Single Parent IVF: Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Family
by Chelsea Fertility NYC · · Updated
Single-parent IVF is when a single woman chooses to or needs to build her family using a sperm donor and in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF with a sperm donor isn’t necessarily a go-to for single women, but it can be used in cases where intrauterine insemination (IUI) was not successful or if a medical condition, such as an infertility diagnosis, requires IVF.
For example, IVF would be used instead of IUI in cases where the female patient has had a previously-failed IUI, has experienced recurrent miscarriages, has a condition like endometriosis which inhibits pregnancy, has damaged fallopian tubes or has an inherited genetic disease she wishes to avoid passing to her child.
Reasons for Single-parent IVF
Just as reasons for egg freezing or fertility preservation can change from woman to woman, reasons for single-parent IVF can vary. Using third-party reproduction such as an egg donor, sperm donor or gestational surrogate has become more commonplace in the last decade, especially for LGBTQ and single -parent families. Modern family building takes many forms, and reasons for single parent IVF can include women who:
- Choose to build a family regardless of current relationship status
- Have concerns about age and female fertility
Of course, your reasoning is personal, and Chelsea Fertility NYC celebrates our patients’ choices, no matter why they were chosen. Our physicians and staff work with growing families of all sizes and we welcome anyone who is eager to start their fertility journey.
Using a sperm donor during single parent IVF
When using a sperm donor, women can choose to either work with a directed, or known sperm donor who is likely a family member or close friend. You can also choose to work with an unknown sperm donor, someone you choose from a sperm bank’s sperm donor database after reviewing their profile. IVF will be used to create the embryo from your egg and the donor’s sperm.
Resources for a healthy pregnancy
In addition to our family-building services, Chelsea Fertility NYC provides a number of healthy pregnancy resources women can use while preparing for their pregnancy and throughout.