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No matter where you are in life, becoming a parent is a joyful and life-changing experience, and choosing to have a baby on your own is empowering. If you are considering becoming a solo parent by choice, there are other things to consider in the process of getting pregnant on your own, what to expect, the legal and financial aspects, and what your life will be like as a single mum.
We have gathered all the information you need to know if you are considering becoming a solo mum and using a sperm donor so you can make an informed choice about your future.
For Clara, single motherhood was the right path to take. She had always wanted to become a mother, but life after divorce led her to reconsider how. Clara wanted to keep her independence while fulfilling her dream of becoming a mother. That's when she decided that sperm donation was the right choice for her.
A webinar provides a clear overview of what you need to know in preparation for your fertility journey, regardless of where you are in the process.
Our seasoned advisors cover everything from choosing a sperm donor to coping emotionally in a safe and caring environment.
A webinar is free, and you can ask questions along the way.
How do you become pregnant if you want to have a baby on your own? When you decide to have treatment with a sperm donor, your doctor or clinic will recommend one of the following three fertility treatment types.
If you have no fertility issues, you will likely be advised to pursue insemination. The ICI method places donor sperm near or directly in the cervix using a syringe. This method differs from IUI by requiring sperm to travel further to reach the egg. Sometimes, fertility medication is used to induce ovulation, enhancing the chances of successful insemination.
Another type of insemination is IUI, which is the most common form of insemination and a more cost-effective option than other types of fertility treatment. The method involves directly inserting sperm into the uterus around the time of ovulation. Fertility medication may be used to induce ovulation, increasing the likelihood of conception.
If there are factors affecting your fertility, such as PCOS or endometriosis, or if your IUI or ICI treatment doesn't result in pregnancy, IVF may be the next step. Hormone stimulation is used to mature several eggs so that they can be retrieved. Once the eggs are retrieved, they are placed in a laboratory dish with the donor sperm to be fertilised. One of the embryos is then transferred back into the womb, while the others are frozen for future use.
How do you choose the right donor for your family? Our donor profiles contain a lot of information, from the donor’s appearance, personality, education, baby photos and much more. We recommend that you decide on 2-3 characteristics that matter the most to you to ease your choice.
Becoming a sperm donor at European Sperm Bank can take 3 to 6 months. All donor candidates go through a thorough screening process and only 5-7% of applicants are approved to become donors. Among other things our Medical Team ensures:
When you choose to have a child with donor sperm you secure that you and you alone have parental right for your child. The donor has no obligation or legal right to your child.
While it is possible to receive fertility treatment as a single woman in many countries, the laws and access to treatment can vary. If you already know that you can’t receive treatment in your country, you can consider clinics in another country.
There are some costs associated with becoming a solo mum that it is good to know about beforehand. These include:
Sperm banks play a crucial role in the sperm donation process. Our responsibilities include screening donors for genetic and infectious diseases and ensuring the quality and storage of sperm. But it doesn’t end here. A big part of our responsibility is our commitment to breaking down the taboos surrounding donor conception and sperm donation.
We take pride in providing personalised guidance to single mums and couples, and we want to support them throughout their parenting journey. That's why we have launched our Family Support Programme for donor-conceived families.
In all our processes, we adhere to the directives and guidelines defined by the EU and WHO as well as local authorities.
Starting on the journey to become a solo mum through sperm donation is a courageous and empowering decision. It's a path that comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. One of the most important steps you can take to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience is building a strong support system. This network of support will be your foundation, providing emotional, practical, and sometimes financial assistance. Below, you will find a few things to consider:
There's plenty of information to explore on both our site and our blog, so you can feel even better equipped to make the decision to become a solo mum. If you want to know more about how to start a family with donor sperm you can sign up for a free ‘Getting started’ webinar. Here you have the possibility to ask all the questions you may have and you’ll get expert advice on your journey to become a solo mum by choice.
There are also specific steps you can take before you start the process. It may be a good idea to have your fertility tested so that you know what kind of treatment you need. Talk to your GP who can guide you about fertility check.
Being a solo mum by choice means that a woman consciously chooses to become a mother without a partner or spouse.
The decision to become a single mother by choice is personal and can be based on a number of factors, including the desire to have children, the lack of a partner or spouse, or the desire to be independent in raising children.
Explore our Community page and watch video of personal stories of Solo Mum by choice like you.
If you are curious to see if there are donors that fit your family plan, you can create a free account. You'll be able to read more about our donors, see childhood photos or hand-drawn portraits of some of them, and save your searches to make it easier for you to find donors you're interested in. It is easy to create an account and in a few steps you will have access to all the information you need.