Building your family is one of the most personal and meaningful journeys you'll ever take. If you're embarking on the journey of being a solo mother by choice or a couple looking for a sperm donor to start a family, choosing the right sperm donor is a decision that carries emotional weight, practical considerations, and future implications.

At Y factor, we believe you should have control, choice, and transparency when selecting the right donor—without the barriers and clinical detachment of traditional sperm banks. Read our guide to help you navigate this important decision.

1. Define What Matters Most to You

There's no single definition of the "ideal" donor—it's about what's right for you and your future child.

Start by considering:

• Donor Involvement – Do you want a donor who remains anonymous, or would you prefer someone open to future contact? Some families value ongoing connection, while others prioritize a single connection only during donation.

• Physical Traits – Do you want the donor to resemble you or your partner? Or are characteristics like height, eye color, or ethnicity less important to you?

• Health & Genetics – A donor's family medical history is crucial. Look for someone with clear genetic screening and no major hereditary conditions.

• Values & Personality – Some recipients seek a donor whose interests, education, or worldview align with their own. While genetics don't determine personality, many parents feel drawn to donors with shared values.

💡 Tip: Create a priority list of non-negotiables and flexible preferences to guide your decision-making.

2. Understand the Different Types of Donors

Each option comes with different implications. Be sure to consider future conversations your child may want to have about their origins. We recommend being as transparent as possible about your post-donation relationship intentions and have therefore included this as a key part of your profile in the Y factor app. When choosing a donor, you'll encounter several options:

• Donation Only - No contact after: After the donation exchange, no future contact is expected.

• Online Relation: The donor wants to receive updates and pictures online.

• Father Figure: Even if the donor is not actively involved in the day-to-day, they would like the child to know who the father is and are potentially open to more regular contact.

• Co-parenting: The donor takes an active part and builds a relationship with the child and the mother(s).

3. Prioritize Health Screening

A responsible donor should provide comprehensive medical records and be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before each time they make a donation. You can also ask for sperm quality analysis (count, motility, and morphology) or screening for genetic conditions.

Read or guide to ensure a safe and successful donation here.

4. Think About Legal & Ethical Considerations

Legal clarity protects both you and your future child. Ask yourself:

• What are the donor's parental rights (if any)?

• How will this decision affect future relationships?

For both heterosexual couples, LGBTQ+ couples, and solo mothers, laws around sperm donation and legal parent status vary by location. Always consult a family lawyer to get a proper understanding of the implications for both you as future parents and the donor.

When you choose to find your own donor and make your donation privately, the lawyer can help you set up a pre-donation agreement, making it clear what both parties’ intentions and expectations are.

5. Trust Your Instincts and Take Your Time

Finding the right donor is not just a checklist, it's a feeling. Take your time to:

• Ask questions

• Read donor profiles carefully

• Trust your intuition

At Y factor, we make this process as transparent, safe, and empowering as possible. Whether you choose a compassionate known donor or an anonymous donor through our platform, your choice should feel right for you.

Your Family, Your Way

Building a family isn't one-size-fits-all, and you deserve a process that reflects your unique journey. Y factor is here to support solo mothers by choice, LGBTQ+ parents, and all family structures with an open, secure, and personal approach to sperm donation.

Ready to start your journey? Explore your options with Y factor today.