If you’re a single woman and you’re thinking about starting a family, you’ll probably have a lot of questions.
It’s completely natural to want to know what your options are if you decide to have a baby as a single woman. The available treatments, timelines, and the care you’ll receive along the way – these are all likely to be important factors in your decision.
At Manchester Fertility, we’ve been creating families for more than 35 years and have all the answers to questions like ‘can I have IVF as a single woman?’ and ‘how can I have a baby without a partner?’
Nothing matters to us more than giving the individuals and couples who come to us the support, guidance and care to make the decision that’s right for them. Let’s run through some of the questions you might have and the information you’ll need as a single woman planning a family.
How can I have a baby without a partner?
You can still have a baby without a partner. Donor insemination makes it possible for single women to conceive using donor sperm.
There are various options open to single women who want to start a family. As well as using donor sperm, you might decide to use donor eggs.
We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different; and are committed to helping individuals and couples fulfil their dream of having their own family, providing all the guidance and support you’ll need along the way.
Can I have IVF as a single woman?
Yes - single women can have IVF. One of the most common fertility treatments offered to single females is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) using donor semen.
If you choose IUI, a cycle of treatment typically takes four weeks, and fertility medication isn’t usually required. During ovulation, donor sperm will be placed inside the uterus and a couple of weeks later you can take a pregnancy test.
IUI isn’t suitable for everyone though. The other main option is IVF with donor sperm. With IVF, you’ll be given fertility drugs to stimulate the production of mature eggs, which are then injected with donor sperm. This will then create embryos.
The best embryo created through the process will be chosen for transfer and any other healthy embryos can be frozen for use in future treatment cycles.
How do I know which fertility treatment is best for me?
Your personal circumstances and preferences will play a part in determining which fertility treatments are the most suitable for you.
If you want to use your own eggs to conceive, IUI might be your first choice as a single woman wanting to start a family. On the advice of your fertility consultant, IVF might be a better option if you are older or have a lower ovarian reserve.
IVF is more intensive as you need to take fertility medications and attend appointments for monitoring. You will have pre-treatment investigations so we can learn more about you and assess your egg quality. Factors like your age and health will be taken into consideration, and our fertility specialists will make recommendations that best suit your unique circumstances.
What support will I receive?
Choosing to undergo fertility treatment is a potentially life-changing decision: for some, it’s smooth sailing and for others it’s not as straightforward. Having the right support on hand can help you through your fertility journey, whichever direction it takes.
At Manchester Fertility, we pride ourselves on the care and support we provide for all our patients. We are here for you throughout the whole process, offering personal care and support in a variety of ways.
After your consultation, if you decide to proceed with fertility treatment using donor sperm, you’ll receive counselling beforehand to make sure you are fully aware of the process and the implications, so you can make an informed decision for yourself and your family’s future.
When you begin treatment, you’ll also have access to our patient group on social media, where you can chat with others in the same position and provide and receive support as you progress through your fertility journeys together.
What makes Manchester Fertility different?
We tailor every part of the fertility process to you and your needs. If you decide to begin the process of starting a family as a single woman, you have the reassurance that you’ll be supported every step of the way by our friendly expert Team and specialist counsellors.
Our patients have access to UK based donors from our sister company Semovo, plus a range of funding options, so you can pay for treatment in the way that best suits your circumstances.
Find out how one of our patients, Rachel, achieved her dream of becoming a mum again as a single woman.
You can contact our New Patient Co-ordinator team on 0161 300 2737 or book a free one-to-one for all the information, advice, support and understanding you need to begin your own fertility journey.
Last updated: 12th August 2021
