When it comes to two-mommy families, the common question asked is, “Who will carry the baby?” It can be a difficult decision for both partners to make. It’s not uncommon for individuals to desire a link in the conception of the child.
Fortunately, with modern medicine, lesbian couples can look into reciprocal IVF, a method of assisted reproductive technology that allows for both partners in same-sex female couples to be involved in the conception of their child.
But what is reciprocal IVF? How does reciprocal IVF work? How is it different than traditional IVF? Read on to learn all about reciprocal IVF and what you’ll need to know to become a two-mommy family.
Table of Contents
What is Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal In Vitro Fertilization (rIVF), also known as “shared motherhood”, is a fertility option that is best suited for lesbian couples who both want to participate in the process of conceiving their child. Unlike traditional IVF, reciprocal IVF involves one partner providing the eggs that are fertilized with donor sperm to make the embryos, and the other partner carrying the pregnancy.
Many who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community use this treatment to build their families. There are various factors involved in reciprocal IVF such as hormonal treatment, preparation time, and costs.
What is the Reciprocal IVF Process?
Reciprocal IVF can be a complex and lengthy process for both partners. With the right fertility team though, the process can be seamless and secure. Many couples may not be familiar with the process and what it may look like step-by-step.
Common steps taken in the reciprocal IVF process can include:
Interested in Starting Reciprocal IVF?
In becoming a two-mommy family, there are some key steps that should be checked off when beginning your reciprocal IVF journey.
1. Get Your Fertility Assessed
Great candidates for reciprocal IVF can be same-sex female couples who have had their fertility status evaluated and approved to be in good health standing. If you’re wondering if you and your partner would be good candidates for reciprocal IVF, it would be beneficial to have your fertility assessed.
This can be done by scheduling fertility assessments for both partners. This typically involves blood tests, ultrasounds, and other evaluations to check ovarian reserve (egg count), hormone levels, and overall reproductive health. Ensuring that both partners are healthy increases the chances of a successful IVF process.
2. Decide Who Will Use Their Eggs and Who Will Carry
With reciprocal IVF, both partners can be involved in the process of the conception of your child. However, discussing which partner will provide the eggs and which will carry the pregnancy can be a difficult decision to make and one that requires thoughtful consideration.
Various factors including personal preferences, age, family medical history, and fertility health are some of the aspects that should be taken into consideration before starting your IVF journey.
3. Seek the Professional Assistance of a Fertility Clinic
Seeking the professional assistance of a fertility clinic is a crucial step in your IVF journey. Schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss your goals, concerns, and the detailed process of reciprocal IVF.
At RFC, we provide our patients with the highest-quality care, ensuring our patients are taken care of in every aspect. Because we understand that each journey to parenthood is unique with its own challenges. RFC will provide you with a detailed overview of the reciprocal IVF process, insurance coverage, and financing options.
4. Review Sperm Donor Profiles
Reviewing sperm donor profiles is another significant aspect of the reciprocal IVF process. With your partner, determine what characteristics are important to you in a sperm donor. It is common to consider factors such as medical history, physical characteristics, educational background, personality traits, and lifestyle. It is also important to discuss the implications of using a known donor or an anonymous donor and decide which option is best for your family.
Every couple will have different requirements of what characteristics they would like their child to have. This process can be time-consuming but is important to ensure you select a donor that aligns with both you and your partner’s preferences and values.
5. Start Reciprocal IVF
The last part of this checklist would be to begin reciprocal IVF! Your fertility doctor and team will guide you on the steps of the reciprocal IVF process. This typically includes ovarian stimulation for the partner providing the eggs, egg retrieval, fertilization with donor sperm, and embryo transfer to the partner who will carry the pregnancy.
Follow the medical advice and protocols given by your fertility team, including taking prescribed medications, attending monitoring appointments, and following lifestyle recommendations to support a healthy pregnancy.
During this time, prioritize your emotional and mental well-being alongside your physical health. The IVF journey is not just physically demanding but can be emotionally taxing as well. Seek the support of friends, family, and fertility support groups during your journey.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that you are well-prepared and informed throughout your reciprocal IVF journey, which will help increase your chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy.
LGBTQIA+ Fertility Treatments
Reciprocal IVF provides both female partners with an active role in the conception and pregnancy process. It is a great option for same-sex female partners to build their families. The team at Reproductive Fertility Center is here to support LGBTQ+ individuals on the path to becoming parents.
This Pride Month, we are announcing our Family Begins with Love Wins promotions. We’re offering $2,600 OFF a 2-Cylcle IVF Package that is perfect for same-sex female couples to utilize for their reciprocal IVF journey.
For more information, visit our dedicated page on LGBTQIA+ family building or contact us!
