Family Building Options

There are many ways to build a family. Single women now have more options than ever before to have a baby. Donor sperm and egg freezing are two pathways to explore. With the right approach, fertility treatments can help patients get pregnant when desired.

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Known donor sperm

There are two main options for donor sperm. A known donor is a person the woman knows personally. This could be a male friend, acquaintance, or family member unrelated by blood. There are many benefits to choosing a known donor. A woman planning to carry the pregnancy will have a better sense of the person’s appearance, personality, and overall health. Depending on the exact agreement, known donors may also be interested in establishing a relationship with the child. Using sperm from a known donor is also less expensive.

Unknown donor sperm

The second option for single women needing sperm is an unknown donor. This means the woman purchase sperm from a sperm bank, and the donor remains anonymous. Limited information about physical traits, medical history, and interests are often available. These men are also tested for any infectious diseases before donating. Although commercial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests make donors more easily identifiable nowadays, most men supply the sample to remain anonymous. Unknown donors are a good option for women desiring no paternal involvement.

Time to get pregnant

Once a donor has been selected, the next step is to consider how the sperm will be inserted. One option is home insemination, where the sample is shipped directly to the woman and inserted into the vagina using a needless syringe. If a more medical approach is preferred, patients can consider having intrauterine insemination (IUI) done with the donated sperm at a fertility clinic. In this scenario, the frozen sample is thawed and transferred into the cervix during ovulation. Lastly, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered in some situations. This approach is more expensive and medically involved, and is usually only recommended when the woman has underlying fertility issues or genetic concerns.

Freeze eggs to stop time

Egg freezing is another fertility option to consider when a woman desires children but isn’t quite ready for pregnancy. Egg freezing is a multistep process that uses medication to promote egg growth. Once mature, the eggs are then retrieved under anesthesia. These eggs can be frozen for use at a later date. By undergoing egg freezing now, women can guarantee a better shot at future fertility once ready to have a baby.

Single mom by choice

There are many reasons a woman might decide to have a child independently. Whatever the rationale, options are available. Known and unknown donor sperm are both excellent choices for women ready for a baby. Egg freezing buys time for women interested in building a family later in life. Talk to a healthcare provider to understand the pros and cons of each option and determine the best way to become a parent through pregnancy.

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