A New Type Of Family With Reciprocal IVF

The LGBTQ+ community has fought for decades for the right to start families. Success was limited at first. Same-sex couples were once limited to adoption. Now, the expanded application of assisted reproductive technology (ART) means that couples have more options. In vitro fertilization (IVF), once used to treat infertility, now helps with family planning. Some can even perform reciprocal IVF, an innovative spin on IVF that allows couples to have genetic and biological bonds never experienced before. Learn how same-sex female couples can share the joys of parenthood.

The power of reciprocity

Reciprocal IVF allows same-sex female couples to experience biological and genetic parenthood through IVF. This is a complex, multi-step process that results in both partners being deeply involved in the child's future. Conventional IVF takes egg and sperm samples to create viable embryos. The fertility team then takes a single embryo transfer to the recipient's uterus to encourage pregnancy. With reciprocal IVF, one woman provides the eggs for IVF, known as the donor. The other partner will receive the future embryo and carry the child to term, known as the gestational carrier.

Why choose reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF unlocks the ability to experience pregnancy while sharing a close bond with each other. The couple fulfills the desire to have a genetic and biological connection to the future child despite physiological limitations. Couples can also build a family in a personal way, sharing the responsibility of the IVF process. A third party will be involved, namely the individual who donates the sperm for embryo development. The donor sperm can come from a donor bank, friend, or family member. This person will be genetically related to the child. Reciprocal IVF allows deeper family connections by choosing a known donor.

Breaking down a complex journey

Reciprocal IVF begins with consultations with a fertility clinic skilled in reciprocal IVF. The clinic will provide advice and perform fertility tests to confirm eligibility. Tests can reveal the more eligible candidate for egg donation and gestation. Reciprocal IVF begins with the egg donor taking injectable hormones for several days once ovulation is regulated. Hormone medication produces multiple follicles. At the appropriate time, the egg donor takes a trigger shot, and all the mature follicles are surgically removed. The eggs are then combined with the provided sperm sample to create multiple healthy embryos. During this time, the gestational carrier will take hormone medication to prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy, which is monitored via ultrasound. A single embryo made with a donor egg is then implanted. After 14 days, a pregnancy test will confirm if the IVF cycle is successful.

Are there any obstacles?

IVF has a generally high success rate, especially with younger patients. Multiple cycles may be necessary, but success rates increase with each attempt. IVF can be emotionally and physically difficult. Potential side effects from hormone medication can happen. There are also social, legal, and ethical considerations. The potential for discrimination still exists toward parents and future children. All parties must also be aware of the legal parental rights and the ethical boundaries by which the fertility clinic abides. Connecting with other LGBTQ+ couples who have experienced IVF can help.

Experience the wonders of reciprocal IVF

Parenthood is a joy that more couples can now experience thanks to IVF. Reciprocal IVF allows same-sex couples to share in the pregnancy journey. Genetic and biological links are established, and the family-building process feels genuine. If the goal is to have more than one child, parents can flip the script. The gestational carrier can become the egg donor and vice versa, completing the family planning journey. Finding a fertility clinic that understands and supports LGBTQ+ families ensures the proper empathy and care is given during the process.