LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthood
Compassionate Care For All Families
At Advanced Fertility Care, we want to provide everyone with the opportunity to become parents. It’s our goal to provide a compassionate and comprehensive array of fertility treatments designed to accommodate the needs of lesbian couples, gay men, and transgender individuals who are eager to welcome a new life into their world.
Fertility Pathways for Lesbians
For lesbian couples and individuals, Advanced Fertility Care offers intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and reciprocal IVF with donor sperm. Learning and understanding the specifics of these methods is a great first step toward growing your family.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
With two egg providers, lesbian couples will need the help of donor sperm and intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is a technique where donor sperm is placed directly into the uterus of the parent who will carry the pregnancy. This helps increase the chances of the sperm fertilizing the egg.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization involves retrieving eggs from one partner and fertilizing them with donor sperm. This results in embryos that are then transferred to the uterus, initiating a successful pregnancy. For lesbian couples, this means determining which partner will carry the pregnancy and selecting a sperm donor according to their personal preferences.
Reciprocal IVF
Another option for lesbian couples is reciprocal IVF, which allows both partners to contribute to the pregnancy biologically. One partner provides their eggs for fertilization with donor sperm, and the resulting embryos are placed in the other partner's uterus to carry the pregnancy.
Selecting A Sperm Donor
Selecting a sperm donor is an important step in the family-building process. Whether the sperm donor is known or anonymous through a sperm bank, Advanced Fertility Care’s affiliations with reputable donor sperm agencies help streamline and support our patient’s journeys.
Fertility Pathways for Gay Men
Gay men or couples with two sperm sources often seek IVF with donor eggs and a gestational carrier. Advanced Fertility Care offers an inclusive range of services and access to our in-house egg bank to simplify the journey.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
With IVF for gay men, a donor egg is fertilized with a partner’s sperm and transferred to a uterus to achieve pregnancy. When utilizing IVF for parents with two sperm providers, the intended parents will select an egg donor and a gestational surrogate. The donor eggs are fertilized with one partner's sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the gestational surrogate.
Advanced Fertility Care also offers split cycle IVF using both partners’ sperm. This allows both parents to have a genetic link to a child. With this method, the donor eggs are divided into two groups, fertilized with each partner's sperm, and the embryos are implanted in gestational surrogates.
Our clinic advocates for single embryo transfers, ensuring a gestational surrogate carries only one embryo at a time. We also offer the option for multiple surrogates or consecutive pregnancies with the same surrogate.
Selecting an Egg Donor
When selecting an egg donor, a couple may consider several factors including the donor’s physical traits, health history, and more. We offer a diverse selection of vetted egg donors, ensuring you find the ideal match for your family.
As a part of the Pinnacle Fertility network, our patients also have access to the Pinnacle Egg Bank. This program offers a diverse range of medically approved egg donors who have undergone extensive screening, providing a reliable source for donor eggs.
What is a Gestational Surrogate?
A gestational surrogate carries the pregnancy but has no genetic link to the child. After the donor egg is fertilized with a parent’s sperm, the embryo is transferred to the gestational surrogate’s uterus. This allows the baby to be biologically connected to one parent.
As part of the Advanced Fertility Care family, you gain exclusive access to Pinnacle Fertility’s surrogacy network – Pinnacle Surrogacy – offering a diverse range of dedicated and thoroughly screened surrogates.
Fertility for Trans Individuals and Couples
We offer fertility preservation options and treatment paths for all, including those undergoing gender-affirming therapies.
Fertility Preservation Pre-Transition
For trans individuals considering gender-affirming treatment, fertility preservation may be an important consideration. We're here to support your potential to have future biological parenthood with options like sperm and egg freezing.
Fertility Options Before Hormones
For trans individuals not on hormone therapy or who haven't undergone gender-affirming surgery, you have fertility options such as IUI, IVF, and reciprocal IVF, with additional options like donor eggs, donor sperm, and gestational surrogacy.
Fertility Options During Hormone Therapy
For those undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a temporary pause may be required to enhance fertility outcomes if you plan to use your eggs or sperm for conception. This is due to the impact hormones can have on reproductive cells and organs.
Comprehensive Support for Your Parenthood Journey
Advanced Fertility Care is committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and expert care for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. We believe in supporting and honoring your path to parenthood with the utmost respect.
Your dream of parenthood is important to us, and we are dedicated to guiding you through each step. Contact us today to begin your journey.
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