Starting from scratch: Why single women are having fertility treatments
By Niamh Cavanagh
By Alicia Petresc
Over the past decade, the number of single women receiving fertility treatment in the UK has significantly risen. According to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) in 2012 1,400 women were receiving IVF or artificial inseminations but by 2022 4,800 women were receiving treatments. But why? It can be linked to many factors, such as the shift in social norms, women prioritizing their careers, advancement in reproductive technology and greater advancement in reproductive health.
Many single women are prioritizing their careers and education and are delaying motherhood until they feel they are more accomplished.
Women are also taking financial factors into consideration such as the cost-of-living crisis and the expense of having children.
Young men are also playing a part in the fertility increase in single women, as recent search from Pew Research Center found that 18% of men do not want children.
Regarding these factors, many women are now looking into having children later in life and seeking treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and surrogacy.
Image by Sarah Mason, via gettyimages
Infertility problems are also something that impact single women. According to The HCA Healthcare UK, around 9% of women experience fertility issues. This can be caused by ovulation problems, pelvic inflammatory problems and endometriosis.
The access to fertility treatment and research in the UK has increased in accessibility, with Scotland providing up to three full IVF/IUC cycles on the NHS, though it should be noted this is only accessible to eligible couples. Advanced research regarding fertility treatments has also been used to inform women on how they can access the treatment and what is the best for them.
Do single women really need a man to start their family? Or is the future going to encourage women that they can do it alone?