BECOMING A MOTHER WITHOUT A MALE PARTNER: WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

The desire to become a parent does not have to remain unfulfilled just because a woman does not have a male partner. Modern fertility treatment offers a woman/female couple several options for having a child, including the use of donor sperm, insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo adoption.

We base our approach on each patient’s individual situation, health status, and wishes. The goal is to find a treatment option that provides the best possible outcome and supports the woman throughout her entire journey.

THE USE OF DONOR SPERM IN FERTILITY TREATMENT

In the case of a single woman or a female couple, donor sperm (donor spermatozoa) is used to have a child. Donor sperm is also used in situations where the man lacks spermatozoa or there is a risk of passing on a genetic disease to the child. For a single woman, using donor sperm means the opportunity to start the journey toward having a child without a male partner.

In Estonia, donation is anonymous. This means that the identity of the donor is not disclosed to the patient, nor later to the child. However, according to Estonian law, it is possible to review certain biological and social data, such as the donor’s nationality, skin color, education, marital status, presence of children, height, body build, and eye and hair color.

Elite Clinic has had its own sperm bank for 30 years. The donors are healthy men aged 20–40 living in Estonia. Men whose health has been assessed as suitable after screening and whose sperm quality is excellent are selected as donors. Usually, only about one in ten men is suitable as a sperm donor.

If desired, sperm can also be ordered from the European Sperm Bank, which has operated in Denmark for over 20 years, and Cryos Bank, the world’s largest germ cell bank, which has operated for 35 years. In this case, additional fees related to sperm handling, documentation, and storage will apply.

The Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) does not cover the expenses associated with donor sperm. The price list can be found here: Elite Clinic Price Lists>>

INSEMINATION OR IVF – WHICH TREATMENT IS SUITABLE?

Donor sperm can be used for both insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The suitable method depends on the woman’s age, gynecological status, ovarian reserve, condition of the fallopian tubes, and overall fertility.

In the case of insemination, donor sperm is introduced into the uterus at the appropriate time. This can be a suitable solution if the woman’s health status supports a process similar to natural conception.

However, in many cases, the best treatment option may be in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, eggs are collected from the woman and fertilized in laboratory conditions with sperm cells separated from the seminal fluid. Fertilization takes place on a special culture dish. Usually, one of the resulting embryos is transferred into the uterus, and the remaining suitable embryos are frozen for potential future use.

EMBRYO ADOPTION

For a woman wishing to have a child alone, embryo adoption can also be an option. This means using embryos donated by other patients or couples that they no longer need or wish to keep stored.

When adopting frozen embryos (a FET procedure), the recipient is prepared for the embryo transfer, and the thawed embryo is then transferred into the uterus. There is no waiting list to participate in the embryo adoption program at Elite Clinic.

In addition to frozen embryo adoption, Elite Clinic also offers a fresh embryo adoption program, which uses donor eggs and donor sperm selected by the patient. The choice of the program depends on the patient’s wishes, medical situation, and the doctor’s recommendation.

WHY CHOOSE ELITE CLINIC?

Elite Clinic has long-term experience in the field of fertility treatment. Under the leadership of the clinic’s founder, gynecologist Dr. Andrei Sõritsa, the first IVF baby in the Baltic States was born, and since then, there has been continuous development and work on perfecting fertility treatment options.

Elite Clinic has been offering fertility treatment for over 30 years, and one of the benchmarks by which to evaluate medical institutions and make a choice is undoubtedly the treatment results. Elite Clinic has a higher-than-average success rate in fertility treatment. This is due to long-term experience, modern laboratory capabilities, and a selection of various additional services. For example, pre-implantation genetic testing of the embryo can help select the most suitable, i.e., the most viable embryo for transfer.

The statistics of Elite Clinic, meaning the results of fertility treatments, have been public for many years. We consider transparency important because patients must be able to make their treatment decisions based on reliable information.

In addition to the competent medical staff, patients at Elite Clinic appreciate the privacy, comfort, and peaceful environment. The cozy atmosphere of the clinic does not resemble a typical hospital environment and supports the patient on an emotionally challenging yet hopeful journey.

Elite Clinic is internationally recognized and cooperates with various laboratories, clinics, and donor banks. This allows us to offer patients flexible and modern treatment options.

WHERE TO START IF I WANT TO HAVE A CHILD ALONE?

When a woman without a male partner wishes to have a child, the journey usually begins with a consultation with a fertility doctor. The doctor will assess the woman’s health status, explain potential treatment methods, and help decide whether insemination, IVF with donor sperm, or embryo adoption would be more suitable.

Having a child is a very personal decision. It is important for a woman to feel informed, supported, and safe. With the help of the right treatment plan, experienced specialists, and high-quality laboratory work, it is possible for a woman to move toward her dream of having a child in a well-thought-out manner and with professional support.

More detailed information about treatment options, the use of donor sperm, embryo adoption, and prices can be found on the Elite Clinic website, as well as via email at info@elitekliinik.ee and during appointments with fertility doctors Dr. Svetlana Räim, Dr. Deniss Sõritsa, and Dr. Andrei Sõritsa.