While sperm is usually donated anonymously each country has its own laws on the privacy of the act and may only allow the use of sperm from one man for a set number of conceptions. Using a known donor means that you will ask someone you know to donate their sperm for you to use.

Although the practice of anonymous sperm donation is much more the norm and details of the donor are withheld from the recipient. While initially the sperm donor may wish to remain anonymous, this may not last as recent changes in the law in some countries means that a sperm donor or children conceived with his sperm may wish to contact one another.

The health of the sperm donor is paramount and tests for HIV, disabilities, sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis, drug abuse or any genetic conditions are carried out on the sperm donor. With safety in mind, sperm banks have become very cautious in recent years and a sperm donor's medical history must be studied along with the type of person he is so that this information can be used when sperm is matched to the recipient.

The sperm donor must be prepared to undergo a series of medical examinations which will determine his blood group details, whether he is infected with HIV or has a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea for example. Safety of the woman and her child are paramount so these test will ensure neither are at risk from infection contained within the sperm.

To ensure the health, count and mobility all sperm donations are tested as well and must be completed before sperm donation registration is permitted. During the six month quarantine period, sperm donations cannot be used so tests are run to prove the sperm is healthy and can be used as soon as the quarantine is over.

For couples who are trying for a child there are a large number of fertility options available but if the man has male factor infertility then many of these therapies are suddenly no longer viable. Sperm donation has become more popular because it is an easier option if the male has fertility problems perhaps with a low sperm count, motility or they are malformed. With the rising number of male infertility problems, sperm donation is becoming very common and successful infertility treatment.