Information for potential sperm donors – preparing to be a donor

Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a sperm donor. This leaflet is intended to give you information on how to prepare to become a donor. Further information regarding becoming a donor is available on our website.

The process of spermatogenesis (sperm production) is cyclical (happens in cycles) and takes approximately three months to complete. Therefore prior to and during the course of your donation you will be advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maximise your sperm quality.

This will include having a balanced, healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight (BMI greater than 25) can have health implications and could cause a decline in sperm quality.

Some medications, supplements and drugs are not suitable to take when trying to have a baby and therefore they are also not suitable to take prior to sperm donation. Please inform our team of anything that you might be taking and seek advice from a GP or pharmacist before taking anything else as well as letting your GP be aware if they prescribe you any medications

Prior to each donation you will be asked to maintain an abstinence period of between 2 days (48 hours) and up to 5 days. If you have been unwell and have had a raised temperature in the last three months it is important that you let us know as this can affect the quality of your sperm sample.

Research suggests that people who smoke are less likely to conceive following IVF treatment. Therefore it would be beneficial for a donor to be a non-smoker. If you would like help to stop smoking please speak to the nurses who can offer you advice, or locate services near you.

The Department of Health now advises that people trying to conceive should avoid drinking alcohol excessively and therefore sperm donors should limit drinking alcohol during the course of donation. If you choose to drink alcohol then avoid drinking more than 14 units per week (approximately six pints of lager or one and a half bottles of wine) and spread this evenly over three or more days.

During the course of donation you will be advised to only have protected sex (for example use a barrier method such as a condom). This will avoid the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during the course of donation.

If you are worried about this we encourage you to let us know. At each donation appointment we will ask if you’ve been knowingly exposed to, or been treated for, any STIs since your last visit. If you experience any potential symptoms of an STI at any time during the donation period please immediately tell us.

Where can I find more support and information?

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA)

UK’s government regulator responsible for making sure fertility clinics and research centres comply with the law. This website provides free, clear and impartial information on UK fertility clinics, IVF and other types of fertility treatment, and donation.

Website: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (opens in a new tab)

Tel: 02072 918 200

Sperm, Egg and Embryo Donation (SEED) Trust

A registered charity, the SEED website provides a hub of clear and practical information about donating and receiving eggs, sperm and embryos in the UK.

Website: Sperm, Egg, and Embryo Donation (opens in a new tab)

Donor Conception Network

A supportive network of more than 2,000 mainly UK based families with children conceived with donated sperm, eggs or embryos, those considering or undergoing donor conception procedures; and donor conceived people.

Website: Donor Conception Network (opens in a new tab)

Tel: 02072 782 608

British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA)

A registered charity and the UK’s leading professional fertility counselling association. BICA is recognised by both the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the British Fertility Society. The website includes a list of counsellors able to provide specialist fertility counselling to both patients and donors.

Website: British Infertility Counselling Association (opens in a new tab)

Fertility Network UK

The UK’s leading patient-focused fertility charity, able to provide free and impartial support, advice, information and understanding for anyone affected by fertility issues. The website gives access to a community of people affected by fertility problems and provides a free Support Line if required.

Website: Fertility network UK (opens in a new tab)

Tel: 01424 732 361

Fertility Friends

An active self-help community for people experiencing infertility. This site features a forum of message boards and live chat rooms on a range of topics.

Website: Fertility Friends (opens in a new tab)

Contact us

We hope you have found this leaflet informative. We realise we may not have covered all of your questions, so if you do have any other queries we are here to help please contact us via any of the means below:

Cambridge IVF, Kefford House, Maris Lane

Trumpington, Cambridge

CB2 9LG

Tel: 01223 349010

Email us

Website: Cambridge IVF (opens in a new tab)