LGBTQ+ Fertility and Family Building
Same-Sex Male Couples
For a same-sex male couple, family building through fertility treatment typically involves:
- Select an egg donor (known or from a donor program)
- Provide sperm sample from one or both partners
- Fertilize eggs and complete genetic testing and select an embryo
- Work with a gestational surrogate who will carry the pregnancy
Same-Sex Female Couples
Same-sex female couples have several fertility treatment options to help them build their families.
- Select a sperm donor (known or from a donor bank)
- Decide who will carry the pregnancy (or consider reciprocal IVF)
- Use IUI or IVF to fertilize the egg
- Retrieve eggs if IVF or reciprocal IVF is used
- Transfer embryo and complete any recommended screenings or genetic testing
Surrogacy Agencies
Surrogacy agencies help intended parents connect with screened gestational surrogates and guide them through the medical, legal, and coordination process. We have a list of trusted surrogacy agencies we can provide, or we can collaborate with an agency of your choice to support your family-building journey.
Donor Agencies
Donor agencies help intended parents find screened egg, sperm, or embryo donors for fertility treatment. We have a list of trusted agencies we can provide, or we can collaborate with an agency of your choice to support your family-building journey.
Understanding Your Options
How long does the LGBTQ+ family-building process typically take?
The timeline for LGBTQ+ family building can vary depending on the treatment path, such as donor selection, IVF, reciprocal IVF, or surrogacy. Some processes may take a few months, while others can take a year or longer depending on medical, legal, and logistical factors.
What is the process for using a gestational surrogate?
The surrogacy process typically includes selecting a gestational surrogate, completing medical and psychological screenings, creating embryos through IVF, and transferring an embryo to the surrogate’s uterus. Legal agreements and coordination between the fertility clinic, agency, and attorneys are also important parts of the process.
How does reciprocal IVF work for same-sex female couples?
Reciprocal IVF allows one partner to provide the eggs while the other partner carries the pregnancy. Eggs are fertilized with donor sperm through IVF, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the partner carrying the pregnancy.
What fertility options are available for transgender individuals?
Transgender individuals may have options such as egg freezing, sperm freezing, embryo freezing, IVF, donor sperm or eggs, and gestational surrogacy depending on their goals and stage of transition. Fertility preservation before starting hormone therapy or gender-affirming treatment may also help preserve future family-building options.
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