Sperm donation

Sperm donation is when a man donates sperm at a licensed fertility clinic so it can be used to help someone else conceive. In the UK it is regulated by the HFEA. Donors are screened, counselled and registered, receive expenses rather than payment, and have no legal or financial responsibility for any child born.

Donated sperm is used in IVF and IUI treatment by people who cannot conceive with their own sperm, by same-sex female couples, and by people pursuing solo parenthood.

For many individuals, couples and co-parents, the only hope of having a child is to use sperm donated by someone like you.

The decision to donate can be life-changing for not only you, but the people who receive your donated sperm, any children that are born as a result, and for your own family if you choose to have one. It's important you consider this before moving forward.

In the UK, you cannot be paid to donate sperm, as it is illegal to sell sperm. Instead, you can receive compensation of up to £45 per clinic visit to help cover expenses such as travel and time away from work. In some circumstances, you may be able to claim additional expenses, provided you have receipts.

Donation usually involves around 10 to 15 appointments over approximately three months, so it’s worth considering what this commitment would mean for you before you apply.

• You cannot sell sperm in the UK, and sites offering payment per donation are not operating under HFEA rules

• Compensation is not income and is not a reason to donate on its own