Skip to content

A sperm donor's story


22 May 2024
Success Stories

In late 1996 I saw an ad for sperm donors in our local paper. My wife happened to be looking over as I read this and she commented that this would be a fantastic thing for me to do. We have known some friends who have been through a lot of fertility treatment recently, and we were both very moved by what we saw they had to experience in their desire to have their own child. They were lucky enough to get pregnant and when I saw the ad I thought about them, and how there must be other people going through the same thing.


I was very anxious at first, not knowing what to expect, and what the people would be like, and that everyone would know what I was going there for! I soon found I was always greeted with friendliness and a quiet “matter of fact” attitude. My wife and I met a doctor and a counsellor, and my wife was very interested to know all about the programme.

It was about a year after I had donated that I heard there was a pregnancy, and I really hadn’t given it a lot of thought, and did think any news would be years away! The clinic always kept us up to date with any outcomes, and also provided a forum to be able to speak with other donors through an annual meeting. Some of us had met children or parents, and some had heard nothing at all. I ended up helping 3 families where there have been 3 girls and 2 boys born. I wasn’t too bothered about contact, just was happy to know I had helped someone, but my wife often asked about how the children might be getting on, and if they looked at all like me.


One day I got a call from the Donor Co-Ordinator to tell me that one of the families had left some photos and a letter for me. I felt very excited, and privileged that they would consider me. I went in as soon as I could so I could see what the girl looked like, and in a way felt proud that she looked beautiful, happy, and also like our first girl! My wife was also excited and amazed at the similarity!


We were invited to go and see the counsellor again to talk about what it can mean to us and our family, if we have contact, and to talk about how we felt now that our donations had become a reality! It was really good to talk to someone who knew about other donors and families having contact, and the kind of things that happen.


The next thing for us, was to tell our own children…it took a while…waiting for the right moment ... age ... the right language! I talked to the Donor Co-Ordinator and she helped to ease my mind, and gave me some ideas . My wife and I talked a lot, and then one day…just did it. They were very happy! ... thought I was a great Dad for helping others! Full of questions ... really curious! And so amazed there were photos to look at.


We have now received regular photos from the family and look forward to answering any questions the children may have as they get older, or to meet them when they are ready.


We have not heard from the other families, but realise that it is always their choice about any contact, and who knows about the future. We do know how we feel about it, and if it happens...we are lucky!

Other success stories

Success Stories

In my own words: taking that first step

Read the story
Success Stories

In our own words: we feel blessed

Read the story
Success Stories

In our own words: just one child

Read the story
Success Stories

In our own words: our colourful journey

Read the story

The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early

  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
26
2
Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI