In brief
Male couples planning a genetically related child usually need sperm, donor eggs, IVF and a surrogate. Each part has clinical, legal, emotional and financial implications. Fertility assessment begins with both intended fathers rather than assuming the younger or healthier-looking partner should provide sperm.
The decision may involve semen results, family history, genetic carrier screening, age, personal wishes and plans for siblings. Some couples create embryos using sperm from each partner; others choose one provider. No test should be used to rank one partner's value within the family.
Semen analysis for both partners
A full semen analysis can identify concentration, motility or morphology patterns that affect treatment planning. If the first result is abnormal, confirmation or further male assessment may be needed. Very severe findings require timely specialist input.
Where donor eggs are limited or costly, understanding semen factors before an IVF cycle may prevent avoidable surprises. Results still cannot guarantee embryo creation, implantation or birth.
Egg donor and embryo considerations
Egg-donor selection, screening and treatment should take place through appropriately regulated services. The clinic should explain what health and family information is available, how matching works, how many eggs are expected and whether eggs are fresh or frozen.
Embryo creation involves attrition: not every egg fertilises and not every embryo reaches transfer or freezing. Couples need realistic expectations and clear information about consent, storage and future use.
Surrogacy and UK legal planning
Surrogacy arrangements require specialist legal advice. UK legal parenthood does not simply follow genetic connection or the intentions recorded before treatment. Intended parents should understand parental orders, the surrogate's legal position and the implications of treatment in the UK or overseas.
ProFertility can support clinical preparation, but it does not replace a licensed fertility clinic, experienced surrogacy organisation or qualified legal adviser. Those roles should be identified early, not after embryos have been created.
Improving sperm before treatment
Where modifiable barriers are plausible, the months before IVF may be used to address smoking, recreational drugs, anabolic steroids, heat, medication questions, metabolic health and diagnosed conditions. This is a defined preparation window, not a guarantee of better embryos.
Severe male factor should be escalated while preparation continues. Optimisation must not delay genetic, urological or assisted-conception advice when the semen pattern indicates it.
The ProFertility route forward
We organise both partners' findings into a shared plan while preserving each person's confidentiality and clinical needs. The plan may include repeat testing, specialist referral, sperm storage, health preparation or questions for the IVF clinic.
The goal is to arrive at embryo creation with fewer unknowns, a clearer decision about sperm use and an escalation route if the initial plan is not working.
Clinical sources
- HFEA Fertility treatment for LGBT people
- HFEA Sperm freezing
- HFEA Egg freezing
- NHS Ways to become a parent if you are LGBT+
- NHS Gender dysphoria treatment and fertility discussions
- WHO Laboratory manual for examination and processing of human semen
- NICE NG257 Fertility problems assessment and treatment
Source check: 23 September 2026. This guide is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.