Many people researching sperm donation in the UK want to know the cost of a sperm donor, or if there is such a thing as a paid sperm donor.
In the UK, sperm donation is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), meaning donors cannot be paid beyond reasonable expenses.
At Hull & East Riding Fertility, we offer a Sperm Sharing Programme, where eligible donors can receive a free cycle of IVF, excluding drugs, in return for donating sperm to others in need.
How much is a sperm donor UK?
For individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatment, it is sometimes necessary to use donor sperm. The cost of using a sperm donor varies across the UK, depending on the clinic and type of treatment a patient needs.
NHS Treatment: Some patients may be eligible for NHS-funded treatment using donor sperm, but eligibility varies depending on local NHS funding policies. In many cases, NHS treatment is only available for those who meet specific criteria, such as age, BMI and whether a patient has living children from an existing or previous relationship.
Private Clinics & Sperm Banks: If you are undergoing treatment as a private patient and you need donor sperm, you will need to pay the relevant fee for this type of treatment. The cost of a sperm donor in the UK varies depending on the source. Some clinics offer donor sperm from their own sperm bank, while others have agreements with external sperm banks, where sperm is supplied using registered donors. In the UK, sperm banks must be licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Is there such a thing as a paid sperm donor in the UK?
Sperm donors are altruistic donors who recognise how incredibly rewarding it is to help others achieve their dream of having a family. Unlike other countries, sperm donors in the UK are not paid for their donations. Instead, the HFEA allows clinics to offer fixed compensation to cover expenses.
How much do UK sperm donors get paid?
Under HFEA guidelines, sperm donors receive:
- A small set fee per clinic visit to cover expenses such as travel
- In some circumstances, additional compensation for exceptional expenses, such as loss of earnings
Sperm sharing as an alternative
For couples who require donor sperm as part of their IVF treatment, sperm sharing offers an alternative way to offset treatment costs. Rather than receiving expenses, sperm sharers donate sperm in exchange for a significant reduction in the cost of their own fertility treatment.
Key differences:
- Standard sperm donors are altruistic and receive a small, fixed compensation per visit.
- Sperm sharers donate sperm as part of their IVF journey and receive a discount on their own treatment.
Both options provide an opportunity to help others achieve their dream of having a family, with sperm sharing being particularly beneficial for those undergoing fertility treatment themselves.
For example, at Hull and East Riding Fertility, via our Sperm Sharing Programme, sperm sharers can save at least £4,150 on their treatment costs, making it a cost-effective way for couples undergoing fertility treatment to access IVF.
What is the Sperm Sharing Programme?
Sperm sharing is a scheme that allows men undergoing IVF treatment with their partner to donate sperm in exchange for reduced treatment costs. It provides an alternative to traditional sperm donation by making fertility treatment more accessible, whilst helping others who need donor sperm.
If you are interested in becoming a sperm sharer, you will generally need to:
- Be aged 18 to 45 and in good health
- Have a semen analysis showing good sperm quality
- Provide details of your medical and family history
- Undergo screening for sexually transmitted infections and genetic conditions
- Attend implications counselling with your partner to fully understand the process
There are two options available for your own fertility treatment under the Hull & East Riding Fertility Sperm Sharing Programme:
- Complete your IVF treatment first, making payment for your cycle in full. The sperm donation process will then follow on from this. Once completed, you will receive a refund of your treatment cycle costs, excluding medication and investigations/consultations.
- Undergo donor sperm banking. Following a quarantine period, you can then begin your own IVF treatment cycle, paying only for medication and investigations/consultations.
How to become a sperm donor in the UK?
In order to become a sperm donor, you will need to meet genetic donation criteria. You’ll need to commit to producing at least 10 semen samples, usually over a five-week period.
Your sperm will be frozen and stored for six months before use (‘the quarantine period’), to ensure it is infection-free.
What should I consider if I wish to become an IVF sperm donor?
Aspects to consider include:
- Legal parenthood: Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, you will have no legal, financial, or social responsibility for any children born from your donation. The person/persons who receive your donations will be the child’s legal and social parent(s).
- Anonymity: Donor sperm recipients will only have access to non-identifying details, such as your physical characteristics and background.
- Future contact: Children conceived through sperm donation have the right to access identifying details about their donor once they turn 18 years old.
- DNA testing: Advances in DNA testing services mean that anonymity cannot be guaranteed, as genetic relatives could be traced online.
You are within your rights to withdraw from the sperm sharing arrangement at any time up to the point where embryos created from your sperm are transferred to the recipient.
If you withdraw consent to the use of your sperm in the treatment of others and you have agreed to Sperm Sharing, then it will not be possible to claim a refund of any treatment costs already incurred, additionally any fees for any treatment already carried out would become due.
Sperm sharing is a helpful way to reduce IVF costs, while giving others the opportunity to have a family of their own. If you are considering becoming a Sperm Sharer, it is important to speak with a fertility specialist to fully understand the process and its implications.
Using a sperm donor to get pregnant UK
For individuals and couples facing male infertility, or for those who do not have a male partner, sperm donation offers a pathway to parenthood.
Sperm donation is commonly used by:
- Heterosexual couples facing male fertility issues, such as low sperm count or genetic conditions
- Single women who want to conceive without a partner
- Same-sex female couples looking to start a family together
While donor sperm is available through fertility clinics and sperm banks, and via known donation where a friend or acquaintance donates sperm, it is essential to use a regulated clinic to ensure that all legal, ethical and medical aspects are properly managed.
Where can I find more information about sperm donation?
For further information on the Sperm Sharing Programme at Hull & East Riding Fertility, please contact us and we will talk you through your options and send you a detailed information leaflet.
For further information regarding sperm donation, you may visit:
Sperm, Egg and Embryo Donation Trust – The Seed Trust
Is sperm sharing right for you?
If you are undergoing fertility treatment and considering sperm sharing, the next step is to speak with a fertility expert. This option can make treatment more affordable while helping others who need donor sperm to conceive.
At Hull & East Riding Fertility, East Yorkshire’s only registered private fertility clinic, our team will guide you through the process, answer any questions you have, and ensure you understand the medical, legal, and emotional aspects of sperm sharing.
We offer specialist infertility investigations and tailored treatment, and welcome both self-funded and NHS patients. We also offer a variety of investigatory and fertility treatment planning services at our satellite fertility clinics in York.
For self-funding patients, there is no need for a GP referral. However, with the exception of non UK residents who are in receipt of a Health Surcharge, all patients are entitled, as standard, to basic NHS funded fertility investigations, so depending on waiting times to see your GP you may wish to see your GP for an initial investigations into a secondary care clinic. Alternatively, if you wish to start your journey as a private patient, with no waiting times, please contact Hull & East Riding Fertility directly to arrange your first appointment.
Whether you are considering becoming a Sperm Sharer, using an IVF sperm donor, or simply need advice on where to begin with your fertility journey, we would be delighted to welcome you at our clinic. Please get in touch to let us know how we can help you.