Looking for donor sperm? London Sperm Bank works with over 80% of UK clinics – here’s how to get started

If you’re considering using donor sperm to build your family, you’re not alone. Many of us in the UK are exploring this route, whether as solo parents, same-sex couples, or – like TRB founder Eloise and her husband – those facing specific male fertility challenges.

But where do we start? With so much information out there, picking through it all can feel like a lot – so we’ve partnered with London Sperm Bank to help you separate the wheat from the chaff.

As the UK’s largest sperm bank, supplying over 80% of licensed fertility clinics, London Sperm Bank makes finding a donor simple, safe, and transparent.

Here’s what you need to know.

Looking for a sperm donor in the UK?

First things first – all sperm donations in the UK are ID release, meaning donor-conceived individuals can request identifying information at 18. 

Choosing a donor is a personal decision, shaped by legal, medical, and emotional factors. 

Opting to use a trusted, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) licensed sperm bank like London Sperm Bank ensures you receive expert support, plus protection for all sides through compliance with UK laws.

The London Sperm Bank difference 

London Sperm Bank is the trusted choice for thousands of families across the UK. Here’s what sets them apart from sperm banks across the world:

• Unmatched donor diversity – Their broad selection of UK-recruited donors spans a range of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strict regulatory compliance – Adhering to UK laws and HFEA guidelines.
• Rigorous screening – Genetic testing, medical screening, and implications counselling.
• ID-release donors – Anonymous until the donor-conceived child turns 18.
• Proven success – Over 3,000 babies have been born from London Sperm Bank donations since 2012.

What’s more, the ordering process is simple and stress-free. London Sperm Bank offers a fully digital experience that lets you browse detailed donor profiles and purchase sperm online.

Now, over to their expert team to answer more of your top questions in greater detail.

1. Who can use London Sperm Bank?

Anyone registered with a UK-licensed fertility clinic can purchase donor sperm. Home insemination is not available.

Having a treatment plan in place before ordering ensures the right sample type for your fertility treatment. NHS-funded patients can order through the Customer Care team.

While not required, completing implications counselling with your clinic is strongly recommended, to fully understand the implications of donor conception for you and your future family.

2. How does donor screening work?

London Sperm Bank follows strict UK regulations to guarantee donor safety and suitability.

• Detailed assessments – Each donor undergoes medical examinations, genetic evaluations, and implications counselling before being accepted.
• Comprehensive testing – All donors are tested for infectious diseases and genetic conditions and must provide a detailed family medical history.
• Quarantine period – Sperm is stored for 180 days before final clearance, to eliminate any infectious risks.

3. What can patients learn about donors?

Search filters help you pick through comprehensive donor profiles and focus on the traits that are the most important to you, including:

• Physical traits – Height, eye colour, hair colour.
• Background – Ethnicity, race, religion.
• Personal insights – Occupation, education, and personality.

Donors might sometimes provide pen sketches or notes, letting you take a deeper look into their personalities and ambitions. A matching service is also in development – stay tuned!

4. How much donor sperm can be ordered?

You can order vials from one donor at a time, purchasing as many as needed. Each donor helps a maximum of 10 families, so availability may be limited. 

This said, when you purchase vials, you automatically receive a family slot, allowing you to reserve sperm for future siblings. Any reserved sperm must be stored at your clinic, so check in with them to see what your options are first. 

Ordering 2–3 vials per cycle is generally recommended, depending on your treatment type. While many treatments require just one vial, purchasing extra vials is a cost-effective way to secure the same donor for future use.

Multi-buy discounts are also available if you’d like to order 3 vials or more.

5. What legal protections are in place?

As we’ve mentioned, London Sperm Bank operates under HFEA regulations, ensuring legal protection for everyone involved. This means:

• Legal parenthood is protected – Donors have no legal rights or responsibilities over donor-conceived children.
• Confidentiality and anonymity – Donor-conceived individuals can choose whether to request identifying information at 18.
• Family limit enforcement – Donations are 100% traceable, meaning limits are strictly upheld.

This set of safeguards is designed for peace of mind, both for you and your donor-concieved family.

Ready to get started? Here’s how to find a UK sperm donor at London Sperm Bank

1. Register with a UK-licensed fertility clinic – As we mentioned above, you must be under the care of a regulated clinic before placing an order.
2. Search and select a donor – Browse our online catalogue and filter by your preferences.
3. Place an order and complete consent forms – We’ll coordinate with your clinic to arrange delivery.

With their simple process, wide selection of donors, inclusive approach and expert guidance, London Sperm Bank makes the process of finding the right donor seamless.

Got more questions? Connect with their team today to learn more..