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Donor IVF for single women: what the Kind pathway looks like

This guide explains what to expect from Kind Donor IVF, from your initial assessment and choosing donor sperm to treatment, counselling and next steps. Where you need more detailed guidance on donor selection or wider fertility treatment options, we'll introduce you to our trusted partners at London Sperm Bank and London Women's Clinic.

Fertility Insights | IVF | Sperm donation

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the Kind iVF Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our clinics across the UK.

Kind Donor IVF offers clear, package-led IVF treatment for women using donor sperm. If you're considering starting a family on your own, having a clear idea of what happens next can make the process easier to navigate. Following a fertility health assessment, our clinical team will review your individual circumstances and explain whether Kind is recommended for you.

This guide explains what to expect from Kind Donor IVF, from your initial assessment and choosing donor sperm to treatment, counselling and next steps. Where you need more detailed guidance on donor selection or wider fertility treatment options, we'll introduce you to our trusted partners at London Sperm Bank and London Women's Clinic.

Book a fertility health assessment to start planning your next steps.

The short answer: is Kind Donor IVF for single women?

Yes, Kind Donor IVF may be suitable for single women considering IVF with donor sperm, provided they meet the Kind eligibility criteria. A fertility health assessment is the first step, after which the clinical team will help you understand if donor IVF is the best fit for you.

How the Kind donor IVF pathway works

Kind Donor IVF is designed to provide a clear, package-led pathway for single women using donor sperm. Your journey begins with a fertility health assessment and, if the Kind treatment programme is suitable for you, continues through donor sperm planning, counselling and IVF treatment.

Step 1: Fertility health assessment

Your first appointment is designed to understand your fertility and whether Kind Donor IVF is likely to be the right treatment option. This includes a consultation, an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) blood test to assess your ovarian reserve and a pelvic ultrasound scan to review your reproductive health.

Your specialist will explain your results, answer any questions and discuss the next steps.

Learn more about our Fertility Health Assessment and the packages available.

Step 2: Confirming whether Kind is suitable

Following your assessment, our clinical team will review whether you meet the Kind eligibility criteria alongside your medical history and fertility assessment.

These criteria help us identify patients most likely to benefit from the Kind treatment approach, helping to maximise the chances of a successful outcome while ensuring everyone receives the care that's right for them. For example, Kind is designed for women who begin treatment before their 37th birthday, have a BMI of 30 or below and have a good ovarian reserve – this will be evaluated during your initial consultation.

If your assessment suggests that another treatment would be more appropriate, we'll explain your options and, where needed, guide you to London Women's Clinic for more personalised treatment planning.

View the Kind eligibility guide. [include link when page updated]

Step 3: Choosing donor sperm

If you're moving forward with Kind Donor IVF, you'll choose donor sperm through our partner, London Sperm Bank. Their team will help you navigate every stage of choosing a donor, from exploring donor profiles to understanding donor screening, CMV compatibility, genetic carrier status and ordering your donor sperm.

Kind manages your IVF treatment, while London Sperm Bank provides expert guidance throughout the donor selection process.

Browse the London Sperm Bank donor catalogue.

Before treatment begins, you'll be supported through the counselling and consent process for donor conception. This gives you the opportunity to discuss the practical, emotional and legal aspects of using donor sperm, understand the information available to donor-conceived children in the future, and ask any questions before treatment starts.

We'll also confirm your treatment plan, explain what to expect throughout your IVF cycle and make sure you have all the information you need before moving forward.

Find out more about the ethical and legal considerations of using a donor.

Step 5: IVF cycle, fertilisation and embryo transfer

Once everything is in place, you'll begin your IVF cycle. This includes ovarian stimulation, egg collection, fertilisation using donor sperm, embryo development and embryo transfer. 

Around two weeks after your embryo transfer, you'll have a pregnancy test to see whether your treatment has been successful. Whatever the outcome, your team will explain the next steps and continue to be on hand to answer your questions and explain what happens next.

Learn more about how IVF works and what’s involved in each step.

What is included in Kind Donor IVF?

Kind Donor IVF combines consultant-led IVF treatment with donor sperm from London Sperm Bank in one clear package. Alongside your IVF cycle, this includes consultant-led care, medication, monitoring scans, egg collection, counselling, embryo transfer and follow-up care. One vial of donor sperm from London Sperm Bank is also included, giving you access to ethical, UK-regulated donor sperm.

For the latest information about what's included, along with the current donor sperm IVF costs, visit our Kind Donor IVF package and pricing guides.

Where London Sperm Bank fits into the pathway

London Sperm Bank is Kind's trusted partner for donor sperm. Once your fertility health assessment determines that you are eligible for Kind Donor IVF, you'll work with London Sperm Bank when choosing donor sperm for your IVF treatment.

Their team will talk you through the donor catalogue, donor profiles, screening process, CMV compatibility, genetic carrier information and ordering your donor sperm. Meanwhile, the Kind team will continue to support you through every stage of the IVF cycle, from counselling and treatment planning through to embryo transfer.

Learn more about choosing donor sperm for IVF with London Sperm Bank.

When London Women's Clinic may be the better next step

Kind Donor IVF is designed for people who meet the Kind eligibility criteria and want a clear, package-led approach. However, if your fertility health assessment shows that you’re better suited to a different approach, we'll explain your options and, where appropriate, refer you to London Women's Clinic. 

Their specialists can provide more personalised planning if you're deciding between donor IUI and donor IVF, have a more complex medical or fertility history, or would benefit from a treatment pathway outside the Kind eligibility criteria.

They can also advise on whether IVF or ICSI is likely to be the more effective, discuss options such as donor egg treatment where relevant, and create an individualised plan based on your medical history, fertility goals and test results. This ensures you receive the care that's right for you.

Browse the fertility treatments available for single women at London Women’s Clinic.

What to ask before booking a fertility health assessment

It can be helpful to think about a few practical questions before booking your fertility health assessment. You don't need to have all the answers, but having this information to hand can make your consultation more productive.

  • Am I likely to meet the Kind eligibility criteria? Your age, BMI and ovarian reserve (measured with an AMH blood test) are all considered as part of your assessment. 
  • Have I had any previous fertility tests or treatment? Bring details of any blood tests, scans or previous fertility treatment, as well as any relevant medical history.
  • What are my donor preferences? You don't need to have chosen a donor before your assessment, but it can help to think about any preferences you may have before exploring the London Sperm Bank donor catalogue.
  • When would I like to start treatment? Your specialist can explain what the timeline looks like and help you plan around work, travel or other commitments.
  • What will treatment cost? Understanding the costs involved early can help you plan with confidence. View the latest donor sperm IVF cost and package information.
  • Which clinic is most convenient for me? Kind IVF offers treatment across multiple clinic locations, so it's worth considering which location works best for your appointments and scans.

If you have questions before booking, our team will be happy to talk you through the assessment process and explain what to expect at your first appointment. Get in touch or view our most frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Can single women have donor IVF with Kind?

Yes. IVF with donor sperm for single women is available through Kind where donor IVF is clinically appropriate and you meet the Kind eligibility criteria. Your fertility health assessment will help confirm whether the Kind Donor IVF pathway is the best fit for you.

Who is Kind Donor IVF for?

Kind Donor IVF is suitable for a range of patients who need donor sperm, including single women, same-sex female couples and couples experiencing male factor infertility. This page focuses on the pathway for single woman donor IVF, but the treatment package supports other family-building journeys in a similar way.

What happens in the first assessment?

Your fertility health assessment includes an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) blood test to assess your ovarian reserve, a pelvic ultrasound scan and a consultation with a fertility specialist. Together, these help us understand your fertility and whether Kind Donor IVF is recommended based on your results.

Do I choose my sperm donor before or after assessment?

You can start exploring donor information before your assessment if you wish. However, we recommend making final decisions about your donor and treatment timing after your assessment, so your choices align with your care plan and the London Sperm Bank process.

Is donor selection included on this page?

This page explains how donor sperm fits into the Kind Donor IVF pathway, including when you'll choose a donor and how London Sperm Bank supports that part of your treatment. For detailed information about donor selection, London Sperm Bank provides guidance on donor profiles, screening, CMV compatibility, genetic carrier status, sample types and the ordering process.

Does Kind Donor IVF include donor sperm?

Yes. The Kind Donor IVF package includes one vial of donor sperm from London Sperm Bank alongside your IVF treatment and other package inclusions. Visit the Kind Donor IVF page for the latest information about what's included in the package.

Do I need counselling before using donor sperm?

As part of your treatment, you'll be offered implications counselling to help you understand the practical, legal and emotional aspects of donor conception before moving forward. You'll also complete the necessary consent process, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and make informed decisions about your treatment.

What if I am not suitable for Kind?

If your assessment shows that Kind Donor IVF isn't the best option for you, we'll explain why and discuss your next steps. We'll also refer you to London Women's Clinic, where specialists can advise on a wider range of fertility treatments and create a personalised plan based on your individual circumstances.

Is donor IVF better than IUI for single women?

Not necessarily. Whether donor IVF or donor IUI is the most appropriate treatment depends on factors such as your age, ovarian reserve, fertility history and personal circumstances. Your fertility specialist or the team at London Women's Clinic can help you decide which treatment is right for you.

What should I do next?

Start by booking a fertility health assessment. From there, we'll discuss whether the Kind Donor IVF pathway is suitable, explain what happens next and, when the time is right, guide you to London Sperm Bank's resources to help you choose a donor.

Next steps

Ready to explore donor IVF in more detail? Take a look at the Kind Donor IVF package to understand what's included, current pricing and how your care works from assessment through to treatment.

When it comes to choosing donor sperm, London Sperm Bank has detailed information on donor profiles, screening and selection. If you need a different treatment approach or more personalised clinical advice, London Women's Clinic can help you explore the wider fertility treatment options for single women.

Book your fertility health assessment when you're ready to take the next step or get in touch with the Kind team if you have any questions.

References / Further reading

Using donated eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment - HFEA (2016)