Fertility treatment for single women in the UK – the how-to guide

The term ‘single mum by choice’ – also known as SMBC – is used to describe a single woman who has decided she would like to have a baby by herself, without a partner.

The UK’s independent regulator of fertility treatment, the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), tell us that fertility treatment for single women increased by almost 50% between 2019 to 2021. It’s a completely valid and viable family-building pathway, and if it’s something you’re considering, you’re not alone.

But having IVF as a single woman (or any other kind of fertility treatment really) is no small thing, and calls for a dedicated support network and focused plan – tailored to your fertility profile, age, and family-building goals. 

For this kind of individualised planning, we look to the team at TFP Fertility and their full-service, personalised treatment options in the UK.

From initial considerations and treatment to choosing a donor and building your support network, read on for their expert fertility treatment for single women Q&A – plus specific guidance for getting started.

1. What is the single mum by choice process like in the UK? 

In the UK, single women are able to access any type of fertility treatment, from preserving their eggs to having a full treatment cycle using donor sperm. 

The best way to get the ball rolling on the single mum by the choice process is to choose a clinic and get booked in for initial fertility testing, and perhaps even some counselling too. 

You’ll then chat with a fertility specialist to decide which potential treatment options might suit you best, before moving on to choosing and ordering donor sperm in order to have your chosen treatment.  

2. Can you do IVF as a single mum? 

Yes, as we’ve mentioned above, a single mum can have IVF treatment using sperm from a donor to be able to have a child without a partner in the UK.

The process involves eggs being collected from your ovaries and fertilised by donor sperm in a lab. The resulting embryo(s) are then placed back inside your womb to develop.

IVF is one of the most popular fertility treatment options we’re asked about by patients who want to start a solo parent journey.

3. And what about IUI? 

Single women can have IUI (intrauterine insemination) treatment at a licensed fertility clinic in the UK. 

The process involves placing the prepared donor sperm inside your uterus to improve the chances of conception – either with or without ovarian stimulation to support your menstrual cycle.

IUI with donor sperm might be an option for you if you’re not dealing with existing fertility challenges, or if you want to avoid IVF. However, we wouldn’t recommend this procedure for those with known ovulation issues.

4. What other treatment pathways are available for single women?

If you’re a single woman thinking through your family-building options, but you’re not ready to start a family just yet, there are other options available to preserve your fertility and enable you to have treatment in the future. 

This could look like:

• freezing your eggs – to be fertilised at a later date with partner or donor sperm, depending on your situation
• purchasing donor sperm – to be stored and used in treatment in the future
• using donor sperm to fertilise your eggs and freeze any resulting embryos – to be used in treatment at a later date

By having treatment at licensed fertility clinics like TFP Fertility, you can ensure that you’ll be able to access the best options tailored to your situation – with future-proofing in mind.

5. How should I approach choosing a sperm donor? 

It’s a really personal process. To start, there are many different sperm donor banks available that you can source donor sperm from, with varying amounts of information provided about their donors. 

When it comes to choosing donor sperm, take time to consider what’s important to you. You might decide you want to use a donor with certain physical characteristics and personality traits, or maybe costs might play a larger role in your decision-making process. You might also want to involve family or friends. It’s totally up to you.

There are sperm banks located in the UK, like the TFP Fertility donation bank, which ensure all the donors are fit and healthy and have had the required testing and screening, including a full medical and familial history check.

6. Can I choose a sperm donor from abroad?

Yes, as a single woman, you also have the choice to opt for a non-UK sperm bank. The process might also take a little bit longer, as sperm will have to be shipped to the UK.

You will also need to ensure that you choose an identifiable UK-compliant donor who has also consented for their sperm to be used in the UK. 

Under UK regulations with guidance from the HFEA, donors must be traceable. From the age of 16, donor-conceived children can access basic, non-identifying information about their donor, and from the age of 18, they’ll be able to access the donor’s full details, including their contact information.

7. Can I use donor sperm from someone I know? 

Those pursuing solo motherhood are able to use what we call a ‘known donor’ at TFP Fertility. This is usually someone you know or a close friend. 

It’s crucial to understand the emotional and legal implications for both the donor and the mother of any child conceived using donor sperm, but especially in the case of known donors. 

To ensure you’re fully informed, a reputable fertility clinic will require you to undergo implications counselling. This process helps you understand the entire procedure and any potential emotional challenges it may bring.

Donors who contribute through sperm banks have already completed this counselling before making their donation, so they will already be aware of the outcomes and responsibilities involved.

8. What rights does a solo mum by choice have, after having fertility treatment? 

In the UK, the woman who carries and births the child is automatically the legal parent, meaning you have the same legal rights as a child born without the use of fertility treatment. 

Using a fertility clinic for this treatment is important, as it protects you from any potential legal issues with your sperm donor. 

They’ll complete the appropriate consent forms to ensure that your donor can not be named a parent of any child born as a result of their donation.

9. What options are available to help solo mums manage the cost of fertility treatment?

When it comes to having fertility treatment or IVF as a single woman, there currently isn’t any NHS funding available – meaning all treatments do have to be self-funded.

However, there are a number of ways to finance your treatment cycles, and you should ask your clinic about ways to pay them directly for each treatment cycle in full, or whether there are options for packages or refund programs that might save you money. 

One organisation we work closely with at TFP Fertility is Access Fertility, which opens up even more opportunities to fund your treatment to suit your personal situation. Options for eligible patients include refund and multi-cycle packages, and even loans.

10. What support systems are available for single women having fertility treatment? 

Making sure you’re getting plenty of support from your circle, as well as qualified professionals, is key if you’re starting out on a solo motherhood journey.

We’d highly recommend utilising counselling sessions – something which is included in our treatment cycles at TFP Fertility. Our teams are specially trained to understand the unique challenges that single women having IVF face and will be on hand to support you each step of the way.  

We also work closely with a number of wonderful fertility support networks, including The Ribbon Box, that can offer support and help you find other people going through the same situation.

11. How can solo women prepare for fertility treatment? 

There are many different things that you can do to prepare your body and mind for fertility treatment – a fact that can feel quite reassuring for some, especially if you’re coming at treatment without a partner.

These include:

• focusing on nutrition. Eating well contributes to improving your chances of a successful pregnancy, and a good folic acid or a preconception multi-supplement is recommended for women.
• limiting caffeine and alcohol. This one is self-explanatory, and is advisable for anyone, both before and during treatment. 
• keeping active. Moving your body regularly can help support fertility, whilst also helping manage stress levels. Speaking of which…
• reducing stress. Keeping on top of your stress levels will help you feel more in control, and better able to take treatment decisions with a clear mind.
• rallying your support network. Discuss your treatment with a select group of friends and family, and consider bringing a support person to appointments. Most clinics allow this.

12. How can I start my fertility journey as a single woman with TFP Fertility?

Book in for a comprehensive fertility assessment at one of our network clinics. We currently have eight flagship clinics and many more associated satellite clinics across the UK, making it straightforward to find a clinic near you. 

For those considering solo motherhood, we would perform a blood test to estimate the reserve of eggs in your ovaries called an Anti-Müllerian hormone test, plus an antral follicle count (AFC) scan, which is an internal vaginal ultrasound test to assess the number of antral follicles on your ovaries.

From there, you’ll be able to discuss your results with specialists who will put together a personalised plan for you. From choosing donor sperm to accessing counselling, it’s all here.

Fertility treatment for single women – 3 top takeaways

1. Make sure your care is individualised, and evidence-based. At TFP Fertility, this is always the basis of every care plan
2. Lean on your clinic’s counselling teams. They’re there to help with any and all of the emotional aspects of the process
3. Look after yourself. And we’re talking body and mind here – whether that’s cutting down on alcohol and caffeine, or leaning on your support circle, it’s all part of navigating treatment successfully

Ready to get the ball rolling? Connect with the amazing team at TFP Fertility, and start building a plan that’s dedicated to you and your solo motherhood fertility journey.