LGBT Reproduction: A Pathway to Parenthood
Many LGBT individuals and couples turn to assisted reproduction technologies for help in realizing their dreams of building a family. The variety of options now available makes it possible for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and genderqueer individuals to conceive a child, often with a biological connection to one or both parents. During consultation with one of our reproductive endocrinologists, possible reproductive treatment options will be discussed prior to testing.
LGBTReproduction Options
Lesbian and gay couples can choose from a variety of reproduction technologies specific to their particular needs and preferences, including the following:
- Sperm donation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) –sperm taken from a known or anonymous donor that has been tested for infectious disease ispassed through a thin catheter and placed directly into the uterusat the time of ovulation.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) – lesbian couples with fertility issues may conceive through IVF. Even fertile lesbian couples sometimes opt to retrieve the eggs from one partner and later transfer the embryo to the other partner who then carries the pregnancy and gives birth. This is known as reciprocal or shared IVF
- Donor eggs – Gay couples (or lesbian couples who are unable to use their own eggs) can select an egg donor who will provide eggs to be fertilized in the lab with sperm from one or both partners. Egg donors may be known or anonymous and should be carefully chosen with guidance from a fertility specialist. Following fertilization, the resulting embryos are transferred to the womb of a gestational carrier through IVF, thus ending the role of the egg donor
- Gestational carrier –a woman who is selected by a couple to carry the pregnancy to term and give birth. Gestational carriers use the eggs of a donor rather than their own
Many LGBT reproduction options are available for those wishing to have a child. Selecting a fertility specialist and clinic skilled in LGBT family building technologies is the first step in the exciting journey toward parenthood.
