Reciprocal IVF and LGBTQ Family Building Options

Every individual or couple looking to build or grow their family has unique needs and aspirations. This is particularly true for LGBTQ+ couples who often require specialized reproductive treatments to achieve their dreams of parenthood. One such advanced treatment is reciprocal IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), a procedure that allows both partners in a same-sex female couple to participate actively in the conception and birth of their child.

The Role of Reciprocal IVF in LGBTQ+ Family Building

The demand for inclusive family-building options has increased and is a testament to the expanding understanding and acceptance of diverse family structures.

Reciprocal IVF allows one partner to contribute her eggs while the other carries the pregnancy. This shared biological connection enhances the emotional bond within the family unit and offers a unique path to parenthood that was previously unavailable.

Moreover, reciprocal IVF can also be a valuable option for transgender individuals and couples. For instance, a transgender woman (male-to-female) who has preserved her sperm can use reciprocal IVF to have a child with a cisgender or transgender female partner.

The Process of Reciprocal IVF

Understanding the process of reciprocal IVF is crucial to appreciating its role in LGBTQ+ family building. This procedure involves multiple steps, each playing a vital part in the successful conception and birth of a child.

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation

The first step in reciprocal IVF is ovarian stimulation. Here, the egg-donor partner undergoes hormonal treatments to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This process is carefully monitored through ultrasound scans and blood tests to ensure optimal development of the eggs.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the donor’s ovaries in a minor surgical procedure. This process is typically performed under sedation to minimize discomfort.

Step 3: In Vitro Fertilization

The retrieved eggs are then fertilized in a laboratory using donor sperm. This results in the creation of embryos.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer

One of the developed embryos is then transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus—the partner who will carry the pregnancy. This is accomplished using a thin catheter, making it a minimally invasive procedure. Any unused viable embryos can be frozen for future use.

Step 5: Pregnancy Test

After a waiting period of about two weeks, a pregnancy test is conducted to confirm if the embryo implantation has been successful.

Reciprocal IVF is a comprehensive process that requires careful monitoring and medical expertise. However, its potential to provide both partners with a biological connection to their child makes it a compelling option for many LGBTQ+ couples seeking to build their families.

Benefits of Reciprocal IVF for LGBTQ+ Families

Reciprocal IVF offers an array of benefits that contribute significantly to the family-building journey of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Increased Inclusivity

Reciprocal IVF plays a pivotal role in making family building more inclusive. It breaks down barriers by providing same-sex female couples and transgender individuals with a viable pathway to biological parenthood. This increased inclusivity reflects the evolving understanding and acceptance of diverse family structures.

Diverse Family Building Options

The availability of reciprocal IVF expands the range of family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. It complements other methods like adoption, surrogacy, and traditional IVF, thereby giving prospective parents more choices to consider based on their unique needs and circumstances.

High Success Rates

Reciprocal IVF has been associated with high success rates, largely due to the use of fresh eggs from a healthy donor. This increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, making it a compelling choice for those seeking to build their families.

Our Commitment to Creating Healthy Families Through Reciprocal IVF

At the Fertility Centers of New England, we understand the profound desire to start or grow a family. This journey, while deeply personal, is one that we are committed to supporting with our professional expertise and compassionate care. Our dedication extends to all individuals and couples, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

We are proud to offer reciprocal IVF as part of our comprehensive suite of fertility services. This advanced reproductive technology has opened new doors for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, providing them with an opportunity to participate biologically in the conception and birth of their child.

Our commitment goes beyond just offering medical procedures. We are dedicated to creating healthy families, promoting inclusivity, and providing education and support every step of the way. Our team is here to help you navigate your journey to parenthood, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience. You can schedule an initial consultation with us today if you’d like to learn more.

*Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2019 and was updated in 2023.