How Can Reciprocal IVF Help Trans and Non-Binary Couples?
Many people rely on in vitro fertilization (IVF) to address fertility issues and increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. IVF is a multi-step procedure that assists with many of the stages of conception to avoid factors contributing to infertility. IVF is an excellent option for a wide range of fertility patients, including trans and non–binary couples, who are ideal candidates for reciprocal IVF.
The fertility specialists at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center are proud to offer reciprocal IVF at their practice serving Encino, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles, CA. Reciprocal IVF helps trans and non-binary couples on their journey to parenthood and allows them to actively participate in fertility treatment.
What Is Reciprocal IVF?
Like traditional IVF, reciprocal IVF is a multi-stage procedure that assists with many of the stages of conception to address potential fertility issues. Reciprocal IVF enhances the traditional IVF experience by allowing each partner to contribute to their child’s conception and birth. Typically, one partner provides the egg for fertilization and the other carries the pregnancy.
How Can Reciprocal IVF Help Trans and Non-Binary Couples?
Reciprocal IVF is an excellent option for trans or non-binary couples who are biologically female and able to undergo egg retrieval or act as the gestational carrier for the pregnancy. The process allows both partners to actively participate and feel connected to their child throughout conception and pregnancy. Before starting reciprocal IVF, each partner determines what role they will play in treatment (egg donor or gestational carrier). This decision may be made based on personal preference or medical necessity.
The partner who provides the egg for reciprocal IVF undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. Ovarian stimulation utilizes fertility medication to encourage the production and release of multiple mature eggs. Eggs are retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin needle is inserted transvaginally into the follicles.
The collected eggs are fertilized in a laboratory using sperm from a sperm donor. They are continually evaluated to determine if embryos are optimally developing. The most viable embryo(s) is selected for embryo transfer. If a couple is undergoing reciprocal IVF for family planning purposes, viable embryos can be frozen for embryo transfer at a later time.
The partner who acts as the gestational carrier for reciprocal IVF undergoes embryo transfer. Selected embryos are transferred directly into the uterus via a thin catheter. Ideally, one or more of the embryos implant, resulting in a successful pregnancy.
Is Reciprocal IVF Right for Lesbian Couples?
Reciprocal IVF is not only ideal for trans and non-binary couples, but lesbian couples as well. Treatment allows both partners in a lesbian couple to contribute and participate in IVF so they feel intimately connected to their child during conception and pregnancy.
Contact Us
The team of fertility specialists at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center strives to make the dream of parenthood a reality for each of our patients. We offer inclusive services, such as reciprocal IVF, that cater to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. To learn how our fertility services can assist you on your journey to becoming a parent, send us a message and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.