Fertility Services - Sourcing Donor Sperm

What are the facts about Sourcing Donor Sperm?

If you have decided to use donor sperm, the next step is to select the donor sperm with Origin’s guidance.

Why would I choose to use donor sperm?

You could choose to use donor sperm if:

• The male partner cannot produce sperm or produces sperm of a very poor quality.
• You are a single female.
• You are a same sex couple.

Who are sperm donors?

Sperm donors are generally men who are in good health. They come from a broad cross section of society and falls within the age category of 18-45

The donor sperm is sourced by you with Origin’s guidance. Origin obtains donor sperm from several sources, but patients usually find their chosen donor from either Cryos International, The European Sperm Bank or Xytex Cryo International

How are donors assessed?

Donors are assessed by genetic and infectious disease screening which includes the following:

• Hepatitis B+C
• HIV
• CMV
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhoea + Chlamydia
• Blood Typing
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Chromosomal analysis
• Disease screening depending on racial/ethnic Origin

Origin will be able to advise you on donor assessments

What information is available about the donor?

Dependent on source but for example, male occupation, blood type, CMV status, eye colour, hair colour, physical build, education/occupation, interests, psychological profile and infectious screening results. (All donors used in the UK must have consented to be identifiable to offspring when they reach the age of 18 years – see HFEA documents for donor sperm)

How much will sourcing Donor Sperm cost?

Patients will purchase their donor sperm directly from the sperm bank who charge between £150 to £400 per straw / ampoule depending on quality and type. You are likely to need 2 straws or ampoules per treatment for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and 3 straws or ampoules per course of 3 Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) unless otherwise advised by Origin

Can Origin store my donor sperm until I want to use it?

Yes, but we there will be a fee for this after 2 years of storage.

What happens to any donor sperm that is unused?

Any unused donor sperm will be stored until the expiry of the donor storage consent – this is normally 10 years. The remaining donor sperm cannot be returned or resold.

How do I begin this process with Origin?

For further information on our donor sperm service or for more information on any of our other services, please contact Origin on or email