Choosing a sperm donor as a single woman

More women than ever are choosing to begin their family-building journey on their own. For many, the wish to become a parent is deeply held, and using donor sperm can offer a clear and empowering path forward. If you’re exploring this option, it’s natural to have questions about how to choose a donor, what information is available and what feels right for you.

At Bourn Hall, we support single women at every step of this journey. Choosing a sperm donor is a personal decision, and with the right guidance, you can move forward feeling informed, confident and truly cared for.

Understanding your options when using donor sperm

Using donor sperm can form part of different fertility treatments. As a single woman, there are several options you may consider, including:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – prepared donor sperm is carefully placed directly into the womb at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from the ovaries)

• In vitro fertilisation (IVF) – eggs are collected and fertilised with donor sperm in the laboratory, before one embryo is gently transferred back into the womb

Your fertility specialist will help you decide which approach is most suitable for you based on your fertility health and personal circumstances. Many women start with a fertility check to gain a clearer understanding of their reproductive wellbeing, which can help the next steps feel more manageable.

Where does donor sperm come from?

In the UK, all donor sperm used in licensed fertility clinics is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). This ensures that all donors meet strict legal and medical standards.

At Bourn Hall, donor sperm is sourced from carefully screened donors who have undergone extensive health checks. Donors are asked to provide detailed medical and family histories and to undergo comprehensive testing for genetic conditions and infectious diseases. Only those who meet all eligibility requirements are accepted as donors.

This rigorous screening process is designed to protect your health and the wellbeing of any future children, giving you reassurance that every donor available through a licensed clinic has been thoroughly and responsibly assessed.

What to think about when choosing a sperm donor

Choosing a donor is a thoughtful and personal process. Some women feel clear about what matters most to them straight away, while others prefer to take time to reflect on their options. There is no right or wrong approach. Below are some areas you may find helpful to consider as you explore donor profiles.

Health screening and genetic testing

All clinic donors undergo a comprehensive health screening process before they are accepted. This includes:

• A detailed medical and family history
• Genetic testing for inherited conditions
• Blood and urine tests to screen for infectious diseases
• A semen analysis to assess sperm health

These checks are carried out to ensure donors are healthy and able to contribute safely to fertility treatment. As a recipient, you don’t need to arrange any of these checks yourself. Your Bourn Hall team will explain what has already been completed and how it helps protect both your health and the wellbeing of any future child.

If you have a known genetic condition or concerns about your family history, your clinician may also advise additional genetic testing to offer further reassurance and peace of mind.

Physical characteristics

Many women choose to consider physical attributes that feel familiar or meaningful to them. 

You may wish to reflect on factors such as:

• Ethnicity
• Height
• Eye, hair or skin colour
• Build

There is no expectation to prioritise physical characteristics unless they matter to you. Some women prefer a donor who shares similarities with their own family, while others feel comfortable leaving this aspect open. Your clinic team can help you navigate these choices in a way that feels right for you, without pressure.

Personal and family background

Donor profiles often include wider lifestyle and background information, such as education, interests or personality traits. Some donors also share why they chose to donate or offer a short goodwill message for any potential donor-conceived children.

Reading donor profiles can make the process feel more personal. It’s completely normal to feel a connection to some donors and not to others. What matters most is choosing someone whose information aligns with what feels comfortable and right for you.

Values and personal preferences

Preferences will naturally vary from person to person. Some women value shared hobbies or similar career backgrounds, while others are drawn to donors who describe themselves in a way that resonates with them on a more personal level.

Taking time to reflect on your own values can help the decision feel more grounded. Your counsellor or fertility specialist can support you in working through these thoughts, helping you balance practical considerations with emotional ones, at a pace that feels right for you.

Future implications for donor-conceived children

In the UK, donor anonymity changed in 2005. This means that children conceived with donor sperm can request identifying information about their donor once they turn 18, through HFEA.

For many parents, this offers reassurance that their future child has the opportunity to learn about their genetic origins if and when they feel ready as an adult. Having this option available can support openness and transparency, and allow donor-conceived people to better understand their own story.

Bourn Hall’s counselling service is available to help you think about how you might approach conversations with your child in the future, and how to build an open, age-appropriate narrative from the very beginning.

Emotional considerations when choosing a donor

Choosing a donor is not only a practical task. It’s also an emotional milestone, and it’s normal to experience a mixture of excitement, vulnerability and uncertainty.

You may find it helpful to:

• Take your time when exploring donor profiles
• Speak with trusted friends or family members
• Access specialist fertility counselling
• Reflect on what feels most meaningful to you as a future parent

At Bourn Hall, emotional support is built into every step. Our experienced counsellors can help you explore your feelings, talk through any worries and make choices that feel aligned with your hopes for the future.

How Bourn Hall supports single women choosing a donor

As one of the UK’s leading fertility clinics, Bourn Hall offers personalised care for single women considering donor sperm. Our support includes:

• Fertility testing to help you understand your reproductive health
• Expert guidance on IUI or IVF treatment pathways
• A dedicated donor team who explain available donor options
• Counselling support to help you explore the emotional aspects of donor selection
• Transparent information about donor screening and future implications

We understand that beginning this journey on your own can sometimes feel daunting. You can be confident that our team will walk alongside you throughout your decision-making and treatment.

Choosing the right sperm donor with Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic

Choosing a donor is a significant step, but you don’t need to make this decision alone. Our compassionate team is here to provide clarity, reassurance and guidance at every stage.

If you would like to explore donor sperm options or discuss which treatment pathway may be right for you, you can book a consultation with one of our specialists. Together, we can help you begin your journey to parenthood.