Treatment options for single moms and dads
Greenwich Fertility is proud to make parenthood a reality for single moms or dads. Making a decision to become a single parent is not an easy one. It is the right choice, however, for many women and men who have an excellent support system in place, but just have not found the right partner. The team at Greenwich Fertility works with you to ensure that you are comfortable with and educated about all of your options, every step of the way.
Making a consultation appointment with one of our physicians is the first step in this journey.
During your first appointment, your physician will review any prior medical records pertaining to fertility and take a comprehensive reproductive and medical history, as well as explore your family building goals. Your first appointment will also likely include pre-conceptual blood work and a physical exam and pelvic ultrasound. You will have an opportunity to meet with a member of our infertility benefits team, who will help you understand your insurance coverage and any potential out of pocket costs. It is our goal to make the process of becoming a single mom or dad as affordable and stress free as possible.
You will also schedule an appointment with one of our affiliate psychologists who will further discuss with you family building goals and implications of having a baby with donor sperm or donor eggs.
For women interested in becoming single moms, finding a sperm donor is one of the next steps in the journey. Women have several options including using a known donor (family member or friend), anonymous donor or identity release donor, which gives your child the option to contact the donor after turning 18 years of age
There are several treatment options employing donor sperm, decisions on which treatment option is right for you will be discussed with your physician after initial testing is completed:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI, otherwise known as artificial insemination is a process whereby sperm is placed into a woman’s reproductive tract with a small catheter. This short, non-invasive procedure happens in the office. Depending on indications, a woman may choose to undergo a “natural cycle” insemination during which her own cycle will be monitored and a washed, concentrated sperm sample is placed into the uterus at the time of ovulation. If more aggressive treatment is necessary, oral or injectable medications may be recommended in conjunction with an IUI. To learn more about IUI, please Click here.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is one of the most efficient routes to pregnancy. Injectable medications are used to recruit several eggs which, at time of maturity, are harvested through a procedure known as an egg retrieval. Genetic screening of embryos either for a specific genetic disease or for the proper number of chromosomes through a procedure known as PGD or PGS is possible as part of the IVF process.
Learn more about your options for finding a sperm donor.
Men interested in becoming single dads require a donor egg and a gestational carrier.
Our donor egg coordinator will assist in finding you the most appropriate option either through an agency or an egg bank. Some men may choose to use known donors. Egg donors are screened for medical and reproductive health, genetic diseases, psychological health and infectious disease.
If a gestational carrier is required, our dedicated “GC” coordinator will help connect you with reputable agencies who will preliminarily find and screen a potential carrier. Our physicians and psychologist will screen the carrier for medical, reproductive and psychological health as well as infectious diseases.