Family Building for Lesbian Couples
At the Center for Fertility & Gynecology, we do not believe that a person’s sexual orientation should prevent them from starting the family they desire. To give people of all backgrounds the opportunity to start or build onto their family, our practice offers a comprehensive range of LGBT fertility services.
We understand that each of our patient’s specific needs will be unique. To best serve our patients from the Los Angeles, CA, Tarzana, CA, and Bakersfield, CA, area, we personalize each fertility treatment plan. Here, individuals can learn more about the family building options that are available to lesbian couples at our fertilty center.
Important Considerations
Before creating a fertility treatment plan for our patients, we always schedule a consultation. It is important that we create a relationship with our patients that allows us to understand their family planning goals as well as their medical history and any potential fertility concerns. Some important considerations that go into creating a family building plan for lesbian couples include:
- Will one of the partners carry the child or will a surrogate be used?
- Who will provide the egg for fertility treatment (one of the partners or an egg donor)?
- Will the couple work with a known sperm donor or an anonymous donor?
Our fertility doctors can help patients navigate these considerations and all the different paths that are available to bring them to their goal of parenthood. We will explain fertility treatment options, make arrangements for any necessary medical testing, help facilitate sperm donation, and create a treatment plan that best addresses each patient’s needs and desires.
Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination is one fertility method that is commonly used by lesbian couples. Also known as artificial insemination, this process involves taking donor sperm and injecting it directly into the uterus. Donor sperm is “washed” prior to the procedure, so that only the most active sperm remain. This sperm is inserted into a catheter that is passed through the vagina and into the uterus. IUI treatment is minimally invasive and highly effective because it reduces the distance that sperm must travel to reach the egg.
In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is another popular fertility service for lesbian couples. This process is especially common for couples using a donor egg, or those who will be using a gestational carrier. IVF is a multi-stage procedure that consists of:
- Ovarian stimulation
- Egg retrieval
- Fertilization
- Embryo transfer
Essentially, a number of mature eggs are collected and fertilized in a laboratory setting. Viable embryos are selected for transfer and placed into the uterus where they will, ideally, implant and result in pregnancy.
Reciprocal In Vitro Fertilization
Reciprocal IVF consists of the same steps as traditional IVF treatment. What is key to reciprocal IVF is that it allows both partners in a lesbian couple to participate in the pregnancy. When we perform reciprocal IVF, we collect eggs from one of the partners, and then developed embryos are transferred into the uterus of the other partner.
Start Building Your Family
The fertility doctors at the Center for Fertility & Gynecology would love to be part of your family building process. To learn more about the services available at our fertility clinic and which may be right for you, contact us online at your earliest convenience or call our practice at (818) 881-9800.