f you’re planning to build your family on your own, we’ll guide you through safe, evidence-based options with clear timelines, costs, and support at every step.
Single women considering pregnancy now or in the future
People preserving fertility (egg or embryo freezing) while single
Single men exploring parenthood via donor eggs and gestational surrogacy (we’ll outline the UK framework and trusted partners)
Best if:regular ovulation, healthy tubes, straightforward history.
What happens:timed insemination with screened donor sperm (natural cycle or with mild stimulation).
Why choose it:simpler, lower-cost, minimal medication.
Reality check:success per cycle is modest; many plan 3–6 cycles.
Best if:older maternal age, tubal factors, lower ovarian reserve, or after several IUIs.
What happens:ovarian stimulation, egg collection, lab fertilisation, embryo transfer (fresh or frozen).
Options:single embryo transfer as standard; add-on tests only if indicated.
Egg freezing:for those not ready yet but want options later.
Embryo freezing:if you prefer to choose a donor now and store embryos for future use.
Banked donors:identity-release per UK law (your child can access identifying info at 18).
Known donors:possible with proper screening and legal counselling.
Screening includes:infectious diseases, genetic carrier panels per donor bank standards.
Matching:phenotypic preferences (e.g., height, eye/hair colour) and non-identifying profiles.
We’ll help you weigh practicalities (availability, carrier results) without turning this into a 3-month spreadsheet marathon—unless you love spreadsheets.
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Ovarian reserve:AMH, antral follicle count
General pre-conception:blood count, vitamin D, rubella, thyroid (as indicated)
Pelvis & tubes:ultrasound ± hycosy if IUI is planned
Lifestyle:smoking/vaping cessation, alcohol, weight, folic acid 400 mcg/day, vitamin D
Nurse & doctor consult→ medical history, plan, consent forms
Counselling→ required for donor conception; space to think through future questions
Screening & selection→ tests, donor choice, logistics
Treatment
IUI: typically cycle-based (minimal disruption)
IVF: ~2 weeks of stimulation before egg collection
Pregnancy test~2 weeks post-insemination/transfer
Early pregnancy careif positive
Success depends on age, ovarian reserve, uterine/tubal health, and treatment type. We’ll give yourpersonalised probabilities before you decide—no glitter, no guesswork. Single embryo transfer is our default to minimise multiple pregnancy risk.
Legal parenthood:as a single mother using donor sperm, you are the child’s legal parent; the donor is not.
Identity-release:UK donors are identity-release at 18; your child can request identifying info then.
Record keeping:we’ll register treatments and outcomes per HFEA requirements.
Known donor or surrogacy:requires specific counselling, consents, and (for surrogacy) a parental order after birth.
This is general information, not legal advice—we’ll connect you with specialist solicitors when needed.
Dedicated counselling for donor conception choices and “telling the child”
Peer-support signposting and single-parent networks
Evidence-based coping tools (sleep, mood, stress) integrated into our care
Is IUI or IVF better for me?
Depends on age, ovarian reserve, tubal status, and how quickly you want to try. We’ll model both options with your numbers.
Do I have to tell my child about the donor?
It’s your choice, but most experts recommend openness. We’ll provide age-appropriate resources and counselling.
Can I use a known donor?
Yes—with medical screening, counselling, and consents. We’ll walk you through safeguards and legal considerations.
What if I’m not ready to carry yet?
Consider egg or embryo freezing now; decide on transfer later.
I’m a single man—can you help with surrogacy?
Yes. We’ll coordinate investigations, donor-egg matching, and referrals to regulated surrogacy partners, plus legal support.
Book a consultation (in-person or virtual). Bring your questions—we’ll bring data, clarity, and a plan.
