Are you considering becoming a single parent by choice? Have you always dreamed of starting a family but haven’t found the right partner—or are you just ready to take the next steps on your own?
Deciding to become a single parent by choice is not always easy, but there is now so much opportunity for men and women to create a family independently. While you may face some additional challenges on your journey, we are here to help guide you through your options and will support you through your treatment.
Potential Barriers for Single Parents
We can thank the advancements in fertility treatment for helping pave the way for many individuals and couples who may not have had accessible family-building options in the past.
While these new advancements have opened doors, there are still some hurdles that single parents should be aware of as they start their journey.
Pursuing single parenthood by choice can be a wonderful experience for many. Still, it’s always important to gain as much information upfront to help to set your expectations and help manage emotions along the way.
Your fertility treatment experience and options can also vary based on whether you are male or female.
Fertility Treatment for Single Moms By Choice
Choosing to become a mom on your own often means using donor sperm. This can be from a known donor, or you can reach out to a donor agency to help you find a de-identified donor.
With donor sperm, you can pursue intrauterine insemination or IUI or in vitro fertilization, also known as IVF. You can discuss these options with your provider to see what is best for you and your situation.
While IUI is initially less costly, getting a better idea of your fertility health and goals is important before moving to the next steps. IVF is a great option for anyone, particularly women who are closer to 40 and considering having more than one child- as it allows you to bank eggs or embryos for the future.
For some women, there is also the consideration of egg and embryo donation. This can be due to age or fertility health concerns but may also come down to a personal decision. For those considering egg and embryo donation, your clinic will be able to walk you through the process and if there are any special requirements needed, including a potential meeting with a psychologist to ensure you are aware of all the ins and outs of being a parent to a child that is not biologically related to you. While egg and embryo donation is an option, seeing a specialist earlier than later is key to ensure you are still within the age window for these services provided at your clinic.
Fertility Options for Single Dads By Choice
Single dads by choice will require the use of a gestational carrier. A gestational carrier is a woman who has an embryo created by the intended parents, and carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual. This woman, in most cases, has no biological connection to the child. An egg donor is needed to create the embryo, which can come from someone you know (a known donor) or be a de-identified egg donor, often found using a donor agency.
Some patients opt to pursue using a donor embryo - created from someone else who made embryos for the use of building their own family and have since decided they are no longer in need of those embryos and would like to donate them.
Taking the Next Steps Towards Single Parenthood By Choice
Pursuing the road of “single parent by choice” comes with its challenges, but making yourself aware of any obstacles you may face and figuring out what options are available is the best way to navigate your journey.
At OC Fertility, we welcome any individuals to our clinic who are considering being single parents by choice. At your initial consultation, we are happy to walk you through your options, determine your fertility health, and help you determine what option is right for you.
If you’re ready to take that first step, you can call or text us at 949-996-9522 to schedule your initial consultation today.
