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The process of using a sperm donor during IUI fertility treatment
Starting a fertility journey can bring a mix of emotions, hope, uncertainty and countless questions. Whether you’re a single woman, a same-sex female couple or a heterosexual couple navigating male-factor infertility, choosing to grow your family with the help of a sperm donor is a deeply personal and significant decision.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) using donor sperm is a trusted, widely used fertility treatment option that offers many people the chance to conceive safely and successfully. This guide explains how IUI works, why donor sperm may be used, and how to begin the process with confidence and support.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), which is also sometimes referred to as artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment that involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This method increases the chances of sperm reaching the egg and fertilising it, compared to natural conception.
IUI is often chosen for its simplicity and lower cost compared to in vitro fertilisation (IVF). While IVF involves collecting eggs and fertilising them in a lab before transferring the embryo to the womb, IUI is less invasive and allows the body to do more on its own.
The IUI process
A typical IUI cycle involves the following steps:
- Initial testing: To ensure IUI is suitable, your fertility clinic may carry out tests such as checking your fallopian tubes are open and evaluating your hormone levels.
- Cycle monitoring: You may undergo scans and blood tests to track ovulation. Some cycles are natural (unstimulated), while others use mild fertility medication to stimulate egg production.
- Trigger injection: A hormone injection may be used to trigger ovulation at the optimal time for insemination. Alternatively, you may have tests to determine when you’re about to ovulate.
- Sperm preparation: A sperm sample is washed and prepared to ensure the highest quality sperm are used.
- Insemination: The prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter in a process that takes just a few minutes.
- Pregnancy test: You’ll be given a date to take a pregnancy test to find out if the treatment was successful (1).
Can you do IUI with donor sperm?
Yes, IUI can absolutely be performed using donor sperm. It’s one of the most common methods used by individuals and couples who need help conceiving due to the absence or poor quality of sperm. Since the HFEA began keeping records in 1991, more than 260,000 donor insemination cycles have taken place in the UK.
To protect the legal rights of all parties involved and ensure safety, donor sperm IUI should always be done through a licensed fertility clinic. This applies whether the donor is someone you know or someone you’ve chosen through a sperm bank.
Why use a sperm donor for IUI?
There are many reasons why someone might choose or need to use donor sperm for IUI. Each situation is unique, and using donor sperm can be an empowering decision in different circumstances.
Same-sex female couples
For lesbian couples, donor sperm provides a clear path to starting or expanding a family. IUI offers a less invasive option than IVF, and partners can decide who will carry the pregnancy and when.
Single women
More single women than ever are choosing to become parents on their own terms. Donor sperm IUI is a supportive and accessible way to conceive and is the main form of fertility treatment used by single women.
Heterosexual couples with male-factor infertility
For some heterosexual couples, issues such as low sperm count, azoospermia (no sperm), or sperm DNA fragmentation may make natural conception unlikely. Using donor sperm can be a way to move forward when other options haven’t worked or aren’t available.
Inability to have vaginal intercourse
Medical, physical, or psychological reasons may make vaginal intercourse difficult or impossible. IUI offers a practical, respectful, and effective route to conception in these situations.
Genetic concerns
Some individuals or couples may have genetic conditions or diseases they do not wish to pass on. In such cases, using a carefully screened donor allows them to reduce the risk of their offspring inheriting a condition.
The cost of IUI with donor sperm
The total cost of IUI with donor sperm can vary depending on the clinic, the need for medication, and whether additional services, such as monitoring scans or counselling, are included. IUI treatment typically ranges from £700 to £1,600 per cycle, with donor sperm usually being an additional cost unless included in a clinic’s package.
At London Sperm Bank, different donor sperm sample types are tailored to specific fertility treatments. IUI donor sperm, which has been washed to remove seminal fluid and leave only motile sperm, costs £1630 for one vial. Intracervical insemination (ICI) samples are unwashed sperm that can also be used for IUI after being processed by your fertility clinic, and these cost £1450 per vial.
There may also be a £40 HFEA fee payable for any donor sperm IUI cycle. While the HFEA doesn’t charge patients for fertility treatment, they do charge fertility clinics for each IUI they perform, with some clinics choosing to list this on your bill.
How successful is IUI with donor sperm?
Success rates for IUI using donor sperm vary based on several factors, including:
- The age of the person undergoing treatment
- General reproductive health, egg quality and uterine condition
- Timing of insemination relative to ovulation
Most people need more than one cycle to achieve pregnancy, so it’s important to be prepared for this possibility.
London Sperm Bank has helped bring over 3,000 babies into the world through donor fertility treatment. For IUI treatment, our live birth rates per cycle using donor sperm are:
- Under 35 years old: 20%
- 35-37 years old: 14%
- 38-39 years old: 13%
(Data from 1782 cycles from 2019–2022, verified against HFEA records.)
We’ve helped couples like Lisa and Kelly, who used donor IUI to conceive their son, Lennon. They said: “The London Sperm Bank literally made our dreams come true”.
Casey and Megan also became parents using donor sperm from London Sperm Bank. When speaking about their experience, they shared, “We wanted to make sure that the match was right for us between us so that they had similar characteristics to both of us, and it was just really easy, and it was a fantastic way of doing things.” They went on to say, “Since we’ve had the twins, it’s just been life-changing for us. It’s just been absolutely incredible. They just make us smile every day”.
How to find a sperm donor for IUI
Choosing a sperm donor is a major step in your fertility journey, and it’s essential to use an HFEA-licensed sperm bank to ensure safety, legal clarity, and full donor screening.
When you’re ready to find a donor, you’ll have access to detailed, non-identifying donor profiles that include information such as:
- Ethnicity and physical traits
- Education and profession
- Medical and family history
- Personal characteristics and donor messages
If you’re wondering how to choose a sperm donor, many people consider physical resemblance, shared values, or even the tone of the donor’s goodwill message. The decision is a personal one, but our experienced team is here to help you navigate every step with confidence.
Using donor sperm for IUI is a well-supported, regulated, and widely used fertility treatment that has helped thousands of people achieve their dreams of parenthood. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to begin treatment, our team is here to guide you with warmth and understanding.
Ready to take the next step? Speak to our team about IUI with donor sperm or browse our donor catalogue to find your perfect match.
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