The Shocking True Cost of Becoming a Single Mum – And How Reusable Fertility Tools Can Slash Expenses

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ava Santiago — 4 min

Imagine living off just €40 a week while going through fertility treatment — only to face a final bill of €25,000. This was the reality for many single women in Ireland pursuing motherhood alone, as recently reported by The Independent in their eye-opening article, ‘I lived off €40 a week while going through treatment. My final bill was €25,000’ – the cost of becoming a single mum by choice.

The article highlights a staggering 50% increase in single women seeking fertility treatments in clinics from 2022 to last year. But beyond the numbers lies the real story – the emotional and financial toll these journeys entail.

Why Are Fertility Treatments So Expensive?

Fertility treatments, including IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI), require clinical visits, medication, specialist consultations, and procedural fees. When pursuing these alone, as many single women do, the cost burden is entirely personal — no partner to share expenses or insurance benefits.

Here’s a snapshot of what drives costs sky-high:

Clinic fees: From consultations to procedures, clinics charge thousands per cycle.
Medications: Hormone therapies and fertility drugs can cost several hundred to thousands of euros.
Multiple cycles: Often, success isn't guaranteed on the first try.
Travel and time off work: Hidden expenses add up rapidly.

The financial strain can become overwhelming. Some women even report drastically cutting life expenses to afford treatment, as the article recounts.

Is There a More Affordable Alternative?

Yes — home-based fertility tools have emerged as a game-changing option, especially for those navigating fertility solo. Companies like MakeAMom are pioneering reusable, cost-effective insemination kits designed specifically to empower individuals and couples to try conception outside clinical settings.

Their product range addresses different fertility challenges:

CryoBaby: Tailored for low-volume or frozen sperm samples.
Impregnator: Designed to assist with low motility sperm.
BabyMaker: Created for users with sensitivities, such as vaginismus.

Beyond specialized functionality, these kits are reusable—significantly lowering long-term costs versus disposable options. This means no need for repeated purchases each cycle, which can translate into hundreds or even thousands of euros saved.

Beyond Savings: Privacy and Empowerment

Not only do reusable home insemination kits reduce financial strain, but they also provide unparalleled privacy. Shipments arrive discretely, without identifying information, enabling users to feel secure and in control of their fertility journey.

This autonomy is crucial for single women managing sensitive personal decisions. The ability to conduct inseminations comfortably at home removes many emotional and logistical barriers linked to clinical treatments.

What Does the Data Say About Success?

Skeptical? It’s natural to wonder if home insemination can match clinical success rates. MakeAMom reports an impressive average success rate of 67% among their clients using home systems, positioning their kits as a credible and efficient alternative worth considering.

How Does This Tie into Sustainability?

At ReusableRepro, we champion solutions that not only save money but also reduce environmental waste. Conventional fertility treatments generate significant disposable medical waste — single-use catheters, syringes, packaging. By contrast, reusable insemination kits minimize waste and align with eco-friendly family planning practices.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re contemplating motherhood solo or are simply exploring more affordable, sustainable fertility options, here’s a quick roadmap:

Research home insemination kits — focusing on kits suited to your unique needs.
Consult health professionals to confirm suitability and safety.
Learn from firsthand testimonials and success stories.
Consider the long-term financial and environmental benefits.

The journey to motherhood doesn’t have to come with a €25,000 price tag or a mountain of medical waste. Emerging technologies and innovations like reusable fertility kits are rewriting the narrative.

For more insights and to explore solutions, check out MakeAMom’s array of kits and resources designed to empower your path.

Final Thoughts

The rising surge of single women embracing motherhood is inspiring — but the cost barriers they face are real and daunting. Reusable, at-home insemination tools offer an illuminating example of how innovation can democratize reproductive health, reduce expenses, and promote sustainable practices.

What do you think about the shift towards home-based fertility options? Could reusable kits redefine access to parenthood? Let’s start the conversation below — your story might inspire someone else navigating this path.

References: ‘I lived off €40 a week while going through treatment. My final bill was €25,000’ – the cost of becoming a single mum by choice - The Independent