How Much is Sperm Donor Compensation?

Research from the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority indicates that children born in the UK with the help of donor gametes have risen by more than 64% since the 1990s, with 4,100 children born in 2019 compared to around 2,500 in 1993 and the numbers still rising. As this demand steadily increases, so does the need for sperm donors. Knowing this, it may surprise you to learn that in the UK we don’t pay our sperm donors for their generous gift.

Instead, donors receive a set amount of compensation no matter which HFEA licenced clinic they visit. And, as UK regulations state that no person should ever feel compelled to donate their sperm for financial gain, but rather out of the goodness of their heart, we try to be as transparent as possible about the process of donating sperm and the amount of compensation donors receive.

It's easy for misconceptions to spread. Many donor banks will recruit donors by suggesting sperm donors can be compensated large amounts of money per month. But how feasible are these claims?

In our blog, ‘How is sperm donation compensated?’ we share the truth about donor compensation. Learn about how long donating may take, when you're compensated and how much you should expect to realistically receive as a UK based sperm donor.

How much will I be compensated for my sperm donation? 

If you are accepted as a sperm donor, we'll start to reimburse you for your expenses every time you visit the clinic to donate. This will total £45, with £35 compensation per visit and £10 accrued to be given in a lump sum once you've had your final screening.

When do I start to receive compensation for my sperm donations?

When you visit the clinic for your first test semen analysis, you'll be compensated £20 regardless of whether you become a sperm donor. This, like all future compensation our sperm donors receive, is given to cover any expenses you may have incurred visiting your chosen donation clinic. 

How much compensation could I receive in a month? 

Our team estimates that you could receive up to £180 per month in compensation if you visit the clinic regularly to make your donations. This is based on a realistic estimate of one donation a week.  

Could I donate more often? 

In our experience, keeping your visits to once a week works best for those who work or those with other weekly commitments.  We also need donors to have abstained for between 3 and 5 days for each donated sample so if you have a partner you need to schedule in some ‘you’ time too! Someone with more space in their schedule could donate more than once a week - but it isn't necessary! 

Although visiting more often would result in more compensation, that may not necessarily be the best thing for you and may not suit your lifestyle. For example, if you overcommit, you may find it hard to arrange work, socialising or study around your donations. 

How long will it take to donate?

The sperm donation process takes, on average, 6-18 months, depending on how often you donate. Some donors prefer to visit the clinic once a week, but we can be flexible as long as it’s at least once a month

Why am I screened before I donate?

For donor sperm to be used in future treatment, it must meet strict screening criteria set out by the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. 

We screen all applicants to ensure they're healthy enough to donate. This includes taking a complete family medical history to check for hereditary conditions and testing for infections that could be transferred through a donation. We also ensure, through a semen analysis, how suitable a donor's sperm is by looking at the concentration (number of sperm per ml of sample), morphology (shape), motility (movement) of sperm in a sample. 

If you are told you are unsuitable to be a donor, it does not necessarily mean there is any need to be concerned about your fertility. Donors need to have exceptionally good samples. If our team has any concerns about your fertility, they will advise you on your next best step. 

I'm ready to donate. Where do I start?

Now you've learnt more about the sperm donor process, why donors are compensated and how much you could expect to receive if you donate your sperm at Semovo, you may be ready to start the process. We encourage you to apply online to become a Semovo sperm donor or learn about the sperm donation process and our donor criteria today. If you have any questions, email donate@semovo.co.uk or contact our friendly team at 0345 266 0020.