Cryos

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<h2><span class="display-3">What is a childless family?</span></h2>
<p>A childless family is a couple not being able to have kids. Childlessness may be a voluntary choice, if the couple do not wish to have kids or if the person has not found their ideal partner yet. But most often, childlessness is a result of an involuntary choice caused by fertility problems with either the man or the woman.</p>
<p>If a 12-month period of intercourse of normal frequency ends without pregnancy, a couple is infertile. In approximately one-third of the cases, the problem is due to the man, and in one-third of the cases, the problem is due to the woman. The last third is due to factors that affect both or other unknown reasons.</p>
<h2><span class="display-4">Examples of childless families</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Married couples without children</strong>: Some couples decided to live without children due to various personal, health, or financial reasons.</li>
<li><strong>Singles</strong>: Other people choose to remain single and live without children, as they want to prioritize their own needs.</li>
<li><strong>Same-sex couples</strong>: Same-sex couples may be childless as a personal choice or because they cannot afford fertility treatment or adoption.</li>
<li><strong>Couples with miscarriages or infertility</strong>: It is impossible for some heterosexual couples to conceive, as they struggle with infertility due to genetic inherited diseases or medical issues.<br><br></li>
</ul>
<h2><span class="display-3">Can a family be a family without children?</span></h2>
<p>Yes, children are not necessary to create a family. The term "family" is incredibly broad and the definition is not limited to the traditional nuclear family model of two parents and their children. A family can consist of many different structures, the most important factor in creating a family is love.</p>

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<h2><span class="display-3">Options for childless couples seeking to become parents</span></h2>
<p>If you experience childlessness, but still want to start a family, there are several other options for you to explore. Here are some of the options you can consider:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Artificial insemination</span></strong>: <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/infertility-and-artificial-insemination-all-you-need-to-know/">Artificial insemination</a> is a medical process that might help you become pregnant. Whether artificial insemination is an option for you, depends on the cause of your infertility.</li>
<li><strong><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Adoption</span></strong>: It is also possible for you to become a parent through adoption. Adoption can be a rewarding and fulfilling way for you to become a parent, but it is also a process that might take a long time before becoming a parent.</li>
<li><strong><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Single parenting with donor gametes</span></strong>: If you are childless because of not finding the right partner, you might want to consider using <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/about-sperm/about-donor-sperm/">donor sperm</a> or eggs to become a single parent.</li>
<li><strong><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Surrogacy</span></strong>: Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of you and a potential partner. It is often used by gay couples or heterosexual couples suffering from female infertility.</li>
</ul>
<p>Ultimately, the best option for childless couples seeking to become parents will depend on their individual circumstances and preferences. It is important to carefully consider all of the options available and to seek support from trusted sources as you navigate this important decision.</p>
<p>If you want to start the process of becoming a parent through the use of donor sperm, then follow the link to our <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/choosing-a-sperm-donor/">guide on how to choose a sperm donor</a> or click on the button below to see our free Donor Search.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="button button--blue" href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/find-donor/search-sperm-donors/">Sperm Donor Search</a></p>
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<h2><span class="display-3"><strong>The psychological aspect of involuntary childlessness</strong></span></h2>
<p>Being involuntarily childless - what does this mean exactly? For parents with children, involuntary childlessness can be hard to imagine or understand. But for those who are or have been affected, the meaning is clear. For both involuntarily childless couples and couples who achieve pregnancy quickly, the so-called psychological pregnancy starts with the desire to have a child.</p>
<p>However, this is where the similarity ends. For whereas the pregnant couple gives birth to the child of their dreams within a shorter period of time, the involuntarily childless couple may have to wait two to three years or even longer.</p>

<h2><span class="display-3">Change in attitude towards childlessness</span></h2>
<p>Generations ago, childlessness was to a greater extent accepted as a fact of life. Or the problem was resolved through for example adoption. However, In the past 50 to 60 years, the availability of new techniques and a change in attitudes have resulted in an increased need to treat involuntary childlessness.</p>
<p>In the past 10 to 20 years, it has become much more common to offer treatment to <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/about-sperm/why-use-a-sperm-donor/infertility/" target="_top">heterosexual couples experiencing infertility</a>, <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/about-sperm/why-use-a-sperm-donor/single-mother-by-choice/" target="_top">single women</a> and <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/about-sperm/why-use-a-sperm-donor/lesbian-parents/" target="_top">lesbian couples</a>.&nbsp;The group of single women, in particular, has risen and today accounts for over one-third of all fertility treatments.</p>
<h2><span class="display-3">The effects of childlessness on the relationship</span></h2>
<p>In a heterosexual couple, men and women often experience childlessness differently. The difference can result in disappointments and a crisis in the relationship. It is often couples who see themselves as being in a strong relationship that seeks infertility treatment. It requires great commitment to face the problem and attempt to do something about it. Many couples who go through a period of childlessness and fertility treatment together achieve to strengthen their relationship during the process.</p>
<h2><span class="display-3">Who do you talk to about your fertility problems?</span></h2>
<p>Some people struggling with childlessness choose not to discuss what they are going through. This is to avoid pity, questions or well-meaning suggested solutions from others. However, choosing not to open up about the problems could mean not getting help and support which can be crucial.</p>
<p>Having said this, there are also advantages to being selective when choosing who to open up to. Some people who have not experienced the problem themselves, may not fully understand what childless people go through. Therefore, it can be a good idea to open up to some of the closest friends or family but not the whole world. However, all people are different and will handle the problem in different ways.</p>
<p>For some people, it feels good to open up to people that they do not know, for instance in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/cryosinternational/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook group</a> or another online forum.</p>
<h2><span class="display-3"><span class="text-theme-blue-700 font-theme-alternative ">Acceptance</span> of involuntary childlessness</span></h2>
<p>Involuntary childlessness can be very hard to bear and often couples suffering from it goes through <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/the-stages-of-grief-when-dealing-with-infertility/">the five stages of grief</a>. The absence of a child can be a heavy burden to carry. However, it is important not to see it as one of life&rsquo;s shortcomings. Similar to the lives of couples who easily become pregnant, life does not solely revolve around a child. It is important not to make the absence of a child the focus of one&rsquo;s life.</p>
<p>People with fertility problems may try and view life in its wider context and not let childlessness take over their whole identity. Instead, it should reflect one aspect of it &ndash; even though childlessness, being permanent or a period of life, can be hard to accept and to live with.</p>
<p>If you are suffering from fertility problems, we can recommend you read our blog post on <a title="Read the blog post here" href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/how-to-cope-with-infertility/">how to cope with infertility</a>.</p>