Having IUI as a single woman - Everything you need to know

Summary of the article

• IUI for single women: IUI is the most popular option for single women because it is quick, nearly pain-free, and can be performed with or without fertility drugs.
• Choosing a sperm donor: Personality and physical appearance are two important factors for many single women when choosing a donor.
• Ordering sperm: Ordering donor sperm is easier than it may sound and can be shipped directly to your fertility clinic.
• Costs of IUI treatment: The cost of IUI starts at 812 EUR plus donor sperm expenses starting at 220 EUR giving a total cost of 1.032 EUR making IUI cheaper than other treatment types.
• Success rates: IUI success is around 18% per cycle for women under 30, influenced by various factors such as age and fertility levels.

Hopefully, we can demystify the process, provide practical advice, and help calm your nerves with stories from other women who used IUI treatment to fulfil their dream of having a child. If you are looking for IUI treatment with donor sperm, we now offer this at Cryos Clinic. Follow the link to read more about IUI at Cryos Clinic.

Alternative treatment options for single women

Artificial insemination through IUI is the preferred option for most women. However, for some, other treatment methods will be recommended instead due to different fertility levels and personal preferences. Two primary treatment alternatives exist for single women:

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Involves removing the eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with sperm cells followed by placing them back into the woman's womb. Read more about IVF for single women here.
• Intracervical insemination (ICI): Another type of artificial insemination that involves inserting sperm into the vagina hoping that it will fertilize an egg leading to pregnancy. Read more about ICI for single women here.
  
  

What is IUI?

IUI is short for Intrauterine Insemination. It is a form of donor insemination where a doctor injects sperm from a friend or a donor directly into your uterus during ovulation. It is a popular procedure because it is quick, nearly pain-free, and cheap.

In 2021, more than 2.500 single women began treatment with donor sperm in the UK. A number which increases more every year, according to data from the NHS. We have created this guide to help clarify everything you need to know before receiving IUI treatment as a single woman. Below, you can find everything you need to know about having IUI as a single woman.

The cost of IUI for single women

If you plan to use a private fertility clinic for treatment, IUI will often be the cheapest option for future Single Mothers by Choice, as it is quick and less invasive than other treatment types. Two factors influence the total cost of having IUI:

• The treatment: Starts at 812 EUR pr. treatment cycle. Factors such as treatment location and differences in clinic packages usually affect these costs significantly.
• Ordering donor sperm: Starts at EUR 215 per straw (1x IUI MOT10). But depends on your choices in terms of the sperm donor delivering the sperm.

Click on the button below and learn more about the price of ordering donor sperm and understand the factors that affect the price.

Cryos sperm donor prices and costs

Costs when using other alternatives than private clinics

Besides private fertility clinics, there are other options to fulfil your dream of a child. Many countries offer alternative paths through public health services, which can significantly reduce the cost or completely remove any costs associated with treatment with donor sperm making it more accessible.

In the UK, IUI treatment can covered by public health services such as the NHS if certain conditions are met. However, availability can vary, and the waiting lists are often long. Always check with your local healthcare provider for eligibility and coverage details.

IUI for single women: Step for step

Read our step-by-step guide to the process of IUI as a single woman. We have also made a visual overview of the process to make it easier to understand. If you have any questions regarding how to get yourself pregnant without a man, contact your fertility clinic or our Customer Care Consultants.

Step 1 – Finding the right fertility clinic

Start by finding the right fertility clinic, that can help you on your journey. You are probably going to spend some time there, so be sure to choose a clinic you feel good about. The clinic will also guide you during the process to ensure that you order the correct amount and type of donor sperm. Follow the link to read our guide on 10 things to remember when choosing a fertility clinic.

Step 2 – Fertility test

Even though you never experienced any problems with your reproductive system, most fertility doctors recommend that you start with a fertility test to ensure that you have open and healthy fallopian tubes.

Step 3 – Choosing a sperm donor

Choosing a sperm donor can seem like a big and overwhelming decision. As a result, many single women do not want to decide on their own. Instead, they prefer to share their choice of donor with friends or family, as they want to get their support or hear their opinion. Personality and physical appearance are two important factors for many single women when choosing a donor. They often prefer a man they feel they could have dated in real life.

Step 4 – Planning your treatment

You will be offered an IUI treatment during a natural cycle or a stimulated cycle. Either way, the insemination must occur during ovulation. Ovulation normally occurs 12 to 16 days before your next period.

Step 5 – Insemination

Once ovulation has occurred, a fertility doctor will perform the insemination. The treatment takes one or two minutes, and you can expect to be out of the fertility clinic after 15 – 20 minutes. The procedure requires no pain relief or medications, and the only side-effect of the treatment can be light spotting for a day or two after the procedure. Even though the treatment requires no pain medication, you may want someone to support you at the fertility clinic, like a family member or a friend.

Step 6 – Pregnancy test

The result is visible through a blood test after two weeks. As a single woman, the two weeks may feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. Share your emotions with the people close to you or else you may feel lonely and overwhelmed. Follow the link to read what to do during the two-week wait.

How to order sperm for IUI treatment

Ordering donor sperm can feel like a huge decision. However, the process is quite simple and easy to understand. Before you choose a sperm donor, you need to find a fertility clinic and create a plan for the treatment process. The clinic will also guide you during the process to ensure that you order the correct amount and type of donor sperm. If you find it difficult to choose the right fertility clinic, follow the link to our guide on 10 things to remember when choosing a fertility clinic.

How safe is IUI for a single woman?

It is perfectly safe to receive IUI as a single woman, as the risks associated with the treatment are almost nonexistent. You are awake during the treatment and pain medication is only needed in rare cases. Some women experience mild discomfort or bloating in the pelvic area after the treatment, but it is not dangerous.

Other articles relevant to single women having IUI

• Trying to conceive: Tips on how to increase chances of getting pregnant
• IUI vs IVF treatment: What is the difference?
• ICI vs IUI treatment: What is the difference?

How successful is IUI treatment?

According to a study, the success rate is approximately 18 % per cycle for women under 30, and this number declines with age. However, the success rate is highly dependent on various factors.

In addition to the woman’s age, the chance of pregnancy depends on the clinic that performs the procedure, whether fertility drugs have been used, and the reason for having the treatment. Therefore, as previously mentioned, you should always consult a doctor regarding your chances of success in IUI treatment. The chances of becoming pregnant are different in each case.

Frequently asked questions about single women having IUI

Who is not suited for IUI?

Women who have a history of fertility issues or diseases like endometriosis or PCOS are often unsuited for IUI treatment, as they require another type of treatment to fulfil their dream of a child.

What are the pros and cons of IUI?

• Pros: IUI is less invasive and expensive than other types of treatments like IVF and ICSI.
• Cons: Because IUI is less invasive, the success rates from treatment with IVF will be higher.