Treatment options
Once you have decided you’re ready to proceed, there are several ways to approach conception as a single parent.
Deciding which approach to take is a personal choice and our team is happy to discuss each option in detail to make sure you pick the right one for your circumstances and goals.
The most common options are:
1) Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
This is a procedure that involves placing the sperm into the uterus using a small tube prior to ovulation. This is a somewhat ‘gentler’ approach but usually requires excellent quality eggs and sperm to be successful.
2) IVF (in vitro fertilisation) with own eggs
This is the same procedure we use for couples, where fertility medication stimulates the ovaries to produce a larger number of eggs that are then removed from the ovaries and combined with the sperm in the laboratory. The only difference is that in this case we would use donated sperm. After fertilisation, the embryo develops in the laboratory for five days and is then transferred back to the woman’s uterus.
3) IVF (in vitro fertilisation) with donor eggs
For females, should there be any concerns about the age or quality of your eggs, it’s possible to do the above procedure using eggs procured from a donor. For male couples, this would be a step to consider surrogacy with donor eggs.
4) Egg freezing
If you would like to consider single parenthood but are not ready to proceed right now, you can also consider freezing some eggs to use at a later date.
Donors
Choosing a sperm donor is an important process and can be approached in a couple of different ways. One option is to use sperm donated by someone you know, and the other is to select someone from the Genea Sperm Bank.
It’s important to know that in Australia, donor conceived children are entitled to know the identity of their donor once they reach the age of 18. Also, donors in Australia are not paid for their services.
Choosing to become a single parent is a powerful decision - and you deserve to feel supported every step of the way
Costs
The costs for single parents vary depending on the options you choose, including whether you use donor eggs and sperm from the Genea Sperm Bank.
The treatment costs are set, regardless of whether you are undergoing the procedures as a single person or as a couple. However, it might be possible for you to qualify for government benefits, depending on the reason why you require fertility assistance.
Our team can guide you through your options and help you to select the right choice for you and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering solo parenthood?
Solo parenthood is becoming increasingly common and we welcome anyone considering this option at FertilitySA.
You may be absolutely set on this pathway and are ready to go, which is great and we would be happy to help you get started.
But you might also still be considering your options, which is also absolutely fine and we are here to support you in this case as well. Doing the initial testing is a good way to get a clear overview of your fertility status and likelihood of success, and our counselling team is available to support you as you work out whether this is the right choice for you.