Research-Backed Options For LGBTQIA+ Family Building

The path to parenthood looks different for everyone. There are now more ways than ever before for same-sex couples to build their dream families.  Axia Women’s Health is proud to work with leading facilities including South Jersey Fertility Center, Fertility Institute of NJ & NY, and Midwest Fertility Specialists that offer inclusive and compassionate care for all individuals looking to build their families.

Below, we explore the most common fertility treatments so you can navigate your journey to parenthood with confidence.

For Female Couples

Female same-sex couples have multiple options to consider for fertility treatment. To choose the best option, it’s important to work with your care team and consider important questions about your preferences and health, such as:

• Which partner will carry the baby?
• Which partner will provide the eggs?
• Is a sperm donor needed or is there a known donor?
• Does one or both partners want to be part of the process?
• Does either partner have underlying health issues that can affect the process?

Depending on your preferences and your unique medical history, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) could be a suitable option.

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI is the most common treatment for female same-sex couples seeking fertility treatment. It is a less invasive procedure than other procedures, which can be preferable for some patients. With IUI, sperm is inserted directly into the uterus around the time of peak ovulation. This can be done with donor sperm from a sperm bank. Though more complicated to do, some may also choose to use a known sperm donor. IUI is a good option for couples with healthy fallopian tubes and normal ovulation patterns.

Our fertility partners work with nationally accredited sperm banks such as Seattle Sperm Bank & Cryobank, California Cryobank, Fairfax Cryobank, and more.

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Commonly referred to as “co-IVF” or “reciprocal IVF” this treatment involves retrieving eggs from one partner, fertilizing them with donor sperm in a lab setting, and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus of the other partner for pregnancy. This method allows both partners to be involved in the process – one providing the eggs and the other carrying the pregnancy (reciprocal IVF).

For Male Couples

Same-sex male couples have the option to work with a gestational carrier, a woman who carries a pregnancy to term for another couple. The embryo is created using IVF with donor eggs and sperm from one of the partners. This is different from surrogacy, where one woman is both the carrier and egg donor. Many states have legal stipulations around surrogacy, which is why we suggest utilizing a separate egg donor and gestational carrier.

Again, there are important questions to consider such as:

• Which partner will provide the sperm?
• Is an egg donor needed or is there a known donor?
• Do you want to work with a gestational carrier that you know, or will it be someone identified through an agency?

Fertility clinics have experience connecting with credible gestational carrier/surrogacy agencies and fertility-related legal firms to help guide you through the process. Our fertility groups within the Axia Women’s Health network all have their own donor egg programs and skilled coordinators that can help you choose the best fit for you.

How you choose to build a family is a personal decision, and one that is completely unique to you. With the help of our trusted fertility partners at South Jersey Fertility Center, Fertility Institute of NJ & NY, and Midwest Fertility Specialists, you can find the right option or you!