What is sperm donation? A guide to being a donor

Becoming a sperm donor is a deeply generous act that can help individuals and couples realise their dream of becoming parents. Even if you think it’s something you’d like to do, you’ve likely got questions about what it entails.
This guide offers a clear and supportive overview of sperm donation, including why it’s needed, who can donate, how the process works, and what legal, emotional, and practical aspects you need to consider before getting started.
Why is sperm donation needed?
Sperm donation plays a vital role in fertility care. For some individuals and couples, donated sperm is the only route to parenthood. For heterosexual couples, this is often due to male factor infertility, where the sperm count is low, the sperm is of poor quality, or medical treatment (like chemotherapy) has affected fertility.
It’s also a key pathway for same-sex female couples and single women who want to start or grow their families. Without sperm donation, these routes to parenthood would not be possible.
Why become a sperm donor?
The reasons why men donate sperm are personal and unique to them. For some, it’s about providing a way to help others experience the joy of parenthood when they can’t do so without support. For others, it’s prompted by seeing friends or family struggle with infertility, or simply a strong sense of wanting to do something meaningful with their good health.
Some men are also motivated by a desire to support LGBT+ families or solo parents, recognising that love and commitment, not biology, are what make a family whole.
There are also more practical motivations. Some donors are drawn by the structure and purpose of the process, or by the opportunity to take part in something that is so carefully regulated, ethical, and impactful. While compensation is modest, the experience itself is often described as deeply rewarding and eye-opening.
Regardless, what unites all donors is a willingness to help someone else have a child. That’s no small thing. It’s an act of generosity that can bring immense hope and happiness to others.
Who is eligible to become a sperm donor?
In the UK, sperm donors must meet certain health and lifestyle criteria. Generally, donors should be:
- Aged between 18 and 45
- Free from certain genetic conditions and infectious diseases
- Willing to be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and inherited conditions
You don’t need to be a parent yourself, nor do you need to have any particular background or education. What matters most is your willingness to help others and your ability to commit to the process.
“Can gay men donate sperm?” is a question we sometimes get asked. The answer is yes. Sexual orientation is not a barrier to donation, but as part of the screening process, all donors are asked detailed questions about sexual health and risk factors to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
As long as you meet the same eligibility criteria as any other donor, including passing health and genetic screening, you are welcome to apply.
What happens if you donate sperm?
The sperm donation process is structured to ensure the highest standards of safety, ethical responsibility and donor well-being.
The first step involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine your suitability as a donor. It starts with a semen analysis to evaluate your sperm health and quality and if everything looks good, then it will undergo freezing. This is a really important part of the process, as around 30% of those who attend the semen analysis appointment are accepted as having viable sperm that can be successfully frozen.
If your sperm passes the freezing test, you’ll be invited back for a confidential yet detailed medical history consult and review with a doctor, physical examination, and various blood and urine tests to assess your overall health.
Once cleared through the initial assessments, you’ll sign consents and begin the donation phase. This typically occurs over a six-month period where you’ll donate at the sperm bank once or twice a week.
To ensure optimal sperm quality, donors are required to observe a period of abstinence before sperm donation. This entails refraining from ejaculation for 2-7 days before providing a sample. This abstinence period helps in maximising sperm count and motility.
Donations are made in a private and comfortable setting known as a production room. At London Sperm Bank, all our rooms have been recently renovated and now have TVs and videos to make each visit as straightforward as possible.
Your samples will be frozen and stored, with further testing required before they can be used.
How much do sperm donors get paid?
In the UK, sperm donor pay is illegal. Donating sperm is an altruistic act that should be done to help others become parents, not for financial gain.
However, it’s recognised that donors may incur costs such as travel expenses and that donating takes considerable time and effort. That’s why sperm donors can receive up to £45 compensation per clinic visit, as set by the HFEA.
Considerations and the emotional impact of sperm donation
Choosing to become a sperm donor is not just a medical or practical decision; it can have emotional and psychological implications, too.
You might ask yourself:
- How do I feel about the idea of children being born from my donation?
- Would I want to know them if they choose to contact me in the future?
- How will I talk to my own family or future children about my donation?
Counselling is a mandatory part of the process for a reason; it provides space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Some donors feel a strong sense of pride and purpose, while others may have complex emotions, particularly around identity or future contact.
It’s pivotal to reflect on these considerations early on. Clinics will help guide you through this, and support is always available if you need it.
What are the legal rights and responsibilities of sperm donors?
Understanding the legal and ethical considerations of sperm donation is just as important as reflecting on its emotional impact. In the UK, donors have no legal or financial responsibility for children conceived using their sperm, provided they donate through a licensed fertility clinic. You will not be named on the child’s birth certificate, and you do not have any parental rights or duties.
However, under UK law, children born from sperm donation after the 1st of April 2005 have the right to request identifying information about their donor once they turn 18. This means that if you donate sperm today, you could be contacted in the future by a child conceived with your help.
This is one of the most important aspects to think about before donating. It’s not about being a parent, but about being open to the possibility of contact later on.
It’s also important to know that you have the right to change your mind about donating sperm at any point up until your sperm is used in someone’s treatment.
How to donate to a sperm bank
If you’re interested in donating, your first step is to contact a licensed sperm bank or fertility clinic. London Sperm Bank has been at the forefront of fertility services for over 40 years and today, we are the UK’s largest sperm bank and a trusted supplier to around 80% of licensed fertility clinics nationwide.
To start your sperm donor journey with us, you can get in touch and our team will be happy to answer any questions you have, or you can apply to be a sperm donor.