Can a woman get pregnant without a man?
The short answer is ‘yes’ and if you’re a single woman considering solo motherhood, you might have thought about it already. This blog post looks at how to get pregnant without a man and your options using a sperm donor.
Anne Petersen
Have you considered how to get pregnant without a man? If you have, you’re not alone, as more and more women in the UK choose to become solo mums. With the help of a sperm donor and modern fertility treatment single women have the empowering option to start a family without a male partner.
When you use a sperm donor, the donor provides the sperm and conception is achieved through fertility treatments such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilisation). Some women also choose to freeze their eggs to keep their options open.
This blog post is for women in the UK who are curious about how to have a baby on their own without a male partner, but with all the love, intention and support that any family deserves. If you are interested in knowing all the details about becoming a solo mum, you can visit our solo mum guide and get even more practical advice.
Fertility treatments options based on your situation
When you're having a baby on your own with the help of a sperm donor, there are different types of fertility treatment to choose from. What’s right for you depends on your situation so It’s a good idea to talk to your fertility clinic or MD who can help you decide.
This table can help give you an overview of your options:
| Option | Best for | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| IUI | Women with no known fertility challenges | Simple procedure and moderate cost |
| ICI | Women with no known fertility challenges | Less invasive and moderate cost |
| IVF | Women with fertility challenges or after failed IUI attempts | Higher success rate |
| Egg freezing | Women who want to preserve fertility | Flexibility for the future |
How to get donor sperm
There are different ways to get donor sperm. You can use a sperm bank, a known donor (e.g. a friend) or a donor from the grey market. It’s a good idea to think carefully about your options before making your decision.
Donors from a sperm bank
The most secure and regulated way to get donor sperm is through a licensed sperm bank. When you choose a donor from a sperm bank like European Sperm Bank you can be sure that all donors are thoroughly screened for medical conditions and sexually transmitted diseases. There is also clear legal clarity about the donor’s role and you are guaranteed high quality donor sperm.
You can explore all our donors when you create a free account.
Known sperm donor
If you choose to use a known donor it is important to be aware of the legal and emotional considerations related to this type of donor. Compared to a donor from a licensed sperm bank, it is not always clear. In some cases, a known donor who has not had their parental rights legally removed may be considered a legal parent, unless a legal agreement is in place.
It is also necessary to get the known donor medically tested.
Online/Free sperm donors
You may have seen people offering free sperm donations on social media or apps. This is called the grey market. While some of it may appear genuine, this option includes significant risks that you should consider carefully. Often, there is a lack of medical screening for STIs or genetic diseases and no legal safeguards.
Step-by-step: How to get pregnant without a man
The next section will focus on how to get pregnant without a man. The process is not always as linear as presented here and some might find a clinic before finding a donor and vice versa. So remember, that your journey doesn’t have to look exactly like this.
Step 1: Consider your personal and financial readiness
The first step is to reflect on your situation. Becoming a mum is a life changing experience and if you’re doing it solo it is a good idea to have considered aspects like your emotional, financial and practical readiness. Spend some time reflecting on why you want a child, your financial situation and the benefits you can get and your expectations for parenthood.
As part of these reflections, you should also consider your support system. Support is a vital part of becoming a parent and can come in many forms. Think about who will be a part of your child’s life for emotional and practical support.
Step 2: Speak to a doctor or fertility specialist
Next step is to book an appointment with your GP or a fertility specialist. They can help you get an overview of your options and what’s right for you and your timeline. You can also book a free fertility consultation with one of our advisors who can explain the process and help you find a donor.
Your doctor or fertility specialist may suggest a fertility assessment. This can include blood tests to check hormone levels, such as AMH, and an ultrasound scan to examine your ovaries and uterus. These tests help determine your fertility status and the best treatment approach for you.
It's also worth asking about the different options for treatment, like the NHS and private clinics. In some areas, single mothers or same-sex couples might need to pay for treatment themselves, but it depends on where you live.
Step 3: Choose your treatment type
Your treatment type depends on your situation and the results of your fertility assessment, if you have had one. IUI is often the first choice if there are no known fertility challenges. However, if you know you have fertility challenges like endometriosis, PCOS or blocked fallopian tubes, IVF is usually recommended.
If you want to know more about the different treatment types, you can read more in our blog post IUI vs. IVF - Which fertility treatment is right for you?
Step 4: Select a sperm donor
Choosing a sperm donor is an important part of the process. As we discussed earlier in this blog post, there are different ways to find a donor and when you choose a sperm bank, you will have a wide selection of different donors to choose from.
In the UK, all donor sperm used in licensed clinics must meet the standards set by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). This ensures that thorough health screening is carried out, that the sperm is stored safely, and that there is legal clarity around parental rights.
You’ll also need to choose between an ID Release and a No ID Release donor and know about the differences between the two. An ID Release donor means your child can request identifying information about the donor once they turn 18. That is not possible with a No ID Release Donor. Remember, that ID Release donors are now a legal requirement if you’re having treatment in the UK.
Step 5: Find the right fertility clinic
Finding a fertility clinic is another important decision. The main thing to look for is a place where you feel informed, supported and respected. Do some research and get information from different clinics. Some of the things, you can focus on, are:
- Communication
- Success rates
- Reviews
- Costs
- Inclusive environment
We can also help you find a clinic. Whether you are having treatment in the UK or abroad, we are happy to guide you in the right direction.
Step 6: Start treatment
The last step is to start your treatment. Your clinic will provide you with a schedule for IUI or IVF tailored specifically for you. Depending on your situation and the type of treatment you’re having, this can include taking medications needed to support ovulation or implantation.
Having fertility treatment also often involves attending regular scans or having blood tests to monitor your cycle and how you respond to the treatment.
During this time, you might experience emotional ups and downs. Especially when you’re waiting for the test result after your insemination or egg transfer. Remember that it’s normal to feel this way - and if you’re feeling stressed, you can get guidance on how to cope emotionally when undergoing fertility treatment.
