Donor Sperm
Treatment using donated sperm may be undertaken for several reasons. Azoospermia, or absence of sperm, which may be as a result of surgery, drug or radiation therapy, or a genetic problem that has stopped the cells in the testes working. Donor sperm may also be used if the sperm is of poor quality, there have been problems with fertilisation in previous IVF cycles or there is a risk of passing on an inherited disease. Donor sperm may also be used for single women and lesbian couples. Counselling is provided throughout this process so you are fully informed of all the factors involved in donation.
Sperm donors are men aged between 18 - 45 years with a good quality sperm. Usually these are not known to you (anonymous), although any resulting child will be able to access identifying information at the age of 18. All sperm donors undergo a series of tests and quarantining to ensure that they are medically suitable to donate, and they must be registered with the HFEA.
If you are a couple, we will try to match the physical characteristics of the male partner. If you are single, or in a same sex relationship, we will use your own, or your partner’s characteristics. There is currently a national shortage of donors following legislation to remove their anonymity. If it is not possible to find a donor with a close match, this will be discussed with you. Because of this, some people prefer to ask someone who is known to them, for example a friend or relative.
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