IVF for single women: Your path to parenthood starts here

• Is IVF always the right fertility treatment for single women?
• Why is IVF a popular option for single women?
• What does IVF for single women involve?
• IVF for single women cost considerations
• IVF rules and regulations affecting single women
• IVF as a single woman: Other factors to consider
• Choosing a donor with European Sperm Bank

IVF is not always the right choice to become a solo mum. The right fertility treatment for you is the one that best suits your fertility and health circumstances, respects your personal preferences and gives you the best chance of conceiving. IVF with donor sperm meets these criteria for many of the single women who want to become solo mums. 

However, it is not necessarily the first or best option for everyone. 

Many women begin their fertility journey with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatment as it is usually cheaper and less invasive compared to other types of fertility treatment. If this is unsuccessful, then you would move on to IVF. 

Others will be recommended IVF immediately due to fertility challenges. For instance, women with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) a lower ovarian reserve, or age-related fertility decline are all more likely to conceive via IVF because the treatment bypasses the physical and biological obstacles associated with these conditions.

Future fertility is also a consideration, as some women may want to freeze eggs for future use. In this case, IVF is the preferred treatment option.

Ultimately, your fertility clinic will provide tailored guidance, compare IUI and IVF treatments and help determine the right fertility treatment for you.

No solo mum’s path to parenthood is exactly the same, but there are a series of steps most women will go through when receiving IVF. A typical IVF journey involves:

Fertility testing and consultation

Most IVF journeys begin with a personal consultation at your chosen fertility clinic and tests to assess your reproductive health. Your specialist will review your medical history, discuss your options and create a personalised treatment plan.

Sperm donor selection

Aspiring solo mums need to choose a sperm donor before beginning treatment. At European Sperm Bank, detailed donor profiles and Photo Match and Personality Explorer search tools help you find the right donor for your family. Our rigorous safety standards and screening process also ensure you can be confident in your choice. While not all solo mums will find a sperm donor through a licensed sperm bank, there are risks associated with using sperm from known or private donors.

Hormone treatment

You will begin a course of hormone medication to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, and attend monitoring appointments throughout this period to track your progress and determine the best time for egg retrieval.

Egg retrieval and fertilisation

Your eggs are collected during a short procedure performed under sedation. They are then fertilised with donor sperm in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos monitored for several days as they develop.

Embryo transfer and pregnancy test

The most viable embryo is selected and transferred into your uterus during a simple procedure. You will take a pregnancy blood test roughly two weeks later to find out whether the treatment has been successful.

Next steps

Your fertility team will discuss the treatment results with you and recommend the most appropriate next steps. This may include transferring you to traditional maternity care or planning another treatment cycle.

In the UK, private IVF treatment typically costs between £3,500 and £10,000 per cycle. 

In Denmark, private IVF treatment typically costs between 24.000 and 70.000 DKK (€3,200 - €9,400) per cycle.

In Germany, private IVF treatment typically costs between €2,500 and €8,000 per cycle.

In Austria, private IVF treatment typically costs between €5,000 to €11,000 per cycle.

In Switzerland, private IVF treatment typically costs between CHF 6,000 and  CHF 9,000 per cycle.

In the Netherlands, private IVF treatment typically costs between €2,000 per cycle.

In France, private IVF treatment typically costs between €3,000 and €7,500 per cycle.

However, the exact price varies depending on lab procedures, medication and additional treatments. 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. 

The cost of IVF for single women is impacted by:

• Location - costs vary significantly between countries. 
• Donor sperm - costs depend on the number of straws you require, sperm MOT, and donor family limits. Shipping, storage and pregnancy slots may also add to the cost. 
• Clinic and success rates - higher IVF success rates mean clinics can charge more for their services. 
• Treatment complexity - costs can increase if you require a donor egg ICSI treatment.
• Medication costs - the fertility drugs used during your fertility treatment will impact total cost.

The rules governing fertility treatments for single women vary considerably from country to country, and can have a significant impact on your ability to access IVF treatment. Treatment is restricted to married heterosexual couples in some countries, excluding aspiring mums.

Local regulations will also determine the type of sperm donors you can choose. In some countries, ID-release is now a legal requirement, while others only permit no ID-release donors and several allow both. Donor family limits can also vary between countries.

You may be eligible to receive one to three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS if you are under the age of 42 and meet the eligibility criteria. This typically involves having been trying to conceive via sexual intercourse for a set period of time, and having already undergone several unsuccessful IUI cycles (NHS). 

However, being approved to receive IVF on the NHS is something of a postcode lottery, as local policies also determine who is eligible.

Yes, single women can receive state-funded IVF treatment through the Danish public health system, as long as:

• You are under the age of 40 at the time of referral
• You are a Danish resident with a Danish CPR number
• You are having your first or second child.

No, single women cannot receive publicly funded IVF treatment on the German health system. The statutory health insurance cover restricts publicly funded IVF treatment to married, opposite-sex couples.

No, single women cannot receive publicly funded IVF treatment on the Austrian health system. The country’s reproductive medicine legislation restricts access to fertility treatments to couples.

No, single women cannot receive publicly funded IVF treatment on the Swiss health system. The country’s reproductive medicine legislation restricts access to fertility treatments to couples.

Yes, the Dutch basic health insurance covers up to three IVF cycles for single women if you are:

• A Dutch resident
• Under the age of 45.

While the legal cutoff for publicly funded IVF is 45, many Dutch clinics will not provide IVF to women over 43.

Yes, single women in France can receive up to four publicly funded IVF cycles as long as you are:

• Under the age of 43
• Enrolled in the national health insurance scheme.

Becoming a solo mum is a personal and life-changing journey. So it is 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 it is also an opportunity to grow and experience a new side of life. 

Solo motherhood does not mean you have to do it all alone. A good support system made up of people you trust can make a big difference in your and your child’s lives. If you feel like you could do with more support, 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.

Can single women get IVF?

Yes, IVF with donor sperm is a common fertility treatment for single women hoping to become solo mums. In some countries, local rules and regulations may restrict access based on relationship status.

Is IVF or IUI better for single women?

The best fertility treatment varies from person to person depending on your age, fertility, overall health, ovarian reserve, timeline and budget. IVF is a more complex, invasive and expensive treatment with higher success rates per cycle. IUI is less invasive and more affordable, but may not be suitable for women with a low ovarian reserve or other fertility challenges. 

How much does IVF cost for single women?

The cost of IVF with donor sperm varies between countries and clinics, and depends on the number of donor straws you purchase, MOT level, the medications used during treatment, and your chosen clinic’s pricing structure. In the UK, private IVF treatment typically costs between £3,500 and £10,000 per cycle.

In Denmark, private IVF treatment typically costs between 24.000 and 70.000 DKK (€3,200 - €9,400) per cycle.

In Germany, private IVF treatment typically costs between €2,500 and €8,000 per cycle.

In Austria, private IVF treatment typically costs between €5,000 to €11,000 per cycle.

In Switzerland, private IVF treatment typically costs between CHF 6,000 and  CHF 9,000 per cycle.

In the Netherlands, private IVF treatment typically costs between €2,000 per cycle.

In France, private IVF treatment typically costs between €3,000 and €7,500 per cycle.

Do I need donor sperm for IVF as a single woman?

Yes, donor sperm is necessary for IVF as a single woman. 

Are the rules different outside the UK?

The rules and regulations governing IVF treatment and donor sperm differ from country to country. This can affect access, cost and quality. As a result, it is important to understand how local rules affect you early in the process. Aspiring solo mums may consider fertility treatment abroad for various reasons, including lower costs, more advanced techniques and technologies, and shorter waiting times. Popular destinations for fertility treatment include Cyprus, Spain, Greece and the Czech Republic.

Choosing a sperm donor can be one of the most empowering steps in the IVF process. With so many things to consider, it can also be challenging. At European Sperm Bank, we try to simplify the selection process by providing powerful search tools and all the donor details you need to make an informed decision. When you choose a sperm donor from European Sperm Bank, you get access to:

Extensive donor profiles

All our donors have extensive donor profiles featuring information that will inform your decision and help you find 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 can request 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, both types of donors are available. However, donor anonymity rules vary between countries and may determine which type of donor you can use in your 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.