In one sense, we've made choosing a donor as easy as we can, with tools like a favourite-list and clear filtering of different traits. You can simply start browsing.

On the other hand, choosing a sperm donor is a significant decision in your journey. It involves careful consideration to select a donor who aligns with your preferences, values, and goals. We can't make that part easy, but we're here for you in you want to discuss options.

What's in a profile?

In every Donor Network donor profile, you can expect to find:

• Family History: Our donors provide extensive data regarding their immediate family, including health history, ethnicity/origin, and educational and occupational backgrounds. This offers insight into potential inherited traits or health risks.
  
  
• Personal Characteristics: We share an array of personal details such as ethnicity, hair and eye colour, height, weight, adult silhouette, and blood type. We also delve into the donor's personality traits and interests to give a well-rounded picture of the individual.
  
  
• Photographs: Donors provide baby and, often, children’s photos. Some even offer adult photos. This allows potential parents to visualise the potential physical traits their child may inherit.
  
  
• Voice Recording: Each donor records a personal message, read aloud so that you can hear their voice. This feature adds another layer of personal connection.
  
  
• Personality and IQ Tests: Donors undertake a validated Big-Five personality test and an IQ test. The results offer insight into the donor's cognitive abilities and personality traits.
  
  
• Psychological Evaluation: Each profile includes a professional psychologist's opinion. The evaluation is based on an interview and the results of the personality and IQ tests.
  
  
• Our Impression of the Donor: The Donor Network staff and fertility clinic share their experiences and impressions of the donor. This gives future parents a unique perspective on how the donor interacts with us.

By offering rich, detailed profiles, we help prospective parents gain a comprehensive understanding of potential donors. This wealth of information helps soon-to-be parents make an informed choice.

Donor Network profiles vs. Other Profiles

Donor Database

Start exploring our exceptional donor selection today to discover the perfect match for your family's future

Find Donors

Practically, treatment can be chosen during the shopping experience on Donor Network from both donor pages and clinic pages - it's super simple and you can't miss it.

The choice of treatment method is often made during consultation with the treating clinic. Donor Network also offers treatments at partner clinics, and we offer free consultations to help you make an suitable treatment choice.

Our treatment service is an optional addition for your convenience, but you're welcome to make your own arrangements for treatment in almost any country. We can ship your chosen donor sperm internationally to a clinic of your choice.

Choosing treatment is often a matter of estimated probability of success compared to cost. We've built a calculator to simplify it for you, try it out! 

When shopping, we ask you to make a few simple choices or add-ons. 

1. Genetic Matching is a service to help mitigate the risk of hereditary genetic conditions. We recommend it for everyone, if you can wait the roughly 2 weeks it takes to deliver your own sample and run the lab tests. You can read more about genetic matching below.

2. Pregnancy Quotas are a required part of using donor sperm. A pregnancy quota will be automatically added depending on your country of residency and your country of treatment. We use these to make sure any single donor is only part of an appropriate number of families. As an example, only 12 families may conceive with sperm from the same donor in Denmark. You can read all about pregnancy quotas below.

We also ask that you make a choice about the quality of the sperm for your treatment. Often, you'll have agreed on a quality with your treating clinic or Donor Network before purchasing, but we also offer some background information about sperm quality and motility and the impact it has on treatments.

In a very general sense, you'll probably want MOT 10 or higher for IUI treatments, while lower may often be sufficient for IVF/ICSI/IMSI treatments.

Genetic diseases, often resulting from mutations in our genes, are conditions that we all have the potential to carry, even if we don't exhibit any symptoms. These mutations can lead to serious diseases in our children, particularly when both parents carry the same genetic mutations. To secure the health of future children, we offer comprehensive genetic screening services.

Our specialised screening test, "Is the donor a genetic match for me?" is a reliable way to reduce the risk of a genetic disease affecting your child. Our service meticulously compares the mother's genes with her preferred donor's genes, allowing us to lower the risk of future children inheriting a severe illness. Our sophisticated screening test can detect over 4,000 disease-causing genes, granting you peace of mind about your donor selection.

This type of testing is especially crucial for those who are aware they carry a hereditary disease or if there's a history of a disease in your family. To optimise the testing process, we require a copy of your clinical genetic report. We invite you to get in touch with us for further information.

What Diseases Can Our Genetic Screening Service Detect? 

Our exhaustive genetic testing process enables us to identify over 4,000 disease-causing genes, ensuring we provide the most comprehensive service possible communicated in the simplest possible manner.

With our thorough screening process, we aim to help you make informed decisions to ensure the health of your future family. Reach out today and embark on your journey toward parenthood with the confidence and reassurance that only our cutting-edge genetic screening services can provide.

Storing donor sperm is a strategic decision that comes with significant benefits. By choosing to store additional straws of your donor's sperm, you can ensure that:

Multiple Conception Attempts are Possible: Fertility treatments don't always lead to pregnancy on the first attempt. Having additional straws stored with Donor-Network ensures a seamless second or third attempt without having to worry about your donor's availability.

Sibling Conception is Simplified: If you're planning to expand your family in the future, having extra straws from the same donor allows for biological siblings. It guarantees the same genetic connection for all your children.

Secure Storage with Donor-Network

At Donor-Network, we prioritize the security and longevity of stored sperm straws. Our state-of-the-art storage facilities are designed to preserve the quality and effectiveness of sperm for an indefinite period, providing you with the opportunity to conceive whenever the time is right for you.

Donor-Network’s Reimbursement Policies

At Donor-Network, we offer financial flexibility. If you find yourself with unused straws – perhaps because you achieved pregnancy faster than expected or your plans changed – we’ve got you covered.

We offer a reimbursement policy that covers unused, unthawed straws stored at our facilities. If we receive your unused straws within a specified timeframe, you’ll receive a partial refund. This reassurance allows you to purchase extra straws without having to worry about the financial burden.

Think of storing donor sperm as an investment in your future family. With Donor-Network, you can feel confident in the security and availability of your chosen donor's sperm whenever you decide the time is right. As always, our team is here to guide you through every step along your journey to parenthood.

When to Order: Plan for a Timely Delivery

We understand the importance of timing in your fertility journey. To ensure payment is processed accordingly, we encourage you to place your order at least 10 business days before the sperm straws are required. At Donor Network, we pride ourselves on the efficiency of our shipping process, with deliveries Monday through Friday.

In Europe, shipments typically reach fertility clinics within 1-2 working days. For destinations outside of Europe, allow for a delivery window of 3-5 working days. Please be aware that for UK orders, the importing process may extend this timeframe.

For international shipments outside of Europe, customs processes and transit times can extend delivery times to over one week. If you need expedited delivery, don't hesitate to reach out – we'll do our best to meet your needs.

Trust and Confidentiality 

At Donor Network, we respect your privacy. Rest assured that the data you share with us is kept confidential, accessible only to your healthcare professionals (unless you give express permission). We make use of encrypted and secure connections to ensure your personal information remains private during transmission. You can learn more about our commitment to confidentiality in our Privacy Policy.

Global Shipping Capabilities

At Donor Network, we are capable of shipping your order to any corner of the globe (current restrictions prevent shipping to the United States). We guarantee the quality and timeliness of every shipment, ensuring your straws arrive as expected.

Each sperm unit is frozen and sealed securely in a straw designed for safe cryostorage in nitrogen vapour. To guarantee their safety, all straws are shipped in 'dry shippers' that provide stable storage conditions regardless of distance travelled.

An unopened 'dry shipper' maintains a consistent temperature for 1-3 weeks (depending on its size), ensuring your straws reach their final destination under optimal conditions. Trust Donor Network to securely deliver your donor sperm whenever and wherever it's needed.

Progressive motility: Sperm cells that swim in a straight line or large circles.

Non-progressive motility: Sperm cells that swim but not in a straight line, for example, in small, tight circles.

A semen analysis typically checks the percentage of sperm exhibiting progressive motility. A healthy sperm count typically shows more than 40% of sperm exhibiting progressive motility.

Importance of Sperm Motility in Fertility

High sperm motility increases the likelihood of successful fertilization. Sperm must traverse the female reproductive system's challenging environment, swimming through the cervix, uterus, and into the fallopian tube to reach the ovum.

A sperm's movement is largely influenced by its structure, particularly the tail. The tail propels the sperm and enables it to travel the necessary distance to the egg. Consequently, any abnormality in the sperm's structure can hinder its journey, leading to reduced fertility.

What are normal levels of sperm quality?

Sperm count, also known as sperm concentration, measures the number of sperm present in a millilitre of semen. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm count consists of 15 million sperm per millilitre or more. A healthy result shows at least 40% of the sperm exhibiting progressive motility.

What sperm quality should I choose?

MOT is short for 'Motility' – a term commonly used in the sperm donation industry to denote the concentration of motile sperm cells in a given sample. The numbers 5, 10, 20, etc., following the term MOT, refer to the millions of motile sperm cells per millilitre in a semen sample after it has been thawed. For instance:

• MOT5: This means that the sample contains 5 million motile sperm cells per millilitre.
• MOT10: 10 million motile sperm cells per millilitre.
• MOT20: 20 million motile sperm cells per millilitre.

When it comes to choosing the right quality, it generally depends on the type of fertility treatment being undertaken:

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

A higher MOT number, such as MOT20, is usually recommended for IUI. This is because the sperm needs to be able to travel up through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes to reach the egg. The more motile the sperm, the higher the chances of successful fertilization.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

For IVF, especially when combined with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a lower MOT number, like MOT5, is often sufficient. This is because the sperm is directly introduced to the egg in a laboratory setting, minimizing the need for a large number of motile sperm.

Your treating clinic will be able to provide guidance on your specific case.

Navigating the world of fertility treatments can be daunting, especially when considering the use of a sperm donor. A significant aspect of this process involves understanding the pregnancy quota system used by most sperm banks. This unique system ensures that you only end up paying for a quota if you successfully become pregnant and have a child using a particular donor's sperm. This article aims to explain how this system operates, including its benefits for hopeful parents-to-be.

What is the Pregnancy Quota System?

The pregnancy quota system is a practice implemented by sperm banks to regulate the number of pregnancies achieved per sperm donor. This system ensures a balance between the dreams of parenthood for individuals/couples and the number of offspring per donor to maintain legal and ethical standards.

As part of this system, individuals or couples looking to conceive must buy a "pregnancy slot" from a particular donor. This purchase secures their right to attempt conception using sperm from their chosen donor. The best part of this system? Payment is only retained if a successful pregnancy results in a live birth.

The Process

When you decide to use a donor's sperm for conception, you buy a pregnancy slot or quota together with the sperm. This slot gives you the right to use the sperm from a particular donor in your attempts to conceive. It's essential to understand that this does not mean you are buying the sperm itself but the right to use it for conception.

If these attempts result in a successful pregnancy and you give birth to a child, the sperm bank retains the payment made for the pregnancy slot. However, if you do not achieve pregnancy or do not have a child, the payment is refunded.

Benefits of the Pregnancy Quota System

This unique system offers several benefits:

• Financial Security: This system alleviates some of the financial burden associated with fertility treatments. Not to mention, you only pay for the quota if you have a child, making it a less risky investment.
• Fairness: Fairness is ensured by enabling multiple recipients to secure a chance to conceive using the same donor.
• Population Control: By limiting the number of pregnancy slots per donor, sperm banks can control the number of children born from a single donor, reducing the risk of inadvertent consanguinity in smaller communities or populations.
• Conservation of Sperm: It ensures that a donor's sperm is conserved and not used excessively, maintaining availability for other recipients.

Things to Consider 

While the pregnancy quota system has numerous benefits, it's vital to consider several factors:

Selection: Some popular donors may have their quotas filled quickly. As such, it's crucial to act swiftly if you have a preferred donor.

Regionality: Some donors may have pregnancy slots in one country but not in another. Some people travel to other countries to ensure treatment with their preferred donor, as the country of treatment determines whether there is an available quota.

The pregnancy quota system used by sperm banks offers an equitable approach to utilizing sperm donors for conception. While the process may initially seem complicated, understanding how it works can ease your journey toward parenthood.

When choosing to use a sperm donor, a major decision you’ll need to make involves which kind of donor arrangement you prefer: ID Release (“Open donors”) or Non-ID Release (“anonymous donors”).

One of the major advantages of Donor-Network is the wealth of information we provide to help you make an informed donor decision irrespective of the donor’s anonymity. Regardless of your decision, the same care and requirements are placed on every donor, whether they choose to remain anonymous or not. We recommend considering the pros and cons of each option and reflecting on your personal beliefs before making your decision.

Some argue in favour of maintaining donor anonymity, citing privacy concerns and the rights of donors. Others advocate for more transparency, referencing the rights of donor-conceived individuals to access information about their genetic origins.

ID Release VS. Non-ID Release Donors

When it comes to sperm donation, there are two primary donor options: ID Release and Non-ID Release. These terms refer to the level of potential contact between the donor and any resulting offspring. Let’s explore each option in more detail:

ID Release Donors

ID Release or Identity Release donors agree to have their identities disclosed to any offspring resulting from their donation. In this arrangement, when a child reaches a certain age (usually 18 or 21), they can access identifying information about their donor at the sperm bank. This information may include their name, address, or other personal details, potentially enabling the child to establish contact with their biological counterpart should they choose to do so.

Advantages of Known Donor (ID Release)

• Advances in consumer genetic testing will likely make anonymity obsolete in the future. ID Release donors have made this decision.
• The donor-conceived child can learn their donor's identity.
• Reduces concerns regarding ethical dilemmas.

 Disadvantages of Known Donor (ID Release)

• Parents may prefer their child cannot seek out the identity of their donor.
• At the time of donation, most donors are young men without families and may feel differently regarding ID Release when they have children of their own 20 years later.
• ID Release donors are more expensive.

Non-ID Release Donors

Non-ID Release donors, also known as anonymous donors, choose to remain anonymous and do not consent to the release of identifying information to offspring conceived with their donated sperm. In this case, the donor's identity is typically kept confidential. The donor and any resulting children cannot establish contact or access one another’s personal information.

Advantages of Anonymous Donor

• Clearer emotional boundaries.
• Decisions regarding donor contact are established once and for all.
• Less costly.

Disadvantages of Anonymous Donor

• Advances in consumer genetic testing will likely render anonymity obsolete in the future.
• You may not contact the donor.
• There is an ongoing ethical debate about the right of a child to know their genetic origins.
• Emotional struggles for the donor child. Similar to what’s been reported concerning adopted children, some donor children report a feeling of loss or a desire to know their genetic origins.

It's essential to note that different countries have different laws and regulations regarding donor anonymity. In some countries, like the UK and the Netherlands, only ID Release donation is allowed. In others, like the U.S., both ID Release and Non-ID Release donations are permitted.

These options present different implications for donor-conceived children, parents, and the donors themselves in terms of privacy, personal identity, emotional well-being, and health-related matters. It's a complex ethical subject, and those debating using or becoming donors should consider all aspects of the decision carefully. 

Screening is a crucial phase in the process of selecting sperm donors for fertility purposes. This phase involves thorough assessments and examinations to ensure the health and viability of the donor's sperm, as well as the safety and well-being of the recipient and potential offspring.