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FAQs

1

Who can donate?

We accept applications from men between the ages of 18 and 45. If you want to become a sperm donor, you must be in good health with no serious hereditary conditions.

But even then, due to strict criteria set out by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), only a small percentage will successfully go on to donate their sperm to help someone conceive a child. This is because donated sperm must be strong, of good quality and able to achieve a successful pregnancy.

If for any reason you are unable to become a sperm donor, it does not necessarily reflect your own fertility. There are many reasons why this may be the case, and we will fully explain the reasons why during the testing process.

2

What are the criteria to become a sperm donor?

To determine if you are eligible to become a donor, we will check if you fulfil the requirements as outlined by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

Some of these criteria include:

  • Being male and between the ages of 18 and 45
  • Be willing to be screened for medical conditions
  • Have no known serious medical disability or family history of hereditary disorders
  • Know (or can find out) your immediate family medical history - children, siblings, parents and grandparents
  • Agree to be registered with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) as a donor
  • Only donate to the TFP Donor Bank
  • Not put yourself at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Not knowingly omit any relevant information which could affect the health of any children born as a result of your donation

To find out if you could become a sperm donor, please fill out our initial questionnaire.

3

Can anybody not donate sperm?

Donor applications are accepted from individuals who are in good health, have no serious hereditary conditions and who are aged between 18-45.

We also actively encourage donations from all ethnic groups, as there are sometimes instances where we are unable to meet donor preferences due to a shortage of donors from ethnic groups.

Donor sperm needs to be able to withstand the processes involved with fertility treatments, including freezing.

4

Can I donate anonymously?

No, it’s not possible to donate sperm anonymously in the UK. A change in the law in 2005 means that anyone conceived with the help of a donor can ask for their donor’s name, date of birth and last known address when they turn 18 years old.

Until then, they only have access to non-identifying information, such as your height, weight, hair and eye colour.

The recipients of a donation can ask the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) for non-identifying information about a donor at any time, and they can pass these details on to their child at their discretion.

5

Will I be a legal parent?

You will be donating through a licensed UK fertility clinic meaning you will have no legal rights or responsibilities to any children conceived from your donation.

You will not have any rights over how the donor-conceived child will be raised, nor will you have any financial obligations towards a child conceived from your donation.

6

How many children can I help to conceive?

Donated sperm can be used to create a maximum of 10 families, with no limits on the number of children born within each family.

Typically, sperm donors create five to ten families with one or two children in each family. You can determine a lower limit if you wish.

7

Can I find out if my donation has been successful?

You can apply for this information on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority website.

If your donation has resulted in the birth of a child or children, you can request information on:

  • The number of children born
  • Their gender
  • Their year of birth

You will not receive any information that would reveal the identity of the donor-conceived child or children.

8

Can I become a donor if I am in a same-sex relationship?

Yes, individuals of any sexual orientation can become sperm donors.

Our sperm donors are all screened and checked, with a focus put on the quality of the sperm and whether it is free from any genetic, infectious or hereditary conditions.

Whilst donating, you will need to agree to avoid putting yourself at risk of any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and only donate to the TFP Donor Bank.

9

What if I change my mind in the future?

You can change your mind at any time, up to the point your sperm is used in someone’s treatment.

If you have any doubts about becoming a sperm donor, you can always discuss your concerns with a confidential counsellor who is available to you throughout the process. You are required to attend counselling sessions, as it will help you to think through all the implications of your decision and how it could affect you and your family in the future.

Counselling sessions are confidential and available to you to use at any time before, during and after donation.

10

What compensation is available?

Sperm donors can receive up to £35 per clinic visit to cover their expenses, with more available if your expenses for things like travel, accommodation or childcare are higher than this. You may be asked for receipts by the clinic team to prove your expenses are higher than £35. It’s illegal to pay sperm donors more than their reasonable expenses. If you’re not a permanent resident of the UK, you may be compensated in the same way as a UK sperm donor but you won’t be able to claim any overseas travel expenses. For more information please visit the HFEA website.

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