Donor insemination

This treatment may be considered for several reasons:

• If your partner has a very low or no sperm count
• If you are a single parent and wish to conceive
• If your partner has a known genetic condition
• If you are in a same sex relationship

You will receive counselling before being accepted for donor insemination. There are many issues that should be considered before proceeding with this treatment. You will have the opportunity to discuss both the legal and practical issues at length.

All donors are fully screened for a range of conditions including genetically inherited diseases and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. We will help you find a suitable donor.

Before donor insemination can take place we will need to know if your ovaries are functioning normally. Women who have ovulation problems may be given ovulation induction treatment. Donated sperm can be used in intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

By law, people conceived by donation of either eggs or sperm have the opportunity to learn about their genetic background at the age of 18. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is the body that holds all of this information.

When receiving sperm or eggs from someone else, there are implications to be considered for you and your family. We can discuss them with you, how they will affect you and how best to manage all issues.