donate are as follows:

Aged 18-45 years old
Non-smoker for at least 3 months
No family history of genetic conditions
Viral negative
Good semen analysis results
Good sperm survival after freezing

What is the process for sperm donation?

If you are interested in becoming a sperm donor, please complete our initial screening questionnaire below and send via email to: cuh.civf.spermdonation@nhs.net. If you meet the essential criteria, a member of the Cambridge IVF team will contact you.

Sperm Donor Questionnaire

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You will then be invited for a semen analysis and test freeze if you are suitable and still wish to proceed with donations. After your initial visit to the clinic, you will have a counselling session and a consultation with a clinician which will include a physical examination and screening tests. Following this, you will be required to complete consent forms before starting your donations. .

We will ask you to produce a series of samples. The number of samples may vary depending on the volume and number of sperm in each sample. 3-6 months after your final donation you will be required to return to the clinic for a final blood and urine screen. This will allow your sperm to be released from quarantine and offered to the individual(s) who have chosen you as their sperm donor.

Will I be paid for donating my sperm?

Donation is purely on a voluntary basis and no payment, other than compensation for reasonable expenses incurred, is allowed to be made to individuals who kindly decide to donate. Sperm donors can receive compensation with a fixed sum of up to £35 per clinic visit.

What about Sperm Sharing?

People who donate sperm can receive a cycle of IVF at no cost in return, instead of the £35 reimbursement. This is known as ‘Sperm Sharing’. A minimum of 20 samples must be donated to be eligible for a cycle of free IVF. There are no charges for the testing to see if you are eligible, including for Cystic Fibrosis and karyotype testing.

The no-cost IVF cycle includes:

Medication up to pregnancy
Egg collection and anaesthetic costs
Embryo transfer
Embryoscope timelapse incubation
HFEA fee
Consultations

What is not included in the no-cost cycle?

If ICSI is required the cost is £1,200. If eligible for donating semen it is unlikely that this payment will be necessary
Remaining embryos can be vitrified (frozen) and stored for a year at a cost of £650.
Subsequent frozen embryo transfers will incur additional costs
If a clinical pregnancy is confirmed, progesterone pessaries will be required. These are £24.75 per week and will be needed for up to 7 weeks. Progesterone is needed to maintain pregnancies.

Is it possible to have additional cycles by donating again?

Donors may be eligible to donate for subsequent cycles, or additional embryo transfers.

What happens once accepted as a Sperm Sharer?