I would like to be considered as a donor but I am concerned in case the clinic informs me that I have a fertility problem. Can I speak to someone about this?
As part of the assessment process, the clinic will ask you to produce a semen sample for analysis and when this is examined there is always a possibility that they may diagnose a problem. In such cases, the clinic would offer help and advice to the individual to understand how this may affect their future fertility. If you are concerned about the possibility of finding this out then you should consider very carefully whether you should put yourself forward to be a donor. The staff at the clinic will be able to discuss this with you in order to help you reach a decision, although it is unlikely that they could provide you with long term counselling.
Where's my nearest clinic recruiting donors?
Please look at this UK licensed clinics who recruit sperm donors pdf file to find the clinic nearest to you, or phone the helpline for further information.
I would like to be a sperm donor but my local clinic says that they are not recruiting donors at the moment. Can I go to another clinic?
You can be a sperm donor at any licensed clinic in the UK. Not all clinics recruit sperm donors and some clinics may stop recruiting from time to time. One of the important factors of being a sperm donor is the ability to attend the clinic regularly to donate your samples. Therefore, if you choose to go to another clinic you should give careful consideration to whether it is within reasonable travelling distance.
What about my expenses?
From the 1st April 2005, donors may claim reasonable expenses incurred in connection with gamete donation. For example, the cost of travel to the clinic or the cost of childcare where the donor would have normally been caring for a child.
Donors may also claim compensation for earnings lost during gamete donation up to a daily maximum of £55.19, with an overall maximum of £250 per course of sperm donation.
I am a gay man, can I still donate?
There are no legal reasons why gay men cannot become sperm donors. However, a clinic must make an assessment of the risk of any potential donor acquiring a sexually transmitted infection that could be passed on to the recipients of their donation. Some clinics interpret this to exclude men who have sexual relationships with other men, as historically they have been at greater risk of contracting infections, such as HIV. Unfortunately, there are no mechanisms by which you can have a clinic’s decision over-ruled. However, if you think you have been unfairly treated you do have the right to complain to the HFEA.
If I am accepted as a sperm donor, can I stop my samples being used at a later date?
A donor can withdraw (or vary) the nature of his consent at any time in the future and for whatever reason. In order to do this, he should contact the clinic that he attended and explain his wishes. The clinic will be obliged to carry out his instructions. However, if at the outset you are thinking about withdrawing your consent at a later date then you should make the clinic aware of your concerns.
I would like to donate sperm but I have heard that my local clinic may use it to treat single women and I do not like this idea. Is there anything I can do?
You should raise this concern when you first contact the clinic and ask for an explanation of the local policy as some clinics do provide treatment for single women and lesbian couples. As a sperm donor, you may specify the specific conditions under which your sperm may or may not be used. This could include restricting the use of your sperm to one group of individuals or another. However, you should be aware that the clinic has the equal right to accept or refuse your terms and, if you are unable to reach a compromise, the clinic could refuse to accept you as a donor. This is because they may consider your terms unethical or simply too difficult to administer.
Can I find out at a later date how my donated samples have been used?
At the time of donation you can ask the clinic to let you konw whether any children have been born as a result of your donation. See HFEA - Information for Donors.