S9 E6: Take Control of Your Conception Journey with Peer-to-Peer Sperm Donation (ft. Sofie of Y factor)
Donor conception is changing faster than most fertility clinics or sperm banks can keep up. More and more women are looking for alternative paths to parenthood that put autonomy, transparency, and connection at the center. If you’ve ever wondered about the world of known, open, and peer-to-peer sperm donation, or wanted more control and clarity on selecting a donor, this episode is for you.
Today, I’m joined by Sofie Hafstrøm Kritsotaki, CEO of Y factor, a Copenhagen-based startup helping solo moms (and others) connect directly with sperm donors in a safe and user-friendly way. Sofie shares how Y factor works, why donor and recipient choice matters, and all the behind-the-scenes details about vetting, agreements, communication, and what it looks like to use the app.
We break down what it’s actually like to search for a donor outside of the typical bank system, including logistics, legal considerations, and the emotional side of creating your family story. If you’re feeling both curious and cautious about moving beyond the default options, I hope this conversation helps you feel informed, empowered, and confident in exploring what’s possible.
In this episode, we talk about:
How peer-to-peer sperm donation gives both donor and recipient more agency and choice
What makes the Y factor platform different from banks and Facebook groups
Ways to prioritize safety, legal clarity, and personal preference in open donor arrangements
The real motivations behind why men become donors, and how that impacts your decision
Navigating conversations about expectations, boundaries, and future contact with the donor
Why so many single mothers by choice are leading the way in this new model
What to consider if you want siblings or want to connect with your child’s donor or half-siblings
More About Y factor:
For women who have decided to become solo mothers, we have built Y factor, a highly useful mobile app for managing the conception journey with a known donor. Our app helps users navigate every step of the process from identifying their own expectations and boundaries, donor search and vetting, the hard conversations, and getting to an agreement. We've launched in Europe six months ago and are growing fast, with solo mothers by choice being our largest user group (+50%). Now we're focused on successfully entering North America, which is very exciting.
Learn more and create your profile here.
Looking for other single mothers by choice who share your city, career, identity, or stage of motherhood? Join the SGC Directory
