At Atrius Health, we are committed to helping members of the LGBTQ+ community realize their dream of becoming parents. We understand that each person’s individual circumstances are unique, so our team works diligently to provide personalized advice and assistance to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need for a successful family-building journey.
ART for LGBTQ+ Family Building
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) plays a crucial role in facilitating family building for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to become parents and build families based on their own aspirations and desires.
Understanding the Different Assisted Reproductive Techniques for LGBTQ+ Family Building
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be an essential option for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals who want to start a family. For same-sex female couples, reciprocal IVF is an appealing option that allows both partners to participate in the process by using one partner's eggs and the other partner's uterus. For same-sex male couples or individuals, IVF can involve using donated eggs or surrogate mothers who can carry the pregnancy to term.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that can be particularly beneficial for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals trying to conceive. The process involves inserting sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
For same-sex female couples or individuals, donor sperm can be used in conjunction with IUI to achieve pregnancy. While the journey to parenthood can be complex and emotional for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, IUI offers a promising option for those who want to take an active role in the conception process.
Sperm or Egg Donation for LGBTQ+ Family Building
Sperm and egg donation play significant roles in family building for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Here's how each can be utilized:
1. Sperm Donation:
Lesbian Couples: Lesbian couples often require sperm donation to achieve pregnancy. They can choose a sperm donor from a sperm bank or pursue known sperm donation where they may involve a friend or acquaintance as the sperm donor. The donated sperm can be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the partner who will carry the pregnancy.
Single LGBTQ+ Individuals: Single LGBTQ+ individuals, including gay men, may opt for sperm donation to start a family. They can utilize donor sperm through IUI or IVF with a gestational carrier, or surrogate, where the donated sperm is combined with eggs from an egg donor to create embryos for transfer.
2. Egg Donation:
Gay Male Couples: Gay male couples typically require both a sperm donor and an egg donor to create embryos for IVF. They can choose an egg donor, and eggs will be fertilized with sperm from either one or both partners. The resulting embryos can then be transferred to a gestational carrier or surrogate for pregnancy and childbirth.
Single LGBTQ+ Individuals: Single LGBTQ+ individuals, such as gay men or transgender individuals, may also choose to use egg donation and a gestational carrier to start a family. They can pursue IVF using eggs from a donor along with sperm from a sperm donor and transfer the resulting embryos to a gestational carrier for pregnancy.
In all cases, it's important to consult with our fertility specialists who are experienced in LGBTQ+ family building and reproductive technologies. They can provide guidance on the legal, medical, and ethical considerations involved. Understanding the specific laws and guidelines in your area is crucial for making informed decisions about family building options.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy can be essential for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who want to start a family with the help of a gestational carrier.
What Is a Gestational Carrier?
A gestational carrier, also known as a surrogate, is a woman who carries a pregnancy on behalf of another individual or couple. In this arrangement, the gestational carrier becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using either the intended mother's or a donor's egg, and the embryo is created using the intended father's sperm or a donor's sperm. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus, where she carries the pregnancy to term.
We Are Here For You
We remain committed to helping members of the LGBTQ+ community realize their dreams of becoming parents and building families. We encourage anyone in the LGBTQ+ community considering family-building options to explore the available resources and seek the professional guidance they need to make informed choices and achieve their goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build your family.
