You don't need a partner to become a mother. More women than ever are choosing solo motherhood β building families on their own terms, on their own timeline. In Colombia, single women have full legal access to IVF, IUI, and donor sperm, with costs 50-60% lower than the US.
Whether you're 32 and haven't met the right person, 38 and unwilling to wait any longer, or simply know that single motherhood is right for you β Colombia welcomes you.
Solo Motherhood by the Numbers
In the UK alone, single women using fertility treatment increased 243% between 2012-2022. In Australia, over 700 single women underwent IVF in Victoria in a single year. This is no longer an unusual choice β it's a growing movement of women taking control of their fertility.
Your Treatment Options
As a single woman, you have several paths to motherhood. The right choice depends on your age, fertility status, and timeline.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Simplest option. Donor sperm placed directly in uterus during ovulation. Good first step if you're under 35 with no known fertility issues. May need 3-6 attempts.
IVF with Donor Sperm
Higher success rates than IUI. Eggs retrieved, fertilized in lab, embryo transferred. Recommended if you're over 35 or IUI hasn't worked.
Egg Freezing
Preserve your fertility now, decide later. Freeze eggs while they're young, use them when you're ready β with or without a partner.
IVF with Donor Eggs + Sperm
If your own eggs aren't viable. Use young donor eggs with donor sperm for highest success rates regardless of your age.
Cost Comparison: Colombia vs US
| Treatment | Colombia | United States |
|---|---|---|
| IUI + Donor Sperm | $1,200 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| IVF + Donor Sperm | $5,000 - $8,500 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Donor Sperm (per vial) | $500 - $1,500 | $800 - $1,500 |
| Medications | $1,000 - $2,500 | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Egg Freezing | $3,000 - $6,000 | $10,000 - $15,000 |
With only one income funding treatment, cost matters. A single IVF cycle in Colombia β including flights, accommodation, and treatment β often costs less than treatment alone in the US. If you need multiple cycles, the savings compound.
Sperm Donors in Colombia
Colombian fertility clinics maintain sperm banks with diverse, thoroughly screened donors. Here's what to expect:
Donor Screening
- Infectious disease testing (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, etc.)
- Genetic carrier screening for common conditions
- Semen analysis for quality and count
- Medical and family history review
- Psychological evaluation
Donor Information Available
- Physical characteristics (height, weight, eye/hair color, skin tone)
- Ethnicity and nationality
- Education level and profession
- Blood type
- Hobbies and interests (some clinics)
- Baby photos (some clinics)
Note: Sperm donation in Colombia is anonymous by law. You'll have detailed information to choose the right donor, but won't have identifying information. This protects all parties legally.
The Solo IVF Journey: What to Expect
Before Your Trip (4-8 weeks)
- Initial virtual consultation with your Colombian clinic
- Complete baseline fertility testing at home (blood work, ultrasound)
- Review sperm donor profiles and make your selection
- Coordinate timing and book travel
In Colombia (15-20 days for IVF)
- Days 1-2: In-person consultation, baseline ultrasound, start medications
- Days 3-10: Daily hormone injections, monitoring every 2-3 days
- Days 11-12: Trigger shot and egg retrieval
- Days 12-17: Embryo development in lab
- Day 17-18: Embryo transfer
- Days 18-20: Rest and departure
After Your Trip
- Pregnancy test 10-12 days after transfer (can be done at home)
- If positive: prenatal care continues with your OB at home
- If negative: regroup with your Colombian clinic to plan next steps
Going Solo: Practical Considerations
Bring support: While you don't need a partner, consider bringing a friend or family member. Someone to drive you after retrieval (you'll be sedated), keep you company during the wait, and provide emotional support.
Remote work: Many solo moms work remotely during the stimulation phase β appointments only take 1-2 hours, leaving plenty of productive time.
Build your village: Research shows solo mothers rely more heavily on friends and parents for support. Make sure your support network knows your plans.
Age Considerations for Single Women
Under 35
You have time, but not unlimited time. If motherhood is important to you, start now or freeze eggs. IUI success rates are 15-20% per cycle; IVF is 40-50%. You may have the luxury of trying less invasive options first.
Ages 35-38
The window is narrowing. Egg quality is declining, though you likely still have good chances with your own eggs. Consider IVF over IUI for better odds. Egg freezing is still worthwhile but becoming more urgent.
Ages 38-40
Time to be aggressive. IVF is strongly recommended over IUI. Success rates with own eggs: 20-30% per cycle. You may need 2-3 cycles. Consider PGT-A genetic testing to select the healthiest embryos.
Over 40
Success with own eggs drops significantly (10-15% per cycle at 40-42, lower after). Donor eggs dramatically improve odds (60-70% success). Have an honest conversation with your doctor about realistic expectations.
Legal Considerations
In Colombia
Single women have full legal access to all fertility treatments. There are no restrictions based on marital status. Your child's birth certificate will list you as the sole parent.
Returning to the US
If you're a US citizen, your child is automatically a US citizen through you. You'll apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad at the US Embassy and obtain a US passport before traveling home. The process typically takes 2-3 weeks after birth.
At Home
As a single parent, you'll be the sole legal guardian. There's no co-parent to negotiate with β which simplifies things legally, even if it means more responsibility practically.
Ready to Begin Your Solo Motherhood Journey?
We'll connect you with clinics experienced in treating single women and help you plan your fertility trip to Colombia.
Get Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to be approved for IVF as a single woman?
Not in Colombia. Single women receive the same care and access as couples. There's no additional approval process or waiting period.
Can I use a known sperm donor?
Colombian law requires anonymous sperm donation. If using a known donor is important to you, you'd need to explore treatment in a country with different regulations.
How do I handle treatment alone?
Many solo moms bring a friend or family member for support. Clinics are also accustomed to treating single women and provide extra guidance. You can absolutely do this alone β millions of women have.
What if I meet someone later?
Having a child solo doesn't prevent you from finding a partner later. Many solo moms eventually meet partners who become wonderful step-parents. You're not closing any doors.
Should I freeze eggs or do IVF now?
If you're certain you want to be a mother and you're ready now, IVF gives you a baby sooner. If you're uncertain or want to wait for a partner, egg freezing preserves options. Both are valid choices β it depends on your timeline and certainty.
Read more: Egg Freezing in Colombia | IVF Cost Guide | IVF Over 40
Building Your Support Network
Going through IVF as a single woman doesnt mean going through it alone. Building a strong support network is essential for emotional wellbeing during treatment. This might include trusted friends and family members who understand and support your decision, online communities of other single mothers by choice, local support groups if available in your area, and a therapist who specializes in fertility issues.
Many women find that being open about their journey helps them find unexpected support. Others prefer to keep their plans private until theyve achieved pregnancy. Theres no right or wrong approachβdo what feels comfortable for you. The key is having at least a few people you can talk to honestly about the ups and downs of the process. Single motherhood by choice is a path chosen by thousands of strong, capable women who are fully prepared to provide loving homes for their children.