IVF solo with donor sperm

[IndigoBluey]

I have been going back and fore with trying to decide between private IVF treatment here in the UK or to go abroad, with the main decisive factor being cost. I have had some initial tests and vaginal ultrasound at a Glasgow clinic but have also been reading about Diers clinic in Denmark (open to anywhere else in Europe too, have read good things about Spanish clinics on here). I’ve been quoted around £7k for the UK treatment, this include £2k cost for the donor sperm which will likely be from the European Sperm Bank. I am keen to get started and aware that it will likely take a few rounds. I am looking for some experiences and thoughts as to UK versus EU treatment and also if there are any bundle types that mean you pay X amount for several attempts? And just any advice in general!

We looked into all of this and then decided to find a private donor. Cost me nothing but travel costs, hotel stays, and the insemination kit on amazon. I now have 2 DC and planning a third next year. All same donor.
If cost is a factor its something you could look into. We had a contract drawn up regarding legality and responsibility on both parties. Very happy with our situation.

SMBC here too. If you are using a UK clinic then Access Fertility do multi cycle packages with most clinics. I haven’t used them personally but I’ve heard good things about them and you are right- the first cycle is often really a test cycle to see how your body responds to the meds, so it definitely isn’t unusual to need 2 or 3 cycles for a reasonable chance of success (although obviously a few people do get lucky with the first one, and then you’ve risked paying over the odds by choosing a multi cycle package).

Personally I’d only go abroad if it’s a huge cost saving (which I’m not sure it is in Denmark by the time you’ve paid for transport, accommodation costs etc? Or at least it wasn’t back when I was looking ). Mainly because IVF is stressful enough as it is and I didn’t want to add extra stresses like travel to it (as I’d always worry that stress could be the reason it didn’t work). I’d find a clinic as local as possible, unless you have specific fertility issues that a clinic further away specialises in or someone you trust has recommended a particular one.

I also think you are doing the right thing going down the medical route with IVF and a clinic/sperm bank. Private arrangements only work well if you get extremely lucky with the donor and he proves trustworthy - with the clinic/sperm bank route at least you know that the donor has been tested to be free of some prominent genetic diseases, is limited to 10 families in the UK, that the sperm has been checked after freezing for STD’s, that it has reasonable motility etc. Good Luck!

Hi, here is the list of clinics that offer IVF refund programs:https://www.eggdonationfriends.com/ivf-refund-money-back-guarantee-programs/ Hope this helps.

For anyone considering a private donor, please Google James MacDougall to see how this can go very wrong.

Just a short update, I’ve taken the first step and purchased the donor sperm. Feels like I’ve gone from the idea / a lot of thinking over the last year to making the first big step in the journey! Next step is to call the clinic here and arrange the treatment plan. Excited!

That’s very exciting for you. Keep us updated x

Thank you and I will be back with updates

@IndigoBluey hi, hope its all still going well for you OP

@Steve9876i see Steve had plenty of times on his hands (no hobbies / mates before posting drivel here)@BeRedBiscuitthank you for asking, I am starting my treatment next month and I’m excited albeit nervous. How are you getting along?

I'm 28wks and had the 4d scan, it was so interesting:-) solo also, will be an older mum, but glad I made decision and excited for others embarking on their journey also. Wishing you luck and a straightforward path to motherhood 😊