Anyone else over 40 and single considering becoming a single mum by choice?

[Onetwothree456]

Hello, I've found myself single at 41 and thinking about finally going ahead with IVF to become a single mum by choice.
It would be great to be in touch with any other women in the same boat so we can support each other along the way?
A bit more about me: My last relationship ended a couple of years ago and I've been seriously thinking about this for a few years. I'm potentially thinking about kickstarting this early next year using sperm donor (for IVF and PGS) and possibly using a more affordable clinic in Europe (pandemic-depending).
It would be great to hear from anyone else in the same boat.
And for anyone who has just gone through this, it would be great to hear how you're coping with life as an older single mum? Including potentially how you're juggling finances of going it alone too (for those without family support close by)? I would possibly only be able to have a short time off work so I'd be interested to hear how others manage this - as well as conception plans. :)
But it would be great to have some fellow buddies in the same boat so we can support each other along the way.

@Totorotoes - I got really lucky, it was the first attempt. I was prescribed some medication to stimulate ovulation but it was less than I expected. I opted for pay-as-you go. It took a few months to get matched for sperm so it worked out relatively easy to save/fund in the end.

@tigger2022 that's really good to hear, I think I have decided to do pay-as-you-go and I'm just hoping I'm as lucky as you! I've ordered my donor sperm already so I hope that won't hold things up, I'm keen to start now 😊

Good luck! Once the sperm arrives at the clinic, it all happens very quickly x

@tigger2022 how long did your sperm take to arrive? I've ordered but now I have to have a CMV test (which, in my opinion, should be included in the fertility MOT for all of us using donor sperm!); I anticipate CD1 on 7th or 8th of May and I'm not sure if the sperm will be here in time for ovulation (estimated 23rd May). If not I will try to be patient and wait until June!

I'm not sure exactly because the clinic sourced it. I made my selection in early January (had to do some other things like genetic counselling) then had to wait until my next period to start the cycle which was early February. By the time it started, the sperm had already arrived so I had the actual IUI in late Feb.

Hi, ah mine does it differently- I had to source and order it myself. Hoping it won't take too long! 🤞

This may have already been mentioned in the thread but there’s a very active uk based SMBC Facebook group that is helpful to access