Using donor sperm during fertility treatment often comes with plenty of questions. How does IVF/ICSI with donor sperm work? When is it recommended? And what can you expect from the process?
Thanks to advancements in medical science, assisted reproductive technologies offer a pathway to conception for individuals and couples who may not be able to conceive otherwise.
In this guide, we delve into the science behind IVF and ICSI with donor sperm, so that you can feel confident starting your journey.
When is IVF/ICSI recommended?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is recommended for people who are struggling to conceive naturally, including heterosexual couples experiencing infertility, single women, and same-sex female couples who need donor sperm to build their families.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be advised in certain cases to increase the chance of fertilisation. ICSI is a specialised technique used in conjunction with IVF, which involves the direct injection of a single sperm into a mature egg.
The science behind IVF/ICSI with donor sperm
IVF with donor sperm involves fertilising a woman's egg with donor sperm in a laboratory setting, bypassing natural conception.
The process begins with selecting a suitable sperm donor. In the UK, sperm donors undergo thorough screening for medical history, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases to ensure the safety and health of the donor-conceived child.
We have a wide selection of donor sperm for you to choose from, due to our very own in-house sperm bank. You can view our current donor profiles through our online platform, BuySperm. Once a donor is chosen, the sperm sample is thawed and prepared for use in IVF/ICSI.
Next, the patient undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce eggs, which are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. These eggs are fertilised with the donor sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are cultured for up to 5 days until they reach the optimal stage for transfer.
ICSI is a common technique used in IVF, as this method provides greater control over the fertilisation process. It involves injecting a single healthy sperm into each egg to maximise the chance of fertilisation and the potential for achieving a successful pregnancy.
Whichever method is used, an embryo is transferred into the patient's uterus, with the hope that implantation will occur, leading to a successful pregnancy. Any good-quality embryos not selected for embryo transfer can be frozen and stored for use in future cycles.
The final step comes around two weeks after the embryo transfer, when it’s time to take a pregnancy test and book an appointment for a pregnancy scan with our sonographers.
What does IVF/ICSI with donor sperm cost?
Essential Fertility is one of the leading affordable fertility clinics in the UK, offering some of the most comprehensive yet low-cost fertility treatments.
- Essential IVF (all-inclusive package) costs £2950
- Essential ICSI (all-inclusive package) costs £3900
- Donor sperm costs £1300
Our packages include everything you will need for a single cycle of IVF/ICSI, including:
- All scans and medications up to 12 weeks
- Freezing and storage of embryos for the first year
- One Frozen Embryo Transfer
- A counselling session for you/you and your partner.
Why choose Essential Fertility for treatment with donor sperm?
At Essential Fertility, we believe that high-quality fertility care should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer experts at a more affordable price, without ever compromising on clinical excellence or patient care.
From your very first appointment, you’ll be supported by a dedicated and compassionate team who understand how important this journey is to you. We provide inclusive fertility services, tailored to your individual needs.
“We see how the cost of fertility treatment can prevent families from taking the next step. That's why I am delighted to be able to discuss Essential Fertility treatments with new patients that may not have been able to explore this option before."
- Kelly Young, New Patient Manager
To make treatment more convenient, we offer a network of local monitoring centres for tests such as ultrasound scans and blood tests. This means you can complete the early stages of your treatment closer to home, saving time and making the process feel more manageable.
Get started
If you'd like more information on IVF/ICSI at Essential Fertility, you can book an initial call online or call our friendly team directly at 0345 305 2705 to discuss your treatment options.
