Being a single mother is a brave decision. Noemí was clear that her desire to become a mother was far more important than any preconceived idea about doing it without a partner, and she succeeded at 46.
She shares her journey: the pressure of deciding alone and how the multicycle IVF treatment allowed her to hold her daughters in her arms.
How can a woman become a single mother after 40 and what does it entail?
“When I saw my babies for the first time, I was in shock! After the treatment, an unbreakable bond is formed, especially when you’ve fought so hard.”
I’m 46 and from Poza Rica, Veracruz. I dreamed of motherhood before 30, but it was never the right time. At 25 I noticed something was wrong with my fertility and, although my tests didn’t show a clear cause, I kept trying. My partner opposed fertility treatment, so we spent five more years trying naturally.
At 30 I separated and decided to pursue motherhood on my own. I arrived at the Ingenes Institute nervous, but my desire outweighed any prejudice.
How do uterine fibroids affect implantation and pregnancy at 46?
Tests revealed a small uterine fibroid. It could have hindered implantation, but specialists confirmed I could still become a mother.
We opted for IVF with donor sperm: up to 300 IU of gonadotropins daily subcutaneously to stimulate follicles, and 600 mg of vaginal progesterone daily. The first embryo transfer was a success.
What support networks exist for single mothers undergoing IVF?
Being a single mother doesn’t mean being alone. My mother helped with the medication schedule, my family and friends offered emotional support, and the medical team built a solid network.
For more testimonials, read “I decided to become a single mother at the age of 40” or “I became a mother at 40.”
What assisted reproduction options are available for single mothers over 40?
For women over 40, Artificial Insemination (AI) and IVF with donor sperm are very effective. AI introduces 0.5–1 mL of sperm into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. IVF involves ovarian stimulation (150–450 IU/day of FSH), egg retrieval, fertilization, and transfer of 1–2 embryos.
The best time is when you feel ready. With tailored protocols and personalized monitoring, your biological age keeps pace with technology. Share your story and we’ll design your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What risks and success rates are associated with IVF in women over 45?
After 45, ovarian reserve declines and live birth rates with your own eggs are usually below 5% per cycle. With donor eggs, the rate can rise to 50–60%. Risks include multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Before starting, AMH testing, follicle count, and uterine health assessments are key, along with realistic counseling about egg donation.
2. How should I prepare emotionally and financially for solo motherhood through assisted reproduction?
Emotionally, individual or group therapy and stress management techniques help. Define your motivations, set a realistic plan, and know potential setbacks. Financially, budget for consultations, medications (USD 3,000–7,000 per cycle), lab work, and travel. Many centers offer multicycle packages to optimize costs.
3. Are there non-medical alternatives to conceive if I’m over 40 and single?
Home insemination with a known donor, adoption, or foster care are options. Home insemination requires at least 1 mL of motile sperm near ovulation, but without medical screening there are infection risks and legal uncertainties. Adoption and foster care involve legal processes and wait times ranging from months to years. Legal advice and social worker support are recommended.
4. How can I improve my egg quality naturally before starting IVF?
Include antioxidants (vitamins C and E), omega-3 (1–2 g/day), and folic acid (400 µg/day) in your diet. Maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, do moderate exercise, avoid smoking, and reduce alcohol. CoQ10 supplements (200–300 mg/day) and DHEA (25 mg three times daily) have shown benefits in small studies, always under medical supervision.
Sources
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2021). Testing and interpreting measures of ovarian reserve: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 116(3), 651–664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.05.010
- British Fertility Society. (2020). Management of couples with unexplained infertility. Human Fertility, 23(3), 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/14647273.2020.1739547
- MedlinePlus. (2022). Uterine fibroids. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/uterinefibroids.html
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Committee Opinion No. 781: Prepregnancy Counseling. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133(1), e78–e89. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002459
We know the journey can be intense, but you’re not alone: every step counts. If this story moved you or you have questions about your fertility, consult a reproduction specialist for personalized guidance and support in your journey to parenthood.