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La PMA solo, c'est possible
Parce que vous n'avez plus envie d'attendre le grand amour et que vous êtes prête (ou presque) à devenir maman, vous pouvez vous lancer dans la PMA Solo, et on va même vous y aider. Bienvenue dans Reflet.
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Melisande
Founder of Reflet
Entrepreneur for 7 years, committed to women's health and with a single desire: to have a positive impact on women!
They support us
How many women do solo ART and how long does it take to become a single mother by choice ?
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In recent years, the number of women who choose to become single mothers through ART (medically assisted reproduction) has increased sharply in several Western countries. In France, since the opening of assisted reproduction to single women in 2021, it is estimated that 15 to 20% of requests concern women who are unmarried or have no partners. This represents several thousand procedures each year. In Canada, ART for single women has long been authorized and socially well integrated; the proportion varies by province, but in large urban centers, a significant portion of patients are solo women. In Belgium, where legislation has also been open for several years, comparable proportions are observed, often between 10 and 20% of the cycles carried out.
Regarding the time frame for becoming a single mother, two elements must be distinguished: administrative time and biological time. In France, waiting times in public centers can range from 6 to 18 months before attempts are even started. In Canada and Belgium, deadlines are generally shorter in the private sector, but may vary depending on the region and demand. Once the journey has begun, the chances of success depend heavily on age. Before the age of 35, the success rates per cycle are relatively high (around 10 to 20% per insemination, more in IVF). On average, it often takes several attempts, which means that pregnancy can occur in a few months as well as a year or more.
In practice, between the first medical appointment and the birth, it is generally necessary to count between one and three years, depending on age, the technique used and the length of time needed to access treatment. The determining factor remains the age of the woman at the time of the beginning of the course: the earlier it is, the more favorable the chances are and the shorter the time to obtain a pregnancy may be.
In Switzerland, PMA is not not accessible to single women. Swiss law allows medically assisted procreation only for married heterosexual couples. This means that a single woman residing in Switzerland cannot legally access donor insemination or IVF with sperm donation in the country. In practice, some Swiss women who want to become single mothers are therefore turning abroad, especially France, Belgium or Spain, where the legislation is more open. This involves additional costs, regular trips and sometimes a more complex logistical organization.
What role does dietetics play in a fertility process and in particular in the context of a Solo assisted reproduction?
When you start a medically assisted reproduction (ART) process, you first think about hormones, treatments, and deadlines. But food also plays a crucial role.
It influences the hormonal background, the quality of oocytes, the response to ovarian stimulation, embryonic implantation, and even oxidative stress. In other words: it does not do everything, but it can support everything.
What the current research shows
- In 2007, a Harvard team led by Dr. Jorge Chavarro published a study that became a reference: by following more than 18,000 women, researchers observed that a diet rich in good fats, vegetable proteins, carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, and full-fat dairy products was associated with a 46% reduction in the risk of infertility due to an ovulation disorder.
- In 2018, another study published in Human Reproduction by a Greek team showed that women who followed a Mediterranean diet (vegetables, olive oil, legumes, fish...) had Up to 65% more likely to get pregnant during their IVF protocol. This effect was particularly pronounced in women under the age of 35, who were not obese.
- In 2021, an Australian journal published in Nutrients has shown that certain micronutrients played a key role in oocyte quality and embryonic health : zinc, selenium, folic acid, vitamin D and omega-3. Correcting dietary deficiencies or imbalances before an IVF attempt can therefore: optimize the metabolic and uterine environment.
Is consulting a psychologist or as part of the Single motherhood by Choice process is a good idea ?
Consulting a psychologist as part of a solo assisted reproduction is not always a legal obligation, but it is an approach that is often recommended and sometimes integrated into the medical course depending on the country and the center chosen. Becoming a single mother by choice is a deeply thoughtful project that involves emotional, psychological, social, and practical dimensions. Psychological support makes it possible to explore one's motivations, to anticipate daily challenges, to reflect on the question of the origin story for the child and to consolidate one's parenting project.
In France, since the opening of ART to single women, an interview with a health professional, sometimes a psychologist, may be offered as part of the hospital course. In Canada and Belgium, psychological consultation is also frequent, especially when gamete donation is involved. In Switzerland, where solo assisted reproduction is not authorized, women undertaking a career abroad can choose support beforehand or in parallel to secure their project emotionally.
Beyond this one-off stage, it is particularly beneficial to be supported over the long term. The assisted reproduction process can be demanding, with waiting times, hopes, possible disappointments, and sometimes social or family pressure. Regular monitoring makes it possible to go through these phases with greater stability and clarity. Some women also choose to be accompanied by coaches specialized in fertility or solo motherhood. These professionals can help structure the project, maintain motivation, manage stress, organize administrative procedures and prepare for the arrival of the child. Coaching does not replace psychological follow-up, but it can constitute complementary support oriented towards action and movement.
In summary, even if it is not always mandatory, support, whether psychological or through coaching, represents a real factor of solidity and serenity in a solo maternity project. Feeling surrounded and supported is often an important key to living this journey in a more peaceful and confident way.
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La PMA solo, c'est possible
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