Phil's Story

I had thought about becoming a sperm donor for several years but never really committed to learning more or starting the process. I was initially motivated by the idea that, as a gay man, I wasn’t likely to raise my own biological children (although I did want to adopt) and felt that I wanted to have a stronger connection to future generations.

My main reason for becoming a sperm donor was to help people start families. Also, the possibility of one day meeting any donor-conceived adults at some point in the future was a bonus for me. I also learned that donor-conceived children are very interested in meeting their half-siblings, which I thought was a great idea for bringing people and their families together to share their experiences.

I started researching sperm donation online and quickly understood how this is structured in the UK by cross-checking information from internet sources, verified government websites, the NHS and Semovo websites.

Semovo stood out as a good choice for me to donate with due to their convenient location and the clarity and level of detail of information on their website. My first email enquiry was answered quickly and provided all the answers I needed to decide to take the next step.

The initial donor screening process was straightforward and thorough, including a comprehensive health screening and a useful online consultation with a counsellor. The counselling session helped me express and understand some of my underlying reasons for becoming a donor. I had always been slightly concerned that being a donor parent for multiple children would be seen as somehow egocentric, but the counsellor assured me that these were perfectly normal feelings.

I received everything I needed at each step of the process to feel confident that I was making the right choice without ever feeling pressured. The Semovo team was always friendly and upfront with any information, excellent at arranging appointments, and easy to get hold of by phone and email. I found the experience so rewarding that when I relocated to Australia, I decided to donate there.

Becoming a sperm donor is a commitment, but overall, one of the best things I’ve ever done. I found this process even more rewarding than I expected it to be. By becoming a sperm donor, I’ve had the chance to help people start new lives as families, created a link with future generations, and learnt a lot about myself in the process.