It’s no doubt that infertility is difficult for anyone going through it. However, infertility can present unique challenges for singles. Luckily, there are several viable options available that can help single women achieve their dream of starting a family. It is important that those who aspire to become parents are aware of the various fertility options for singles, highlighting assisted reproductive technologies as a potential pathway to parenthood.
Fertility Options For Singles
Women who are single yet want to have children are dependent on sperm donation. Understanding the available fertility options is crucial for any woman who is ready for the journey of parenthood. Here at Carolinas Fertility Institute, through personalized care and attention, our goal is to help make your fertility journey as stress-free as possible. Continue reading to learn more about fertility options for single women.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a fertility treatment that involves the retrieval of eggs from the woman, fertilization of the eggs in a laboratory setting, and the transfer of the resulting embryos into the woman’s uterus. IVF has revolutionized the field of assisted reproductive technology and has provided hope to many single women who dream of becoming mothers. By using IVF with either a known sperm donor or an unknown sperm donor, single women can overcome fertility challenges and achieve pregnancy.
Intracervical Insemination (ICI)
Intracervical insemination, or ICI, involves inserting the sperm into the cervix, which is the passageway outside the uterus. A woman undergoing this treatment will track and monitor her ovulation cycle. A doctor will use a syringe to insert the donor’s sperm into the woman’s vagina. A woman will lie down for 15 minutes to a half-hour so that the sperm can travel into the uterus. Once the treatment is complete, a woman will take a pregnancy test in a few weeks to determine whether ICI was successful. Intracervical insemination is regarded as simpler, less expensive, and lower risk than IUI.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Other fertility options include intrauterine insemination or IUI. IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during an ovulation cycle through a similar procedure that is done for ICI. This procedure can be an effective fertility treatment for single women, especially when combined with the use of donor sperm. IUI offers a less invasive and more affordable alternative to in vitro fertilization (IVF), making it an attractive option for single women who are looking to conceive. In fact, intrauterine insemination is considered to be the most common way for women to achieve pregnancy.
Fertility Preservation
Egg freezing is an increasingly popular option among singles who wish to preserve their fertility. By freezing their eggs at a younger age, singles can increase their chances of successful conception in the future. This empowers them to pursue personal or professional goals while still having the option to build a family later in life.
Carolinas Fertility Institute (CFI) is a nation-leading clinic in North and South Carolina that captures your current vitality and preserves it for the future. We offer elective egg preservation (oocyte cryopreservation) for patients interested in preventing age-related declines in fertility, as well as egg and sperm cryopreservation for oncology patients prior to chemotherapy.
Being single should never hinder a woman’s dreams of becoming a parent. Assisted reproductive technologies provide singles with multiple fertility options to achieve their parenting dreams. Carolinas Fertility Institute is a practice that specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. CFI provides advanced reproductive technologies in a comforting, supportive environment to give patients the personal care they deserve. Call us at (336) 448-9100 to make an appointment in the Triad or (844) 686-2233 for our Charlotte office.