Donor fertility treatment
If you’re exploring fertility treatment with donor eggs, sperm or embryos, it’s natural to have questions about your options and what they could mean for your future family.
For many people, donor conception can bring a mix of emotions as well as practical decisions, and we’re here to help you understand your choices.
Page Guide
We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How it works
What is donor fertility treatment?
Donor fertility treatment uses donated eggs, sperm or embryos to help someone have a baby.
It may be recommended when using your own eggs or sperm isn’t possible, or when donor conception may offer the best chance of achieving a pregnancy.
Who might benefit from donor fertility treatment?
Donor fertility treatment can help people build their families in many different circumstances. This may include heterosexual couples, LGBTQ+ couples and single parents who need donor eggs, sperm or embryos to start or grow their family.
Donor conception can support a range of family-building pathways, including treatment for individuals, couples and intended parents pursuing surrogacy.
It may be an option if:
- You’re unable to use your own eggs or sperm
- There are concerns about egg or sperm quality
- You’re at risk of passing on a serious genetic condition
- You’re a same-sex couple exploring fertility treatment
- You’re single and ready to build your family
- Previous fertility treatment hasn’t been successful
Your fertility specialist will help you understand which donor option may be most suitable for your medical needs, personal circumstances and family-building goals.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor eggs may be recommended if you’re unable to use your own eggs, or if egg quality is affecting your chance of pregnancy. During treatment, a donated egg is fertilised with sperm in the laboratory to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the womb.
IVF with donor sperm may be suitable when donor sperm is needed as part of treatment. This option can support heterosexual couples, female same-sex couples and single women who need sperm from a donor to help create embryos.
IVF with donor embryos may be an option when both donated eggs and donated sperm are needed. Treatment involves transferring an embryo that has been donated by another person or couple to the womb.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm involves placing carefully prepared donor sperm directly into the womb around the time of ovulation. Depending on individual fertility health and circumstances, it may be a suitable treatment option for some single women and female same-sex couples.
Surrogacy with a donor may be considered when an intended parent or couple needs another person to carry a pregnancy on their behalf. Treatment may involve donor eggs, donor sperm or donated embryos, depending on your circumstances, medical needs and family-building plans.
Choosing the right donor fertility option for you
The most suitable donor fertility treatment will depend on your fertility health, medical history and personal goals for building your family. Some people already know they need donor eggs, sperm or embryos, while others need time and support to explore the options available.
At Bourn Hall, your specialist will guide you through each route with care and sensitivity, giving you the information you need to make a decision that feels right for you.
Donor screening and selection
All donors are carefully screened before their eggs, sperm or embryos can be used in treatment. This process helps protect patients, donors and any children born through donor conception, while supporting safe and responsible fertility care.
Screening may include:
- Health checks
- Medical history
- Family history
- Genetic screening
- Tests for certain infections
Your team will also talk you through the donor selection process, explaining what information is available and helping you make a choice that feels right for you.
UK donor regulations and identity-release
Donor fertility treatment in the UK is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Donors don’t have legal, financial or parental responsibility for any child born as a result of their donation.
In the UK, donation is confidential but not fully anonymous. Donor-conceived people can request identifying information about their donor when they turn 18.
Understanding the legal and practical aspects of donor conception is an important part of the decision-making process. Your fertility team can answer any questions you have and help you feel informed about what donor conception may mean for you and your family in the future.
Meet the Donor Team
Dr. Chhaya Prasannan-Nair
Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist
Dr. Chhaya Prasannan-Nair is a dedicated IVF specialist with over twenty years of clinical practice in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Medicine. She previously worked in various NHS hospitals for more than 20 years and is currently the Lead clinician for Donation and Surrogacy at Bourn Hall in Cambridge. Her clinical expertise encompasses all aspects of assisted conception, including IVF, ICSI, ovulation induction, and fertility preservation.
Dr. Chhaya Prasannan-Nair is known for her empathetic approach, clear communication, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for her patients.
What happens next
Success rates of donor fertility treatments
Success rates for donor fertility treatment vary depending on the type of treatment, the quality of the eggs, sperm or embryos used and your individual fertility health.
At Bourn Hall, we publish our success rate data to help patients understand treatment outcomes and feel confident about their options. While published success rates provide helpful guidance, your own chances of success will depend on the donor route you choose and your personal circumstances.
Your specialist will talk you through the figures most relevant to your situation and help you understand what they could mean for your treatment journey.
Pricing and costs for donor fertility treatment
The cost of donor fertility treatment depends on the treatment you need, the donor pathway you choose and any additional support required as part of your care.
Before treatment begins, we’ll explain all costs clearly and transparently, including treatment fees, available packages and payment options. Our team will make sure you have the information you need to plan your next steps with clarity.
Emotional support with Bourn Hall
Donor conception can bring up many different emotions, from hope and excitement to uncertainty about the future. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s important to know that support is available and you don’t have to work through these thoughts alone.
Our counselling team can support you before, during and after treatment, providing a confidential space to talk through your options, your feelings and what donor conception may mean for your family.
Start your donor fertility treatment journey with Bourn Hall
If you’re considering donor fertility treatment, our team is here to help you understand your options and support you from the very beginning.
At Bourn Hall, you’ll receive personalised guidance from experienced fertility specialists, with access to donor treatment options across our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich and Wickford.
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
Schedule a Discovery call to find out which tests and treatments are right for you.
Fertility funding partners we work with:
Our IVF success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2025
If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 64% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 50% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
Success rates by age
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2025
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 64% (58% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 50% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
Support at every stage
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Fertility milestones
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
Patient stories
Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we are always inspired by the success stories they have to share. Hear directly from our previous patients as they share their unique journeys to parenthood.
Sally and Tom’s journey through unexplained infertility to welcoming their daughter, Amelie
For Sally and Tom, starting a family was always part of their plans. After meeting in 2010…
Dan and Jess’ journey to parenthood
Like many couples, Dan and Jess dreamed of growing their family. During their fertility investigations, they received…
April & Giacomo’s Fertility Journey: Overcoming Male Factor Infertility Challenges
April and Giacomo’s journey to parenthood was filled with uncertainty, waiting, and emotional challenges, but throughout it…
Upcoming fertility events
Join our experts at a range of events including support groups, webinars and open evenings.
Learn more about the options available to you, from fertility tests to treatments, and find answers to any questions you might have.
Related information
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.