Ivf gay couples
Most gay intended parents (IPs) choose an anonymous egg donor for their cycle, but they can also choose to use a known donor. We will walk you through how to select your ideal match while screening for legal and logistical considerations. LGBTQIA+ couples undergoing IVF often need to include a third party (sperm donor, egg donor, or gestational carrier) and decide whose gametes to use, requiring clear role definitions and preparation.
Lesbian women have several options for starting or growing their families. Individuals and couples can choose Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, either with an anonymous or known sperm donor or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for women who may be experiencing problems conceiving through insemination.
There are two main types of IVF for gay couples: reciprocal IVF and traditional IVF with a surrogate. Reciprocal IVF, also known as co-IVF, is a form of IVF that allows both partners in a lesbian relationship to participate in the pregnancy. Thanks to advances in reproductive technology, there are now options for gay couples who wish to become parents and have a child that is biologically related.
Men who want to have children will need an egg donor, who provides the eggs, as well as a surrogate, who will carry the pregnancy. Get an overview of what to expect on this page. IUI or donor insemination is often used by people in female same-sex relationships who want a family and can also be used to impregnate a surrogate. You can have it with or without fertility drugs and the whole procedure is relatively quick and painless.
IVF may be appropriate for people in female same-sex relationships with fertility problems and can be used in surrogacy. Surrogacy is the main treatment for people in a male same-sex relationship who want a family. It involves finding a surrogate who is prepared to carry and give birth to a child for you. You may need to find a sperm or egg donor or both to use in your treatment.
There are lots of options for finding a donor. Some medical treatments for gender dysphoria, including hormone therapy and surgery, can have an impact on your fertility. You could also consider getting counselling either together or individually. Find out more about getting emotional support. Whose eggs or sperm are you going to use? Are you thinking about having treatment abroad and are you aware of all the issues?
Fertility treatment abroad. Using donated sperm, eggs or embryos. Private sperm donation is where you use donated sperm outside of a licensed clinic — it is unregulated and therefore you should be very careful. If you use a private sperm donor, there is a risk the donor could be considered the father of your baby, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with that.
Home insemination with donor sperm. Find out more about the legal implications of using donated sperm. Fertility treatment can be expensive. You can find out more information about treatment costs on our intrauterine insemination and surrogacy pages. This report covers UK in vitro fertilisation IVF and donor insemination DI statistics for heterosexual, female same-sex and single patients.
View the Family formations in fertility treatment report here. Read our new annual Fertility Trends report here. Understanding treatment.
same-sex ivf funding
Intrauterine insemination IUI IUI or donor insemination is often used by people in female same-sex relationships who want a family and can also be used to impregnate a surrogate. Find out more about IUI. In vitro fertilisation IVF IVF may be appropriate for people in female same-sex relationships with fertility problems and can be used in surrogacy.
Find out more about IVF. Surrogacy Surrogacy is the main treatment for people in a male same-sex relationship who want a family. Find out more about surrogacy. Using a donor You may need to find a sperm or egg donor or both to use in your treatment. Find out more about using a donor.