The process of sperm donation entails a male giving up his sperm for fertilization in order to aid a woman or couple in conceiving a child. Sperm donation can be arranged privately with a known donor or through a sperm bank or fertility clinic.

To make sure the sperm is suitable for usage, the sperm donor undergoes a screening procedure that involves medical, genetic, and psychological examinations. After that, the sperm is frozen and kept in storage until it is required for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures.

Depending on the preferences of all parties involved, sperm donors might be either anonymous or known to the recipient. More frequently, anonymous sperm donation is performed, and donor privacy is maintained. The use of sperm from a friend, family member, or other known individual entails known sperm donation, which can include more complicated legal and emotional implications.

For people or couples who are unable to conceive naturally or who have fertility concerns that need the use of donor sperm, sperm donation may be an alternative.