How it works - A step-by-step guide

OK, so you’ve decided you want to donate sperm. Great news!

While it might seem like a simple process, becoming a donor is much more involved than you might think. We need to make sure you understand the implications of giving the gift of life, and the different steps you’ll have to go through before you can donate. So, we’ve put together this guide to provide all the information you need before becoming a donor.

Step 1: Apply to donate

The first thing you need to do to become a sperm donor is fill out this short questionnaire. It’ll only take a few minutes of your time, but it’s the first step to help change someone’s family life for the better. Once you’ve done this, we’ll review your answers, and contact you by email confirm your interest.

Unfortunately, not just anybody can donate - you must be aged between 18 and 45, be in good health and have no serious genetic or hereditary medical conditions. You will also need to know, or be able to find out, your family’s medical history.

And just like that, step one of five is complete.

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Step 2: Implications telephone appointment and semen analysis

If you meet our criteria, then it’s time to book in your implication’s appointment. This is where we will discuss over the phone what is involved, your medical history and answer any questions you may have at this stage.

You’ve probably never had your semen analysed, but there’s a first time for everything. This is a really important aspect of what we do, and will take you one step closer to becoming a donor.

Once your application has been accepted, you’ll be invited to come and visit us at your chosen Semovo location for an appointment with a member of our team to discuss the donation process in more detail.

It’s here you’ll provide your first semen sample, which allows us to evaluate your sperm count, shape and movement. Only those applicants with the highest quality sperm will be able to proceed. These tests help us ensure your sperm will be able to withstand freezing and thawing that comes later in the process.

For those who do not make it as a Semovo donor it does not mean that you cannot have a family of your own. Please remember that we’re very selective to give the best chances of success for those who want to use Semovo donor sperm.

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Step 3: counselling, Consultation and screening

Counselling

At this step, you will speak to one of our specialist counsellors via a video call. This is to make sure you fully understand what it means to be a sperm donor. They are always here to listen impartially, with understanding and empathy. We encourage you to include your partner in the counselling session at a time is.

Consultation

If you are accepted as a donor, you’ll talk to one of our consultants via video call about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and what it is expected of you as a sperm donor.

Screening

At your screening appointment, we’ll ask for a urine sample and take some blood for screening, which we’ll test for HIV, Hepatitis and various genetic conditions. You’ll hear back from us in around three or four weeks.

We will start to compensate you for your expenses and time from this point - and £25 will be available when you come into the clinic. On top of this, £10 is accrued during each visit, which will be available after your final screening. Please note that we can only provide compensation, we do not pay our donors. The compensation amount is set by our regulator the HFEA.

You’re now more than halfway there!

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Step 4: Donating begins

Great news, it’s time to start donating with us!

Before you start donating you’ll be asked to sign consent forms.

Then you’ll be expected to donate your sperm around once a week for up to six-eighteen months. This allows us to build up a good supply of your sperm to ensure we have enough to help all the patients who choose you as their donor. Your sperm will be used for a maximum of 10 UK families, but is not restricted to one child per family.

We do everything we can to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. The donation rooms are furnished to ensure you feel at ease. Plus, patients in our reception areas will not know why you are there, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Not that you should be - you’re doing an amazing thing!

Your sperm samples will be frozen and quarantined for at least three months, so that we know they are safe to use during treatment. With your sperm being frozen, it means your samples can’t be used by patients - not just yet. While we’re waiting, we’ll carry out a few more quick tests to check you’re still free from any infectious diseases.

At this point we’ll also ask you to write some information about yourself for your Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) registration, and your Semovo donor profile.

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Step 5: Your Samples are released

When the first batch of samples has been quarantined for three months, you will be screened again. If your results come back clear, the sperm can be released for use. That means you’ll officially be a Semovo sperm donor! Congratulations! Patients will now be able to choose you as their donor.

Three months after your final donation, you’ll be screened a final time to release your remaining samples for use. You’ll then be given your accrued expenses payments (£10 per visit).

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Need to know anything else? No problem. We want to make sure you feel as comfortable with this process as possible, so we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. Visit our FAQ section today, or contact the Semovo team by emailing donate@semovo.co.uk or by calling 0345 266 1272

Apply online today

Ready to become a sperm donor? Applying online to start the process could not be easier.

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Find your nearest Semovo clinic

To find your nearest Semovo clinic please visit our locations page below.

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