Fertility Treatment Options for Single Aspiring Parents
The path to parenthood looks different for everyone, and for single aspiring parents, there are more options than ever before to build the family of your dreams. Advances in fertility treatments and supportive reproductive technologies make it possible to navigate this journey with confidence, no matter where you’re starting from. Here’s an overview of fertility options designed specifically for single individuals.
1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a common and minimally invasive fertility treatment. It involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to improve the chances of conception.
For single aspiring parents, donor sperm is often used. Sperm can be obtained from a sperm bank, where donors are carefully screened for medical and genetic conditions, or from a known donor. IUI is often a good starting point for individuals who ovulate regularly and have no significant fertility issues.
If you choose to work with an anonymous sperm donor at Indiana Fertility Institute (IFI), we’ll support you by connecting you with a sperm bank that is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). AATB-accredited sperm banks must uphold specific standards to ensure that all semen samples are high quality and free of diseases.
If you choose to work with a known sperm donor, your donor will still have to undergo strict screening measures to ensure they’re physically, genetically, and psychologically healthy enough to donate their sperm.
2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a more advanced treatment option for single parents who may face fertility challenges or prefer a higher level of control over their family-building journey. IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving the eggs, fertilizing them in a lab with donor sperm, and transferring a healthy embryo into the uterus.
IVF offers additional benefits, such as:
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Genetic Screening: Testing embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions before implantation.
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Embryo Freezing: Allowing for future family-building with embryos created during the initial IVF cycle.
IVF is an excellent option for individuals who want to maximize their chances of success or preserve their fertility for future use.
3. Donor Eggs
For single aspiring parents who are unable to use their own eggs due to age, medical conditions, or other factors, donor eggs offer a pathway to parenthood. Eggs are donated by individuals who undergo rigorous screening to ensure they are healthy and viable for use in IVF.
Similar to donor sperm, patients have the option of using eggs from a known or anonymous donor. If you choose to use an anonymous egg donor, we can help connect you to a donor, either through our internal program or through a qualified donor egg bank. Egg donors must also undergo rigorous medical screenings & evaluations to be able to donate their genetic materials.
Donor eggs are an option for single men who are aspiring parents. We’ll touch on this more in the next section.
4. Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is an option for single parents who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves. This process involves partnering with a gestational carrier who carries the pregnancy on your behalf. Surrogacy is often used in cases where:
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The intended parent is male and requires an egg donor and carrier.
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The intended parent has a medical condition that prevents pregnancy.
Gestational surrogacy involves transferring an embryo created via IVF (using the intended parent’s sperm and/or egg or donor materials) into the carrier’s uterus.
In the state of Indiana, single individuals are allowed to pursue surrogacy, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, the intended parent must have a genetic connection to the embryo. It’s also important to note that a statute exists in Indiana that states gestational carrier agreements are void and unenforceable. However, this is specific to traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate is genetically related to the child), not gestational surrogacy. You can learn more about surrogacy in Indiana here.
3. Fertility Preservation
For Women
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is an option for single aspiring female parents who aren’t ready to have a child but want to preserve their fertility for the future. Eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for later use.
When ready, the eggs can be thawed, fertilized with donor sperm, and transferred as embryos. Egg freezing provides flexibility and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your personal or professional goals while keeping parenthood an option down the road.
For Men
For single men who wish to start a family in the future, sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is a simple and effective option. When ready, the frozen sperm can be used in treatments like IUI or IVF, along with a donor egg and gestational carrier if needed.
Emotional and Legal Considerations
It’s no secret that starting a family as a single parent involves more than medical decisions. Consider these additional aspects:
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Emotional Support: The fertility journey can be both exciting and challenging. Seek out support groups, counseling, or trusted friends and family to share your experience. At IFI, we can help you find mental health resources to support you on your journey.
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Legal Guidance: When using donor sperm, donor eggs, or a gestational carrier, it’s important to work with a legal professional who specializes in reproductive law. They can help ensure that your parental rights are protected.
We’re Here for You
We believe every individual deserves the chance to become a parent, regardless of their relationship status. Our team is here to guide you through your options, provide expert care, and help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
If you’re ready to explore your fertility options, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to bring you closer to your family-building goals.