The Options for Lesbian Couples

There are a range of options for same-sex female couples to become parents depending on your age, other health conditions and personal preferences.

Some of the common treatment options are intrauterine insemination using donor sperm (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF (reciprocal IVF) is used if the chances of pregnancy with IUI is low (because of age or low egg number). Thus, the partner providing the eggs has a genetic link while the partner carrying the pregnancy maintains a gestational link to their offspring. Genetic testing of the embryos to be transferred can also be done if the family desires family balancing.

Selecting a Sperm Donor

Lesbian couples may decide which sperm bank and which donor to use. For couples who prefer to use semen from a known donor, sperm analysis is relatively inexpensive and non-invasive. We adhere to FDA regulations for testing and make sure to have a reproductive counselor educate this lifelong decision when needed. We also make sure legal contracts are in place to protect everyone involved when needed. 

Donor Eggs

Occasionally some lesbian couples need to use donor eggs to conceive due to the absence of ovaries or the inability of the ovaries to produce viable eggs in both women. Donors may include sisters or other family members, friends, or anonymous donors. Donor embryos can also be an option for some.

Whether you are planning to be the biological mother, carry the baby, or both, Dr. Arya will help you determine a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best chances for a successful pregnancy.

Options for Transgender Individuals

Many transgender men and women wish to become parents. Whether you are seeking fertility preservation as an option for a future family, or you are ready to begin your path to parenthood and explore assisted reproductive technologies (ART), we have the expertise and experience to support transgender patients at any stage along your family building journey.

If you are pre-transition, it is essential that you meet with your provider and a counselor prior to your transition to understand the impact it can have on your fertility and we will then work with you to help you navigate your fertility options including fertility preservation. We are here to educate you on your reproductive health and options to preserve fertility. We will also assist and guide you when you are ready to grow your family.

Options for Gay Couples

Thanks to advances in reproductive technology, there are now options for gay couples who wish to become parents and have a child that is biologically related. Gay couples who want to have children will need an egg donor who provides the eggs, as well as a surrogate who will carry the pregnancy. The couple will select an egg donor with one of the reputable egg donor agencies available. Family members can also be used, if medically appropriate. For a surrogate, you may decide to go with someone with whom you know or choose to work with a surrogacy agency. The partner wishing to use his sperm will undergo a semen analysis to test motility, volume, concentration and morphology of the sperm. Once the couple has identified both a surrogate and the egg donor, and all legal processes are complete, then we will create embryos from the donor egg and your sperm in the IVF lab. After choosing your surrogate we will perform an embryo transfer. No matter which path you choose, it is important to understand that there are a range of medical tests and legal steps for all parties to help protect the health and best interests of everyone involved in the process.