Sperm from a carefully screened donor is inseminated close to the time of ovulation. The time of ovulation can be identified from blood tests, or urinary tests carried out at home. Traditionally DI has been used when men have no sperm or poor quality sperm, but it is also an option for single women and women in a lesbian relationship. At Fertility Associates couples (or the single woman) select which donor they want to use. All donors plan to be identifiable to the children later in life.

From August 2005 there will be a register of all donor-conceived children so that identification will be certain if the child wishes.