Single Parent by Choice

If you are a single and want to have a child on your own, there are several options that you can discuss with your Olive doctor.  Your options vary depending on your sex at birth.  

For females at birth, their options include:

  • Egg freezing
  • Intrauterine Insemination of donor sperm (IUI)
  • IVF to create embryos with donor sperm to conceive now or store for the future

 

For males at birth, their options include:

  • IVF using their sperm to fertilize eggs to make embryos. The embryos are then placed into the uterus of a surrogate (aka gestational carrier)
Getting Started

Your first step is to get a referral from a family doctor or walk-in clinic. This ensures your visit and testing are covered by MSP.

After we have received your referral your patient care coordinator (PCC) will contact you and send you a list of the tests to do before your first appointment. Depending on your situation, this may include an AMH (anti Mullerian Hormone) test that indicates your egg reserve or a sperm test. Your doctor will discuss the results of your tests at your first appointment.

Your First Appointment

At your first appointment your Olive doctor will discuss your goals and concerns and review the results of your tests, including your ovarian reserve. Based on your goals and the outcome of your tests you and your doctor will decide on your Treatment Plan.

If you are female at birth, your doctor may suggest a transvaginal ultrasound to check out your ovarian reserve and the health of your ovaries. This procedure is performed by inserting an ultrasound probe internally allowing your doctor to assess your ovarian reserve by counting the small sacs in the ovaries that contain the immature eggs.  Your doctor will set a plan to  help you conceive now or prepare for a pregnancy in the future.

If you are male at birth, your doctor will guide you to donor eggs and surrogacy resources to help you have a child. 

Donor Sperm

Donor sperm options include:

  • 1

    "Directed" or known donor sperm from someone who is known to the patient

  • 2

    Anonymous donor sperm that you may purchase from a commercial sperm bank (link to sperm bank)

If you are using a directed donor the donor will need:

  • Infectious disease blood testing

  • Semen analysis

  • Physical examination by an Olive physician

  • Consultation with a counselor to discuss the implications of donating sperm.

A known donor may have parental rights and obligations, so these implications should be considered. Legal consultation is required.

 

If you decide to use an anonymous donor sperm you will need a consultation with a counselor to discuss the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of using donor sperm. Subsequently, you will meet with our donor sperm nursing team to help you navigate the process of choosing a sperm donor.

More Information

Whether you are thinking about becoming a single parent, are trying to conceive, are preparing to adopt, or are already pregnant, you will find helpful resources and information on these websites:

 

Single Mothers by Choice

 

Choosing Single Parenthood

 

If you live  In Vancouver you can join  Vancouver area choice parents group and a SMBC support group to connect with others thinking about, in the process of becoming, or already are single parents by choice.