Types of Sperm Donation
At London Sperm Bank, we provide rigorously screened, high-quality donor sperm to support your path to parenthood whether that be through IVF, IUI, ICSI or ICI fertility treatment.
Our samples undergo strict quality control by our expert Andrologists, ensuring the best possible sperm survival rate after freezing. Every donor is UK-recruited and fully compliant with HFEA regulations, giving you confidence in both safety and ethical standards.
Sample Types
We offer four different types of sperm samples, each tailored for specific fertility treatments:
IUI (Washed/Prepared)
IUI with donor sperm (or intrauterine insemination) is a fertility treatment where specially prepared sperm from a donor is placed directly into a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilisation.
✔ Can be used for: IUI, IVF, or ICSI
✔ MOT: 20+
✔ Sperm has been processed to remove seminal fluid, leaving only motile sperm
✔ Reduces preparation time at the clinic
✔ Ensures a more consistent MOT count after thawing
ICI
Intracervical insemination (ICI) using donor sperm involves placing unwashed sperm directly into the cervix using a syringe either at a fertility clinic or using an at-home insemination kit.
✔ Can be used for: IUI, IVF, or ICSI
✔ MOT: 15+
✔ Contains unprocessed semen, requiring preparation before use
✔ Ideal for clinics that prefer to process sperm in-house
✔ Offers greater flexibility in treatment
IVF/ICSI
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) using donor sperm is a fertility treatment that involves fertilising eggs with a donated sperm sample in a lab.
✔ Can be used for: IVF or ICSI
✔ MOT: 10+
✔ Unwashed samples requiring preparation at the clinic
✔ Suitable for treatments requiring fewer motile sperm (e.g., IVF with sperm injection)
✔ A cost-effective choice for these procedures
ICSI
ICSI with donor sperm is a type of fertility treatment that involves directly injecting an egg with a single, healthy sperm from a donor.
✔ Can be used for: ICSI only
✔ MOT: 8+
✔ Requires preparation before use
✔ The most affordable option, as ICSI only needs a small number of sperm
Sample Pricing
20+ MOT
15+ MOT
10+ MOT
8+ MOT
Understanding MOT & Sperm Quality
At London Sperm Bank, we classify sperm samples based on motile sperm concentration (MOT), which refers to the number of moving sperm per millilitre after thawing. While MOT is a useful laboratory measure, it is important to understand that it does not determine the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
MOT categories exist primarily for fertility clinics that use this information to plan their internal protocols. However, a higher MOT does not guarantee better treatment outcomes. Sperm quality is influenced by many factors beyond motility, such as sperm function and overall reproductive health.
We have defined our MOT categories based on the needs of over 80% of licensed fertility centres in the UK, though some treatment centres may have their own requirements.
Factors That Affect Success
While MOT provides a reference for clinics, it is not the most important factor when selecting a donor sample. Instead, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy depends on various elements, including:
- The type of fertility treatment – IUI, IVF, and ICSI each have different sperm requirements.
- Egg quality and reproductive health – Female fertility factors play a significant role in success.
- Embryo development and implantation – The ability of an embryo to develop and implant in the uterus is a key factor.
- Sperm function and DNA integrity – These factors matter more than just sperm concentration.
- Proven fertility – A donor with successful pregnancies is a better indicator of potential success.
At London Sperm Bank, we encourage patients to select a sample based on their treatment type rather than focusing on MOT alone. Your clinic will advise on the best choice for your needs.
Our Commitment to Quality
Every sample undergoes strict screening, testing, and quality control before freezing to ensure the highest standards.
However, it’s important to note that sperm analysis can vary due to differences in lab techniques, handling, and equipment. This means motile sperm counts may fluctuate by 20-25% between our advertised values and those observed at your treatment centre. This is a normal variation and does not indicate a quality issue.
Once a sample is thawed and prepared at your clinic, its final motile sperm count depends on their specific processing methods, which are beyond our control. Due to these factors, we cannot accept liability for post-preparation results.
If your clinic has concerns about a sample, they can complete a Quality Report Form, and our team will review it promptly.
If you have any questions about our quality assurance process or selecting the right sample for your treatment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help.
Need Help Choosing the Right Sample?
Selecting the right sperm sample can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it simple. Whether you’re unsure about MOT categories, sample types, or what’s best for your treatment, our expert team is ready to guide you.