How to Start IVF with Donor Sperm in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

Starting IVF with donor sperm is a pathway many individuals and couples choose to build a family when sperm from a partner is not available or suitable. At Kind iVF, we believe in giving you clarity, support, and control throughout that journey. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand how it works in the UK and what to expect.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Fertility Assessment

Your journey begins with a consultation with a fertility consultant. At Kind iVF, your care is consultant-led from day one, so the pathway is tailored to your history, goals, and health. During this first stage, you’ll:

• Share your medical and reproductive history
  
• Undergo baseline fertility health assessment (bloods, ultrasound, hormones)
  
• Discuss whether donor sperm is the right option vs alternatives (e.g. ICSI, donor insemination)
  
• Explore legal, emotional and logistical considerations
  

Counselling is also a standard part of donor conception in the UK, to ensure you feel informed, emotionally supported and confident to move forward.

Step 2: Choosing & Ordering Donor Sperm

Once donor sperm is decided upon, the next step is to select a donor through a licensed sperm bank. In the UK, the London Sperm Bank (LSB) is a leading, HFEA-licensed provider trusted by over 80% of licensed UK fertility clinics. Kind iVF is proud to partner with the London Sperm Bank to provide patients with access to a wide range of carefully screened, high-quality donor options.

Some key points to know about sperm donors:

• All UK donors must pass rigorous medical, infectious disease and genetic screening in line with HFEA standards.¹
  
• Donors are limited to supplying sperm to create a maximum of 10 families in the UK to avoid overuse.²
  
• You’ll typically place an order, and the sperm sample is sent to the licensed clinic you work with.³
  
• The sample must be used within legal and viability limits under HFEA and clinic protocols.
  

Because Kind iVF works with trusted providers like London Sperm Bank, we help you navigate this selection process smoothly and transparently.

Step 3: Clinic Preparations & Legal Consent

Before the IVF cycle begins, several mandatory steps must be completed.

The clinic ensures that all consent forms are properly signed, particularly those related to the use of donor sperm, donor anonymity, and disclosure.

It is important to note that a donor-conceived child has the legal right to request non-identifying information about the donor at age 16, and identifying information at age 18.

Additionally, your clinic will verify that all health and screening requirements are met in accordance with the HFEA Code of Practice.

If the donor is from overseas, the UK clinic is responsible for ensuring that the sperm import complies with UK regulations and maintains the required quality standards.

Step 4: IVF Cycle & Fertilisation

At this stage, the clinical phase of IVF begins. Your ovaries are carefully stimulated with medication to encourage the development of multiple mature eggs, helping to maximise the chances of success.

Once the eggs are ready, they are gently retrieved under sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

In the laboratory, donor sperm is used to fertilise the eggs – often using the precise ICSI technique – to create embryos. Each embryo is closely monitored as it develops.

One or more embryos are then selected for transfer into the uterus, while any remaining healthy embryos may be frozen, offering the possibility of future cycles if needed.

Because Kind iVF offers transparent pricing with inclusive packages, you know up front what’s included- consultations, scans, egg collection, embryo transfer and follow-up – so there are no hidden costs.

Step 5: Monitoring, Support & Outcome

• After embryo transfer, you’ll be supported with monitoring, blood tests and scans to check for implantation and early pregnancy.
  
• Emotional and psychological support remain important and we keep communication open via your care team so you’re never in the dark.
  
• If the cycle is not successful, your consultant helps you understand what to try next or whether a subsequent cycle is appropriate.
  

Why Kind iVF Makes a Difference

Choosing Kind iVF for your donor sperm IVF journey offers several key advantages. There are no lengthy waiting lists, with appointments available within days rather than weeks, helping you move forward without unnecessary delay.

From the very start, your care is consultant-led, meaning you are guided by experienced experts who understand your journey and provide personalised support at every step.

We also offer inclusive pricing and flexible finance options through Humm, making treatment more manageable and accessible.

With nationwide clinics, you can access high-quality care closer to home, reducing travel stress and making the process more convenient.

Finally, our high success rates reflect our focus on personal, attentive care, helping to support the best possible outcomes for you.

How to Get Started

You’re not alone, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

• Book a consultation with our fertility experts to explore your options
  
• Reach out to our team with any questions—online, by phone or in person
  
• Join one of our open day events to get a feel for our clinics and meet the team
  

References

¹ HFEA | Using donated eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment

² HFEA | Legal implications of using donated sperm

³ London Sperm Bank | Find a donor, order process

⁴ NHS | Sperm donation and the law