Not sure what route to go down?

I'm wanting to start a family but I'm on my own. I'm not sure if I should try IVF first or just go straight for adoption? For IVF I would need to go private and it will wipe out my savings, with no guarantee it will work! There is lots of abandoned children needing a loving home. Please help all advice welcome x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Amanda 0304. You may be able to have fertility treatment as a single person with donor insemination or IVF if needed on the NHS. This will depend upon the criteria set by your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for your local NHS area. You can access this information at fertilityfairness.co.uk Good luck! Diane

[Mrsjj in reply to DianeArnold]

Dependent on your age you may be able to donate eggs to get free Ivf too.

[Hidden in reply to Mrsjj]

I'm 34, don't think I'll be able to donate.

[Mrsjj]

I've read 35 is max age. I'm too old by you should definately look in to it

[allicat]

Both are stressful and the choice has to be yours alone. I had 4 failed cycles and am now on the adoption journey and hoping to have my new son home at the end of August. He will have just turned 1. I wasn't sure how I would feel about taking on someone else's child but now I can't wait to meet him for the first time. The training and guidance you get from the social workers make you see things in a whole new light. Good luck whichever decision you make. Xxx

[Medeine]

Hi Amanda0304, although I am in a relationship, I do sometimes think if something happened and I became single, what would I do? my first thoughts would be whether i would want to go through IVF / pregnancy on my own. If you have a family member or a close friend that would agree to be there for you anytime, anyplace and for any reason, then why not. But personally, I don't think I could do it without the constant support of a partner because of all the emotions, the hormones, trips to the clinic, etc... and just not knowing whether it will be an easy pregnancy or a difficult one. I think I would look into adoption, and maybe investigate any support groups for single mums of adopted children for some insight It is difficult to give any advice on this as it is such a personal choice, so I can only say what I think I would be thinking in that situation! But whatever option you decide to go for will be the right one for you Wishing you the best of luck in arriving at your decision and beyond! X

[Hidden in reply to Medeine]

Thank you, I do have great family support but they do have there own lives too. I think I am going to explore both options as I do think there is lots of young children needing a good loving home. I'm just a bit worried, if I don't bond with the baby the same as I might with my own child. The support groups for single mums of adopted children is good idea. I'll look into that.

Thanks again x