Costs, wait times, shipping options – UK sperm banks vary widely. This comprehensive comparison (as of May 2025) gathers key data on pricing, reported success rates, HFEA regulations, emerging scientific advances and private-donor alternatives.
Statistics & Market Facts
According to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, there were around 4 100 donor-insemination cycles in 2023, with an average live birth rate of approximately 18 % per IUI cycle. Demand from same-sex couples and single women continues to rise.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
Under the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act, all sperm donors must consent to identity release at age 18. Donors may be reimbursed up to £45 per clinic visit but anonymous donation ceased in 2005. HFEA guidelines recommend limiting each donor to no more than ten UK families to minimise consanguinity risk.
Comparison of Selected UK Sperm Banks
London Sperm Bank
- Address: 113 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU
- Website:londonspermbank.com
- Cost per IUI vial: £1 250
- Donor age: 19–38 years
- Reimbursement: up to £45 per visit
- Shipping: UK-wide overnight dry-shipper
- Phone: 020 7928 8102
- Email: info@londonspermbank.com
European Sperm Bank (London Depot)
- Address: 230–232 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QS
- Website:europeanspermbank.com
- Cost per straw (MOT 10+): £1 450
- Donor age: 18–45 years
- Reimbursement: up to £35 per session
- Shipping: UK & international dry-shipper
- Phone: 020 386 99406
- Email: donor.uk@europeanspermbank.com
Cryos International UK
- Address: 4th Floor, 77 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8SY
- Website:cryosinternational.com
- Cost per IUI vial: £950–£1 400
- Donor age: 18–45 years
- Reimbursement: up to £35 per visit
- Shipping: UK overnight courier
- Phone: 020 3154 6000
- Email: ukinfo@cryosinternational.com
Xytex International (UK)
- Address: Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9JB
- Website:xytex.com
- Cost per IUI vial: £890–£1 100
- Donor age: 18–45 years
- Reimbursement: up to £35 per session
- Shipping: UK dry-shipper
- Phone: 020 7099 3800
- Email: info@xytex.com
Semovo (Manchester Fertility Services)
- Address: 153 Brown Street, Manchester M2 3YR
- Website:semovo.uk
- Cost per vial: £875
- Donor age: 18–40 years
- Reimbursement: up to £35 per donation
- Shipping: to partner clinics
- Phone: 0161 228 2233
- Email: info@semovo.uk
Herts & Essex Fertility Centre
- Address: Broadwater Avenue, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6GJ
- Website:hertsandessexfertility.com
- Cost per vial: £1 300
- Donor age: 20–40 years
- Reimbursement: up to £35 per session
- Shipping: import fees apply
- Phone: 01707 384110
- Email: info@hertsandessexfertility.com
CREATE Fertility (Nationwide)
- Website:createfertility.co.uk
- Cost per vial: £1 100
- Donor age: 18–45 years
- Reimbursement: up to £35 per visit
- Phone: 0333 567 3000
- Email: info@createfertility.co.uk
CARE Fertility London
- Address: Park Lorne, 111 Park Road, London NW8 7JL
- Website:carefertility.com
- Cost per vial: £1 150
- Donor age: 18–45 years
- Reimbursement: up to £45 per visit
- Phone: 020 7616 6767
- Email: london@carefertility.com
Nurture Fertility
- Website:nurturefertility.co.uk
- Cost per vial: £1 200
- Donor age: 18–45 years
- Reimbursement: up to £35 per donation
- Phone: 0800 783 4368
- Email: info@nurturefertility.co.uk
Recent Scientific Developments
AI-driven embryo selection: Time-lapse imaging with AI scoring is improving identification of viable embryos, boosting ongoing pregnancy rates in single- embryo transfers.
CRISPR/Cas genome editing: Preclinical research in UK laboratories is advancing our understanding of spermatogenic defects, though safety and ethical debates continue.
Non-invasive PGT-A: Analysing cell-free DNA from culture media offers accuracy comparable to biopsy while reducing embryo risk.
Private-Donor Platforms
An alternative to traditional banks is RattleStork – the private sperm- donation app that connects donors and recipients via a secure UK-compliant marketplace.
Learn more: RattleStork – organise private sperm donation online
Private-donor apps often offer a broader donor selection, lower costs and shorter wait times, but require robust legal agreements on parental rights, support and future disclosure.
Conclusion
Whether you choose an established HFEA-licensed sperm bank or a private platform, prioritise transparent pricing, clear legal terms and expert support. Compare costs, success rates, shipping logistics and service quality to find the best fit for your journey to parenthood. Wishing you every success on the path to creating your family!