Becoming a single mother at the Center for Reproductive Medicine

Hi all,

I’m considering undergo a fertility treatment on my own since I’ve been single for 5 years and with no intention to change that.

I’m from Alabama and therefore looking into trustworthy fertility centers in my area. I read about the Center for Reproductive Medicine. They list single parenthood on their website. So, this means I have to undergo insemination with donor sperm apparently. I don’t know what the process will be like. Can I choose my sperm donor? Or it’s the clinic itself that takes charge of the selection?

Also, I’m already 39 years old. I don’t know if I’m already too old for this. Any comments on this matter would be highly appreciated.

Hi Trixie,

in Alabama, you can choose between a known or an anonymous sperm donor. In the case of a known donor, it is possible to get to know him in person or you even may chose someone you know. On the other hand, when resorting to an anonymous sperm donor, you only will get basic information such as ethnicity or his physical aspects. It’s the clinic itself which takes charge of the screening and selection process of the donor candidate.

Finally, the donated sperm will be inserted by means of insemination or in vitro fertilization. Read more about the whole process about fertility treatments with donor sperm here: How can a woman get pregnant without a man?

Also, in cases of patients with advanced age, it might be necessary to opt directly for in vitro fertilization as your ovarian reserve might already be diminished and artificial insemination would thus be insufficient. In your case, your doctor might indicate IVF with donor sperm. Read more about how it works here: IVF with donor sperm.

Last but not least, feeling comfortable in a fertility clinic is very important. Undergoing any kind of fertility treatment is a hard road and can be emotionally very exhausting, so try to avoid any additional inconvenience. For this reason, from inviTRA we always advise you to visit at least two or three fertility clinics before deciding so that you can compare your impressions of each one. In our clinic directory, you will be able to obtain information about the centers in your area you are interested in. Here is the link: Clinic Directory.

Hope this helps,

all the best