Sperm donation: how compensation works and what to expect
10 Jun 2025
If you’re considering becoming a sperm donor but aren’t certain about the process or how compensation works, you’re not alone. It’s completely natural to have questions, and understanding the full picture can help you make a confident, informed decision.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know – why becoming a sperm donor might be the right choice for you, what the eligibility criteria are, how the donation process works and what kind of compensation to expect. At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, we’re committed to supporting you with transparency, respect and guidance throughout your donor journey.
Why become a sperm donor?
Becoming a sperm donor is a selfless act that can profoundly impact the lives of families across the UK. Offering the gift of parenthood is an invaluable experience that can bring you a sense of personal fulfilment and accomplishment.
As a donor, you’ll also be compensated for your contribution, and you’ll undergo a comprehensive health screening prior to donation. This screening can provide valuable insights into your own fertility health and wellbeing, offering you peace of mind along the way.
By donating your sperm, you can make a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives.
Am I eligible to become a sperm donor?
To donate your sperm, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These guidelines are in place to protect the families and potential children who will benefit from your donation, ensuring a safe and healthy outcome for all involved.
At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, the criteria for becoming a sperm donor include being:
- Over the age of 18 and under 46
- In good health, with no family history of hereditary illnesses or diseases
- A non-smoker
Before you can donate, you’ll need to undergo a health screening to ensure there are no serious health conditions that could be passed on to the mother or child.
The health screening process may include genetic testing, blood tests and urine tests. Additionally, we may assess your medical and family history to get a comprehensive overview of your health.
Types of sperm donors
At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, you have the option to choose between being an altruistic donor or a sperm sharer.
As an altruistic donor, you donate with the intention of all your sperm samples being used for a known or anonymous recipient.
As a sperm sharer, you donate your sperm and, after a certain period of time, receive financially discounted fertility treatments. This allows your sperm to be used both in donor treatments and for your own fertility needs.
Sperm donor compensation: how much will I receive?
At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, we offer up to £35 compensation per visit for sperm donors, with a total maximum of £750.
It’s important to note that it’s illegal to pay sperm donors more than reasonable expenses. These expenses typically cover things like travel and accommodation. If you’re considering requesting compensation for these additional expenses, please speak with our team for further guidance.
If you’re not a permanent UK resident, you may receive the same compensation per donation. However, please be aware that overseas travel expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.
When will I receive my compensation?
You’ll receive your compensation once your donation process is complete. This can take up to six months, depending on your agreed number of donations.
We’ll let you know exactly when the process is finished and when you can expect to receive your payment.
What can I expect when donating my sperm?
The process of donating your sperm typically takes a few weeks, but rest assured, it’s a straightforward and simple process. Throughout this time, our team will be here to answer any questions you may have and to ensure you feel confident and supported in your decision.
Before donating
The first step in your donation process is to complete our online application form. This form takes just a few minutes to fill out and includes a pre-screen questionnaire. If you pass this initial screening, you’ll be invited to complete the full questionnaire.
Once the full questionnaire is completed, we’ll invite you to attend the health screening tests necessary to confirm your eligibility as a donor.
After we receive your test results, we’ll notify you of the next steps and when to attend the clinic.
Attending your clinic appointment to donate
You’ll need to attend the clinic once a week for up to six months to complete your donations.
On the day of your donation appointment, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team. We’ll ask for your consent, which will need to be provided in writing. You can withdraw your consent at any time up until the point when your donated sperm is being used in treatment.
You’ll then be escorted to a private room where you’ll be given a sample cup. After donating, you’ll return the sample to us so that we can freeze and store it for future use.
How your sperm is stored and used
Your sperm sample will be carefully frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a special tank. If your sperm is matched with a potential family or single woman, it will be gently thawed before being used in their chosen fertility treatment.
Your donated sperm may be used in various fertility treatments, including:
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
You will not be responsible legally or financially for any babies that are born from your donor sperm. However, once donor-conceived individuals reach the age of 18, they can request information about their donor. They can also connect with any donor-related siblings by joining the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) Donor Sibling Link.
Become a sperm donor with Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic
Becoming a sperm donor is a truly rewarding experience that offers families the chance at parenthood they might not have without the selfless gift of donors like you.
If you’re interested in becoming a sperm donor, our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process. You can book a free Discovery call with a member of our donor team, who will walk you through every step and answer any questions you may have.
Alternatively, you can complete our online questionnaire to begin your sperm donor journey with Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic.

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