UK fertility regulator the HFEA advises that it is always safer to have treatment with donor sperm at a licensed clinic. Using sperm from an unregulated source - such as private online sperm advertisements – for DIY home insemination carries significant risks including:
Risks to your health and that of your baby: A private sperm donor is unlikely to have had any medical checks, disease screening or a sperm analysis.
Potential parental rights: Your sperm donor could be the legal father of your child, giving him parental rights and all that this entails, depending on how insemination was carried out and whether you’re married or in a relationship at the time.
Pregnancy chances: Identifying the right time for insemination yourself can be very hit-and-miss, especially if you have irregular cycles. There is also the risk of infection from trying to perform home insemination yourself.
By having donor sperm treatment at a clinic, you can be sure that your sperm donor has been health screened and that his sperm is safe for your use. Treatment at a clinic is also optimised for your best chance of pregnancy, and your sperm donor is just that – he has no legal parental rights over your child. For more information, visit https://www.hfea.gov.uk/donation/donors/home-insemination-with-donor-sperm/
If you are considering home insemination because of the cost of treatment at a clinic, take a look at our discounted IUI with donor sperm package. It gives you up to three cycles of insemination at a significant saving, compared to paying for treatment as you go along.