IVF for LGBTQ Patients
The Center for Fertility and Gynecology offers the latest assisted reproduction technology to help patients. This means in vitro fertilization (IVF) to treat male and female infertility as well as numerous fertility treatment options for LGBTQ couples. Our Los Angeles, CA fertility center is inclusive, and we want the LGBTQ community to know that Dr. Michael Vermesh and Dr. Tannaz Toloubeydokhti can help with family building.
Same-sex couples deserve to experience the joys and emotions of pregnancy and childbirth. In the past, adoption was the only option. Let’s take a moment to cover some of the basics of family building for same-sex couples. We’ll briefly go over all of the options for gay and lesbian couples so you have an idea of how we can help.
How LGBTQ Family Building Works
LGBTQ family building uses traditional assisted reproduction techniques and adapts them to meet the needs of same-sex couples. This way, a couple consisting of two men or two women can have a genetic connection to their child.
Fertility Options for Same-Sex Male Couples
There are a few IVF treatment options available for gay male couples available at our Los Angeles office. The two most common are as follows:
- Egg Donors - Same-sex male couples will be able to fertilize an egg with their sperm; the sperm from each father is combined so that each partner participates in the process.
- Gestational Carriers - Same-sex male couples will pick a gestational carrier. This woman has the embryo transferred to her uterus so it can be carried to term.
Fertility Options for Same-Sex Female Couples
The most common treatment options for lesbian couples are as follows:
- Sperm Donors - Same-sex female couples can select a sperm donor to fertilize one of their eggs. This can be accomplished through IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- Reciprocal IVF - Same-sex female couples can undergo reciprocal IVF. In this process, one woman’s eggs are harvested and fertilized; the embryo is then placed in her partner’s uterus to be carried to term. In this way, both mothers get to participate in carrying their child.
Selecting Donors and Gestational Carriers
When selecting the sperm donor, egg donor, or gestational carrier for this process, we will provide patients with ample information. For sperm and egg donors, there will be information on the donor’s age, physical characteristics, educational background, and more. Gestational carriers will be fully screen to ensure they are healthy and there is low risk of pregnancy loss.
This allows same-sex couples to be selective and well-informed about whose genetic material will help comprise their child, and who will carry their child to term.
Walking You Through the Fertility Treatment Process
We know that IVF treatment can be complicated if you are not familiar with the process already. That’s why our Los Angeles fertility center will take all the time necessary to answer your questions and address your concerns. We want you to be both happy and confident about this choice to build a family with your partner.
Learn More About LGBTQ Family Building Services
For more information about building a family and how we can help LGBTQ couples have a child of their own, we encourage you to contact our team of skilled fertility specialists. You can schedule a consultation at the Center for Fertility and Gynecology by calling (818) 881-9800.