Can You Have IVF as a Single Woman in the UK?

Wondering if you can get IVF as a single woman in the UK? This guide explores your rights, options, and everything you need to consider when starting IVF treatment as a single woman.

IVF as a Single Woman UK: Is It Possible?

Having IVF as a Single Woman is possible - absolutely. IVF as a single woman in the UK is not only possible but increasingly common. Whether you're ready to become a solo parent by choice, or are facing fertility challenges without a partner, the UK's legal and medical systems support your right to access fertility treatment.

In recent years, more clinics have embraced inclusivity, offering IVF treatment for single women with tailored support and guidance. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) ensures that single women have the same rights to IVF as couples.

But while the legal framework is in place, there are practical, emotional, and financial considerations to think about before beginning the process.

How Does IVF as a Single Woman Work?

For single women, IVF typically involves using donor sperm to fertilise your own eggs (or donor eggs, if needed). The process is similar to traditional IVF but with added steps for choosing and accessing sperm donation.

Here’s how IVF treatment for single women generally works:

1. Initial Consultation: You’ll discuss your medical history, be scheduled to have any necessary fertility tests (AMH levels, ultrasound scans, etc.), and review your treatment plan.
   

2. Choosing a Sperm Donor: You can use:
   

   • • • A known donor (someone you know)
         

       • An anonymous donor from a licensed UK sperm bank
         

       • An international donor bank (via your clinic)

3. Ovarian Stimulation: You’ll take hormones to stimulate egg production.
   

4. Egg Collection and Fertilisation: Your eggs are collected and fertilised with donor sperm in the lab.
   

5. Embryo Transfer: One (or sometimes two) embryos are transferred to your uterus.
   

6. Pregnancy Test: After the two-week wait, you’ll return for a blood test to confirm if the cycle was successful.
   

IVF as a Single Woman: Key Considerations

Before starting IVF as a single woman, it’s important to consider a range of practical and emotional aspects. Here are some of the most important:

1. Cost of IVF Treatment for Single Women

Unfortunately, NHS funding for IVF as a single woman can be limited. Eligibility depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), and many areas prioritise couples with fertility issues over elective solo parenting. You may be expected to:

• Prove infertility (e.g., failed IUI attempts)
  

• Cover all costs yourself if you're choosing to parent alone without trying to conceive naturally

Private IVF in the UK typically costs between £4,000–£7,000 per cycle, not including medication, donor sperm, or add-ons like embryo freezing. 

At IVF Matters, we try to make treatment options as accessible as possible by also offering payment plans that you can utilise to help spread the cost of treatment. 

2. Accessing Donor Sperm

Using donor sperm adds a layer of legal and ethical decisions. All licensed UK sperm donors:

• Must be screened for infections and genetic conditions
  

• Are limited to creating families for up to 10 UK families
  

• Are not anonymous — your child can request identifying information when they turn 18
  

You should discuss your preferences (e.g., ethnicity, education, physical traits) with your clinic to help you choose the right donor. 

3. Legal Parenthood

When using donor sperm as a single woman, you will be the sole legal parent. You have full parental rights and responsibilities from birth.

It’s important to understand:

• You won’t share legal parenthood with the sperm donor.
  

• You can’t claim child support from a donor.
  

• Your child can access non-identifying information about their donor at 16 and identifying details at 18.
  

4. Emotional Support and Counselling

Choosing IVF as a single woman can be empowering — but it’s not without its emotional ups and downs. Clinics regulated by the HFEA are required to offer counselling, and it's highly recommended you participate to obtain the support required..

Counselling helps you explore:

• What solo parenthood means for you and your future child
  

• How to talk to your child about their donor conception
  

• Your support network — both practical and emotional
  

5. Support Network and Planning for Parenthood

Going it alone doesn’t mean going without support. Before starting IVF, it’s wise to consider:

• Do you have family/friends who can support you during pregnancy and early parenthood?
  

• Will you need to adjust your work schedule or living arrangements?
  

• Have you thought about finances, childcare, and long-term planning?
  

Having a written support plan — even just for yourself — can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Success Rates for IVF as a Single Woman UK

Success rates for single women undergoing IVF depend largely on age and fertility health, just as they do for couples. According to HFEA data:

• Women under 35 have around a 32% success rate per embryo transfer
  

• Women aged 35–37 have about 25%
  

• Over 40, success rates drop to below 15%
  

Using donor eggs or opting for pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A) may improve your chances if age or medical issues are a concern.

Can You Freeze Eggs as a Single Woman?

Yes — and it’s increasingly popular. If you’re not ready for motherhood yet but want to preserve your fertility, egg freezing is a great option. It gives you the chance to have IVF treatment for single women later on, with younger, healthier eggs.

Egg freezing is most effective before age 35, but many women freeze eggs into their early 40s. Talk to us here at IVF Matters about expected success rates based on your age and fertility profile.

Click here for more information on our Egg Freezing FAQs.

Final Thoughts

So, can you have IVF as a single woman in the UK? The answer is a resounding "yes" — and there’s a growing number of women doing exactly that.

With the right preparation, support, and guidance, you can build the family you’ve always wanted, on your own terms.

From choosing a sperm donor to planning for solo parenthood, there’s a lot to consider — but you don’t have to do it alone. Fertility clinics like IVF Matters, our counsellors, and online support groups are all there to help you every step of the way.

Want to Discuss your Options?

If you'd like to discuss the potential of having fertility treatment as a single woman, you can schedule a FREE Advisory Call with our resident Fertility Expert, Dr Irfana Koita who will talk you through the process.  Click here to schedule an Advisory Call, or if you would like a full consultation with Dr Koita to start the process, you can book a convenient call or video appointment via our website.