IVF for single women: Your path to parenthood starts here
There are different ways to become a solo mum. One option is IVF, and this blog post will guide you through the process and considerations about IVF for single women.
Anne Petersen
If you're considering solo motherhood, and you've thought about having IVF treatment, then you're not alone. In recent years, IVF for single women has become more popular. According to the HFEA, the number of single women in the UK having IVF increased by 83% from 2019 to 2023.
But is IVF the right treatment for you? And what should you consider about this type of treatment? Read on as we guide you through the IVF process, including the cost considerations and emotional preparation for the treatment. We’ll also touch upon how to choose a donor. If you want to know more about becoming a solo motherhood in general, you can read our solo mum guide.
Why IVF is a popular option for single women
The numbers speak for themselves. A lot of single women are choosing to have IVF treatment, so it's only natural to want to know why this type of treatment is popular among aspiring solo mums.
One reason for this is the success rate of IVF. Compared to other types of fertility treatment, IVF is generally more effective. This makes it a good option for single women who have experienced repeated failed IUIs or have fertility challenges like endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes. IVF may also be the right treatment option for single women in their late 30s and older, especially if their ovarian reserve is low.
Remember, it is always important to talk to your doctor or fertility clinic about the right treatment option for you. They can guide you based on your situation.
What does IVF for single women involve?
No journey to solo motherhood is the same, but there are some common steps in the IVF treatment process for single women. A typical IVF journey includes:
- Fertility testing and consultation
- Sperm donor selection
- Hormone treatment
- Egg retrieval and fertilisation
- Embryo transfer and pregnancy test
Your fertility clinic will guide you through the steps and tailor it to your situation. At European Sperm Bank, we are also ready to help if you need any assistance.
IVF for single women cost considerations
In the UK, private costs for IVF are generally between £3,500-£10,000 per cycle, but the price can be higher depending on lab procedures, medication and additional treatments. This makes it more expensive than other treatments, like insemination.
IVF treatment for single women also includes costs for donor sperm. These costs can vary depending on the type of donor and the storage and shipment costs involved.
You might be eligible to have IVF with funding from the NHS. It depends on where you live in the UK, your age and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to check what you can get in your situation. There might be waiting time, so some women choose private clinics for faster access to IVF.
IVF as a single woman: Other factors to consider
Becoming a solo mum is a personal and life-changing journey. That’s why it’s important to reflect on your readiness before embarking on this new adventure.
One of the questions you can ask yourself is whether you are emotionally ready for solo parenting. Having a child changes your life. For some that can be intimidating, but remember that it is a possibility to grow.
Solo motherhood doesn’t mean that you have to do it all alone. A good support system with people you trust can make a big difference in your and your child’s life. Reflect on the people you surround yourself with or research if there are local solo mum groups nearby or online you can join.
Another, and more practical reflection, is the financial preparation for solo motherhood. Getting an overview of your income and expenses makes it possible for you to plan for having a child and the costs that come along with having IVF.
If you want to learn more from women who have walked the same path as you, you can read solo mum Pia’ story.
Choosing a donor with European Sperm Bank
One of the most empowering steps in the process of IVF for single women is choosing a donor. It can be both exciting and overwhelming with the different things to consider. When you choose a sperm donor from European Sperm Bank, you’ll get access to:
Extensive donor profiles
All our donors have extensive donor profiles with different information that can support you in the decision of finding the right donor. You can learn more about the donor’s hobbies, personality, medical history and see baby photos. You can also read a handwritten note, listen to the donor’s voice and some donors have hand drawn adult portraits included in their profiles.
ID release or No ID release donors
An important choice is whether you want an ID release donor or a No ID release donor. With an ID release donor your child has the possibility to get information about the donor’s identity when they come of age. This is not possible with a No ID release donor. At European Sperm Bank, we have both types of donors, but it is important to be aware that different rules apply in different countries. It depends on where you are having treatment.
Guidance from experienced advisors
Our advisors are always ready to help if you have any questions related to your parenthood journey. They have helped many aspiring solo mums and will gladly guide you through the steps of becoming a solo mum.
Get a fertility consultation
If you want in-depth guidance, you can also get a free fertility consultation with one of our advisors. Here you’ll have the opportunity to get personal guidance about the process of starting a family with donor sperm, get help with your donor choice and learn more about IVF for single women and other treatment options.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards solo motherhood, book your free fertility consultation.
