IVF for single women: Everything you should know
IVF is the preferred option for single women who want to become mothers but struggle with fertility issues or have tried multiple IUI attempts without success. On average, IVF has a success rate of 46.7% (depending on individual fertility conditions). Learn about having IVF as a single woman, including sperm donor selection, costs, and alternative paths for women on their journey towards single motherhood.
Can I have IVF as a single woman?
Yes, you can. While IUI is typically recommended first, IVF may be your best option if you are dealing with fertility issues or have tried insemination without success. In most countries, IVF is legal for single women, though regulations may differ, so it is wise to confirm your local laws.
Which treatment option is right for you?
As a single woman, there are several ways of getting yourself pregnant without a man. Below, you can find an introduction to each treatment arranged in terms of popularity. All treatments contain donor insemination.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
- Recommended if: You have normal fertility levels and seek a method that closely mimics natural conception.
- Process: Donor sperm is injected directly into the uterus, placing it nearer to the egg to boost fertilization chances.
Intracervical Insemination (ICI):
- Recommended if: You are looking for a simple, less invasive method that can sometimes be performed at home (where legal).
- Process: Sperm is inserted directly into the cervix using a syringe, usually by a medical professional.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
- Recommended if: You are facing fertility challenges or have had unsuccessful insemination attempts.
- Process: This method involves stimulating egg production, retrieving eggs, fertilizing them with donor sperm in a lab, and transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus.
If you have any questions about the treatment options available for single women, feel free to contact our Customer Care Team. If IVF is the right option for you, read on as we explore it in greater detail.
Let us help you on your journey to parenthood
At Cryos, we give you full access to see all donor profiles including pictures, voice recordings, handwritten letters, and more. Just create an online account by providing only your name, email, and country. A Cryos account is free and non-binding.
Why IVF is sometimes the best choice for single women
The main reason to start off with IVF treatment as a single woman usually is low fertility. Fertility issues like PCOS or endometriosis can harm the female reproductive system and make it harder to conceive. As a result, women diagnosed with PCOS or endometriosis may start with IVF to increase their chances of conception.
Having IVF treatment as a single woman: The process explained
Navigating through the process of IVF may seem overwhelming for a single woman. However, understanding each step can help demystify the process and make the journey towards parenthood feel easier. In this section, we will walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure that you feel informed and confident about your choice to become a single mother through IVF.
An illustration of the IVF treatment process
Step 1: Egg stimulation
The first step of IVF for a single woman is a fertility medication that stimulates the process of egg maturation. Normally, only one egg matures during the woman’s fertile period, but with fertility medication, it is possible to retrieve multiple eggs, thus increasing the chances of success.
Step 2: Egg retrieval
Once your eggs have matured, egg retrieval is performed by a fertility doctor using a small needle while the woman is under sedation. The procedure will typically take place 36 hours after the trigger shot. Most single women bring a friend or a relative to the procedure, as they are sedated.
Step 3: Fertilization
After the retrieval, a laboratory employee prepares the eggs for fertilization. Donor sperm is then placed together with the eggs, hopefully leading to fertilization.
Step 4: Embryo development
If a sperm cell manages to fertilize the egg, an embryo will form. Multiple eggs can be fertilized, creating more than one usable embryo. The embryos must grow in an incubator for 3-5 days until they have developed sufficiently.
Step 5: Embryo transfer
If one or more embryos have developed sufficiently, a fertility doctor transfers one into your uterus, where pregnancy hopefully occurs. If more than one embryo develops sufficiently, the excess embryos can be frozen and stored for another attempt or siblings.
Other articles you might find relevant on your journey
How to order donor sperm for IVF
Ordering donor sperm for IVF is quite easy. The first thing you need to do is select a fertility clinic that will help you create a plan on how to proceed with your treatment. They will also help guide you regarding the right type of donor sperm to use and how much donor sperm to order.
Choosing a sperm donor for IVF
Choosing a sperm donor may seem like an overwhelming and exciting process. But, the focus is to find a donor that matches your personal preferences. We have made a guide to help you on your journey towards parenthood. Follow the link to our guide on choosing a sperm donor.
Egg freezing
Egg freezing is not exactly an alternative to IVF, as egg freezing is not a fertility treatment but a possibility to preserve your ability to conceive. Egg freezing may be worth considering if you do not feel ready to begin fertility treatment on your own, but are worried about your chances of conceiving if you wait.
How safe is IVF for a single woman?
IVF treatment is well regarded as a safe procedure for all types of women and the risks related to the procedure are minimal. While you are sedated during the procedure, the fertility doctors ensure to monitor you carefully during the treatment. You may experience some mild discomfort or bloating after the procedure, but these symptoms are temporary and not harmful.
Success stories from other single women
The process of IVF as a single woman may seem long and overwhelming. Many find inspiration and joy in reading other single women’s stories about how they used donor sperm to fulfil their dream of a child. Here are a few stories you can read for inspiration:
- Single Mum by Choice: There I was, 38 years old and single
- How I fulfilled my dream of motherhood through IVF and donor conception
- Marisa - Single Mother by Choice from Portugal
How much does IVF treatment cost?
Children are expensive and it is natural for a single woman to consider the cost of conceiving through fertility treatment. IVF is more expensive than other types of treatment like ICI and IUI. However, the treatment has a higher success rate, meaning that you often need fewer rounds of treatment. Two factors constitute the price of IVF: the treatment and the donor sperm. See examples of how much each round of treatment costs and the price of buying donor sperm for treatment.
The cost of IVF treatment
The price of one round of IVF treatment can cost up to 5.000 GBP per round. The cost may rise even further depending on location, number of rounds required, and clinic packages.
The cost of purchasing donor sperm
At Cryos, the cost of IVF-ready donor sperm (1 x IUI MOT5) starts at EUR 144 per straw. This is the price of IUI-ready donor sperm (excl. VAT) from a Non-ID Release Donor with a Basic Profile.
Financing options
Before you start the treatment, we recommend you research whether your insurance makes you eligible for fertility treatment in the public healthcare system, as it often helps reduce the total cost of IVF with donor sperm.
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Success rates for IVF with donor sperm
Just like any other type of fertility treatment, the success rate for IVF with donor sperm depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and BMI. Age is one of the most defining factors, in terms of success rates. According to the NHS, the success rate for IVF treatment is:
- Women younger than 35: 32 %
- Women from 35 to 37: 26 %
- Women from 38 to 49: 20 %
- Women from 40 to 42: 14 %
- Women at the age of 43 and older: 10 %
In general, studies show an increase in the overall percentage of embryos resulting in a live birth. The improved success rates could be a case of different factors, such as improvement in the medical and laboratory techniques, more focus on lifestyle changes, and improved diagnostic capabilities.
If you are a single woman considering fertility treatment with donor sperm but do not know how to get started, we can help you along. We have created a guide on how to enter single motherhood. If you are curious about the available donors, follow the button below to see our free Donor Search.
Frequently asked questions regarding IVF treatment for single women
Can I have IVF if I am single?
Yes, it is possible for you to have IVF if you are a single woman. However, IVF with donor sperm is not the first recommendation single women receive when they wish to become pregnant. Usually, single women start by having IUI treatment, as this treatment is less invasive and less expensive than IVF. Most single women who become mothers through IVF have already been through IUI with donor sperm without success before moving on to IVF.
What is the best fertility treatment for single women?
The best fertility treatment for single women depends on various factors. If your fertility level is normal, you will probably be recommended to start with IUI treatment. However, if you have been diagnosed with PCOS or endometriosis you could be recommended to start with IVF.
Relevant material for Single Mothers by Choice
If you are considering becoming a Single Mother by Choice and want to learn more about the process or find inspiration to begin your journey towards parenthood, then follow some of the links below to learn more: