For single women and lesbian couples, the most common way to get pregnant without a man is to receive help from a sperm donor. You have three different options when using donor sperm: IUI, ICI, and IVF. In this guide, we explain each treatment method and how they differ from each other, giving you the necessary insight to conceive on your own.
Can a woman get pregnant without a man?
It is not possible to conceive without a sperm cell, making it difficult for lesbian couples and aspiring single mothers by choice. Luckily, it is possible to achieve pregnancy without the need for sexual intercourse. In recent times, it has become increasingly popular to conceive through the use of donor sperm. Here is an overview of the three most popular options used to get pregnant without a man:
Intracervical insemination (ICI): ICI is a straightforward method similar to intercourse, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a natural and less invasive approach. Most single women and lesbian couples wish to use ICI in the comfort of their own homes.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): IUI is often recommended for single women and lesbian couples and can be performed with or without fertility drugs, depending on the woman's menstrual cycle. During IUI a healthcare professional places the sperm directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. The procedure is quick and pain-free.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is often used by people with a history of infertility or fertility issues. The eggs are fertilised in a lab and then transferred back into the uterus. Reciprocal IVF allows lesbian couples to share the pregnancy process: one partner donates the egg, which is fertilised with donor sperm. The fertilised egg is then transferred to the partner, who carries the pregnancy to term.
Most single women and lesbian couples start their journey towards parenthood with IUI or ICI, as they are the least invasive and cheapest procedures. Some lesbian couples choose to go forward with IVF, or reciprocal IVF as both partners are involved in pregnancy.
If you are looking for IUI or ICI treatment with donor sperm, Learn more about Cryos Clinic here.
The difference between your options
Before starting your journey towards parenthood, it is important to research the difference between each fertility treatment. In general, multiple factors influence the time from treatment start to a positive pregnancy, making it difficult to estimate any difference between the treatment types. Below, we provide a brief comparison of these methods to help you understand their differences and make an informed choice.
If you suffer from diseases like endometriosis or PCOS, you may be required to try other options such as In vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If you consider using a sperm donor to get pregnant, please consult a healthcare professional or Book a Call
How to get donor sperm
As you need to order donor sperm to proceed, you must decide on the preferred way to purchase the sperm. The most common way to get pregnant without a man is to receive help from a sperm donor. There are three types of sperm donors:
A donor from a sperm bank: You can also look for a sperm donor in our free Donor Search. With over 1.000 available donors, you can create filters based on your preferences and hopefully find a donor you like. All donors at Cryos have undergone thorough screening processes to comply with the regulations in your country.
A free sperm donor: Fertility treatment with donor sperm is expensive and some use a free sperm donor found online. However, we recommend using a donor from a licensed sperm bank to ensure your safety.
Known Donor: A Known Donor is someone you know, maybe a friend who wants to help you fulfil your dream of a child. When using a Known Donor, we recommend contacting a sperm bank. By using the Known Donor services at a sperm bank, you minimize any medical and legal risks.
Choosing a sperm donor
The first step in your search for a donor should be to research your country’s legislation regarding sperm donors. Some countries allow you to use both ID Release and Non-ID Release Donors, while others only allow you to use one or the other. Usually, your fertility clinic can tell you which donor type is allowed for your treatment. Otherwise, Cryos’ Customer Care Team will be happy to help you ensure that the order is correct and you have ordered the right amount of sperm to get pregnant.
Find the right fertility clinic
If you are ready to embark on the journey towards parenthood, your next step is to find the right fertility clinic or doctor to help you proceed. Try to find a fertility clinic where you feel comfortable and well-received, as you may need to spend a lot of your time there.