How much does a sperm donor cost in the UK?

You might consider getting pregnant with donor sperm if you are a same-sex couple, a single woman or a couple experiencing fertility issues. Understanding sperm donor cost is essential before starting your journey — prices vary significantly depending on whether you use a sperm bank, a fertility clinic or a private arrangement.

The sperm donor cost will depend on several factors including whether you select an anonymous or known donor, as well as whether you purchase sperm from a sperm bank, a fertility clinic or online from a website dedicated to sperm donation such as CoParents.co.uk.

The Cost of Donor Sperm

Donor sperm is much less costly than donor eggs. Additionally, sperm purchased from a bank or a fertility clinic will be more expensive than sperm obtained from a known donor.
As an example, if you buy sperm from The London Sperm Bank, you can expect to spend about £1,150 for donor sperm, plus around £150 for free delivery of samples.

If you prefer to select a donor outside of a clinic or bank to reduce sperm donor cost, you may be able to find a donor in your social network. One of your friends or acquaintances might be willing to donate their semen for free, or in exchange for a small amount of compensation.

You can also look for free sperm donors online, whether on social media or on sites connecting sperm donors with aspiring parents such as CoParents.co.uk. Looking for a sperm donor online is probably the best alternative to sperm banks if you want to reduce costs. Some online donors will offer their sperm for free, while others may ask you to cover accommodation or transport fees.
It’s also important to know that, contrary to fertility clinics where all donors are screened for infections and inherited diseases, this is not always the case with donors found online. If your donor hasn’t been screened and you’d like this to happen, he may ask you to cover any expenses related to the tests.

Semen analysis might cost you up to about £120–£200. Blood tests can cost up to about £120–£200 or more, depending on the clinic and the number of conditions tested for. HIV testing is free of charge on the NHS. You can also buy tests online or in drug stores.

How Much Does Donor Insemination Cost?

Fertility treatments such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or IVF can be undertaken via the NHS, which can significantly reduce your overall sperm donor cost. If you are thinking of having IUI or IVF, speak to your GP to get more information and find out if these treatments are suitable for you.
To be offered IUI on the NHS, you must meet certain criteria. You must be either:

Unable to have vaginal sex
Have a condition that requires help for conception (for instance, HIV)
In a same-sex relationship and have undergone up to 6 cycles of Intrauterine Insemination with donor sperm from a licensed fertility clinic

These criteria may vary depending on where you live. If you undergo IUI in a private fertility clinic, you can expect to pay between £800 to £1,300 per cycle. For a full comparison of sperm bank prices, see our guide on sperm bank prices in London.

How Much Does IVF Cost with Donor Sperm?

In vitro fertilisation is more expensive than Intrauterine Insemination, however IVF has a higher success rate. You may be able to have IVF on the NHS if you meet certain criteria.
If you are under 40, you may be offered three cycles of IVF if you have been trying to conceive via regular unprotected sex for two years, or are still not pregnant after twelve cycles of artificial insemination.

If you are aged between 40 and 42, you may be offered one cycle of IVF if you haven’t successfully become pregnant after two years of regular unprotected sex or twelve failed attempts at artificial insemination. Additionally, to be offered this treatment, you must be undergoing IVF for the first time and must not have a low ovarian reserve.

If you’re not eligible for NHS cover, the sperm donor cost for one cycle of IVF at a private clinic may cost anywhere up to £5,000 or more. Potential additional costs to consider include medical consultations, ultrasounds, fertility tests, sperm storage, ovulation predictor kits, medication, pregnancy tests, transport and accommodation.

How to Reduce the Sperm Donor Cost

If you are considering getting pregnant with donor sperm, there are a few things you can do to reduce the financial burden.

First, you can select a known donor instead of purchasing donor sperm in a fertility clinic. Selecting someone you already know, or making a private arrangement with a donor you’ve met online, will considerably cut the sperm donor cost. You can start your search directly on CoParents.co.uk.

Second, you may be able to have your fertility treatments paid for by the NHS. According to the NHS, eligibility for funded treatment depends on your age, where you live and your clinical situation. Check to see if you are eligible for several cycles of IUI or IVF.

Finally, if you can’t access NHS funding or don’t feel comfortable with clinic-based treatment, carrying out the insemination at home is another solution. This will significantly reduce the overall sperm donor cost and help you save money. Read our guide to finding sperm donors in the UK for more information on this route.

If you perform the insemination at home, you need to make sure that your donor is free of any sexually transmitted infections and that their sperm is of good quality. It is also recommended to seek legal advice regarding your rights and your donor’s rights towards the child, especially if you are an unmarried lesbian couple. You can find out more about the legal framework in our guide on sperm donor and co-parenting laws in the UK.

Additionally, it’s important to note that you might need several cycles of insemination before finally becoming pregnant. If this is your case, additional sperm donor cost elements to consider include more donor sperm, storage, transport and accommodation fees.