IVF with Donor Sperm

IVF with donor sperm is an amazing way to help someone start their own family.

Book a Consultation
Sperm Fertilizing an egg.

IVF with Donor Sperm

Using donated sperm in the IVF process allows even more people the opportunity to start a family of their own. There are lots of reasons why someone might need to use donated sperm in the IVF process; perhaps because their own sperm is of a low quality, because of a genetic disorder or because they are single or in a same-sex relationship. By using donated sperm in the IVF process, these factors can be overcome, providing the opportunity to achieve something truly incredible.

Our dedicated team of consultants, nurses and andrologists guide people through the process of using donated sperm for IVF step-by-step, from finding the right donor to undergoing IVF itself.

IVF donor sperm being placed into a petri dish.

How does it work?

A human figure with a floating speech bubble, representing a consultation with the CRGH team.

Consultation

An initial consultation is the first step in any treatment journey. In this 60-minute appointment, you will discuss your medical history and goals with your consultant, who will also tell you more about the treatment types on offer and answer any questions you may have.

A magnifying glass over a human graphic, representing how to find a donor surrogate.

Finding your donor

Our andrology team will work with you to explain your options and assist in finding the right donor for you. You can use either a “known” or an “anonymous” donor. Your chosen donor will then undergo tests prior to providing a sperm sample for your treatment. When the time is right, this sperm will be combined with your eggs to create an embryo ready for storage or transfer.

A blood test vial graphic signifying blood tests.

Blood tests and investigations

Your consultant will recommend some fertility investigations to ensure you are ready for treatment. For someone receiving donated sperm, this will typically include an Ovarian Reserve Test and a 3D HyCosy to check both your eggs and fallopian tubes. There are lots of additional tests which our doctors can also recommend, should it be appropriate. For example, those who have had unsuccessful treatment in the past may be eligible for further testing.

A human hand holding a heart, representing the emotional support CRGH provides throughout fertility treatment.

Implications Counselling

For anyone undergoing fertility treatment using donated sperm, implications counselling is a mandatory part of the process. Our specialist fertility counsellors will help you to understand the things to consider when using donated sperm.

A human figure with a floating speech bubble, representing a consultation with the CRGH team.

Follow up consultation

Once your test results are back, you will meet with your consultant to discuss the results. During this meeting, your consultant will also confirm a “treatment plan” based on these results.

A diary graphic, to showcase treatment plans at CRGH.

Agree your treatment plan

Before moving forward with any medication or treatment, you will need to agree to the treatment plan and estimated costs. Our Patient Liaison team will provide you with this information for your unique treatment.

A human figure with a floating speech bubble, representing a consultation with the CRGH team.

Nurse consultation

This meeting with one of our specialised fertility nurses marks the start of treatment itself. Your nurse will explain the different steps of treatment and how and when to take your medication, and answer any other questions you might have.

CRGH Embryo Transfer Icon

Embryo transfer

Your consultant and embryologist will help you to decide which embryo is the best to transfer for the highest possible chance of a healthy and successful pregnancy. Using a small, flexible tube, the chosen embryo will be implanted into the womb to continue its nine months of development as a completely natural pregnancy.

CRGH Pregnancy Test Icon

Pregnancy test

14 days after your embryo transfer you will take an at home pregnancy test which will confirm the results of your treatment. Whatever the outcome, our team of consultants, nurses and counsellors will be on hand to support you in your next steps.

Our Outstanding Success Rates

Live Birth Rate for PGS Treatment

Live Birth Rate for PGS Treatment

2021, All Ages Average, Per Embryo Transferred

53.0%

Live Birth Rates for IVF/IMSI/ICSI/PIMSI Treatment

2021, All Ages Average, Per Embryo Transferred

35.4%

Live Birth Rates for Egg Recipient treatment

2021, by Age Group, Per Embryo Transferred

Complete List

Frequently Asked Questions

The process of IVF with donor sperm

How long does IVF with donor sperm take?

A cycle of IVF usually takes around six weeks, although this is dependent on each individual and often governed by menstrual cycles. When using donor sperm, the process of finding the correct donor can take longer, especially if using an anonymous donor.

Is IVF with donor sperm suitable for everyone?

IVF with donor sperm is particularly suitable for those who are unable to use their own sperm for fertility treatment. Reasons for this might include having low-quality sperm, a genetic disorder, being a single woman or being in a same-sex relationship.

Is IVF with donor sperm safe?

IVF with donor sperm is as safe as IVF using your own sperm. IVF is generally a very safe treatment, although there are some risks. You can read more about the risks below, or visit the HFEA website, which explains the risks for IVF and all other fertility treatments available in the UK.

Can you use donated sperm or eggs for IVF?

Yes, you can use donated egg or sperm (sometimes referred to as “gametes”) in IVF. Our team can help in finding egg donations or sperm donations for use in IVF.

Can you pause during the process?

Yes, one of the nice things about IVF using donor sperm is you are able to “pause” at certain points in the process. This can be helpful for those who have other commitments.
Your consultant can help you work out how to best schedule your treatment.

How much does IVF with donor sperm cost?

Treatment costs vary depending on your individual needs, particularly when it comes to medication. You can find an example of the costs on our Pricing page.

How to prepare for IVF with donor sperm

How to prepare for IVF with donor sperm

As part of your treatment plan, your consultant will prescribe medication that will help prepare your body for IVF with donor sperm. Our nurses will also help explain the lifestyle changes which could help maximise your chances of success.

Is there anything I should avoid prior to treatment?

It’s important to keep your body healthy and relaxed prior to any treatment type. Avoiding stress and excess alcohol prior to your treatment can help prepare your body for IVF with donor sperm.

What should I do afterwards?

After IVF with donor sperm, you should continue to avoid excess stress. A healthy diet and regular light exercise will help to keep your body strong after IVF with donor sperm while you wait for your pregnancy test results. Your consultant may also prescribe medication to continue to take in the early stages of your pregnancy.

Risks of IVF with Donor Sperm.

Go to HFEA website
IVF with donor sperm carries the same risks as other IVF treatments.
IVF is generally a very safe treatment. However, there are some risks which you should take into account. These risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple births (twins or triplets) and ectopic pregnancy. Your consultant will discuss these risks, and how we avoid them, during your consultation.
You can also learn more about the risks associated with all fertility treatment available in the UK on the HFEA website.

Book a consultation

Talk to our specialist
An initial consultation is the first step in almost every treatment journey. During this 60-minute appointment via video, you will meet with a consultant of your choice.
Our consultants are experts at understanding your previous medical and fertility history, as well as your goals for treatment. Having taken a detailed medical history, your consultant will help you understand the treatment options which are available and answer any questions you might have.
Smiling middle aged African American woman with orange headscarf on.

From our patients

Read More Stories

Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on

CRGH are extremely professional and welcoming. Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on. We went through IVF with ICSI treatment plan and they are transparent with their costs, help you every step of the way and we’re very excited to say that we’re expecting our first baby thanks to the treatment at CRGH.

August 2023