How Much Does IVF Cost for Single Women in the UK?
More and more single women in the UK are turning to IVF to start their families. Whether due to age, life circumstances, or personal choice, the route to parenthood without a partner brings unique considerations — including cost. So how much does IVF cost for single women in the UK?
Basic IVF costs apply to everyone A single woman undergoing IVF will still pay the base fees for treatment:
- IVF cycle: £4,000 – £7,000
- Medication: £1,000 – £2,500
- Total: £5,000 – £9,500 per cycle
However, there are additional costs that apply more often to single patients.
Donor sperm As there’s no male partner, donor sperm is required:
- Anonymous donor sperm: £800 – £1,300 per vial
- Frozen sperm storage (if using across multiple cycles): £300 – £500 per year
- Some clinics include sperm in package deals; others charge separately
IUI vs IVF Some single women start with intrauterine insemination (IUI), which is less invasive and cheaper:
- IUI cycle with donor sperm: £1,200 – £2,000
- IVF with donor sperm: £6,000 – £10,000
IUI has lower success rates but may be worth trying for younger women with no known fertility issues.
Additional support services Many clinics require or recommend:
- Counselling: £50 – £100 per session
- Legal advice (if known donor used): £300 – £500
Single-cycle vs multiple-cycle planning Success rates vary by age, so budgeting for more than one cycle is often wise:
- Women under 35: ~32% chance per IVF cycle
- Women 35–39: ~20–25%
Realistic total cost for one pregnancy:
- 1 cycle with donor sperm: £6,000 – £10,000
- 2–3 cycles with frozen embryo use: £12,000 – £20,000+
NHS funding for single women Availability varies widely. Some NHS trusts offer IVF to single women, especially where infertility is diagnosed or a known condition exists. Others may not — check local criteria.
Real-life example: Grace, 37, underwent two rounds of IVF using donor sperm. Her total spend was ÂŁ14,800, including medication, donor costs, and embryo storage. Her second transfer resulted in a successful pregnancy.
Ways to manage costs
- Ask about all-inclusive packages for solo IVF
- Consider mild IVF if appropriate for your age and health
- Use frozen embryos from earlier cycles to avoid repeating full IVF
- Investigate refund or multi-cycle options
IVF as a single woman is empowering — but requires clear planning, both emotionally and financially. Understanding the full picture and cost of IVF can help you budget wisely and move forward with confidence.
