Reciprocal IVF: Everything You Need To Know As A Same-Sex Couple

Reciprocal IVF is an innovative fertility procedure that enables lesbian couples or transgender men with female partners to jointly experience biological parenthood. This procedure allows for one partner to provide the fetuses while the other provides the eggs, creating a truly unique and meaningful bond.

Reciprocal IVF is a popular choice at Gynmora, a leading platform for fertility and infertility where specialists provide physical and virtual consultations, for couples who want to be actively involved together in their journey to conception. If you’re thinking of this fertility treatment, here’s a guide to help you make sense of the process, its benefits and what to weigh.

What Is Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF (also known as partner-assisted reproduction) is a form of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this process:

✔️ One partner provides the eggs, which are harvested and fertilized using donor sperm.

✔️ The other parent carries the pregnancy once the embryo is transferred into that person’s uterus.

This approach gives both partners the ability to share in the pregnancy, with one serving as the genetic parent, and the other serving as the gestational parent.

What is Reciprocal IVF?

1. Fertility Testing & Consultation

The process starts with both partners undergoing fertility testing, which includes:

🔹 Hormone tests in your blood.

🔹 Ultrasounds to assess both ovarian reserves and uterine health.

Genetic testing to verify compatibility with donor sperm.

2. Choosing the Egg Provider & Gestational Carrier

Couples determine who will be the source of the eggs and who will bear the pregnancy depending on:

✔️ Age and ovarian health (younger eggs are more success).

✔️ Comprehensive medical history and reproductive health.

✔️ Personal choices and emotional preparedness.

3. Egg Retrieval Process

The egg provider partner takes ovarian stimulation from fertility medications to produce several eggs. Most are then harvested through a small surgical procedure in sedation.

4. Donor Sperm Fertilization

The eggs collected are fertilized in a lab with donor sperm, which can be:

✔️ An acquaintance of known origin (friend or family).

✔️ An anonymous sperm bank donor.

5. Embryo Development & Selection

Embryos are cultured in a lab for 5–6 days after fertilization. And the healthiest embryo is selected for transfer into the carrying partner’s uterus. Freezing embryos can preserve any extras for later use.

6. Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy

Prior to the embryo transfer into the uterus, the gestational partner takes to ensure an environment for embryo implantation with hormones. Two weeks later, a pregnancy test confirms.

Who is Reciprocal IVF for?

Reciprocal IVF is ideal for:

✔️ Lesbian couples who want their child to be biologically related to both partners.

✔️ Transgender men with female partners who want a shared pregnancy experience.

✔️ Couples in which one partner has medical conditions that make pregnancy impossible.

Success Rates of Reciprocal IVF

The success rate of reciprocal IVF will vary based on:

🔹 The age of the egg provider (eggs from younger women have a better chance of success).

🔹 The grade of the embryo after fertilization.

🔹 The gestational partner’s uterine health.

For example, the success rate per cycle averages between 50% and 70% when using eggs from a partner under 35 years of age.

How Much Does Reciprocal IVF Cost?

Cost can differ depending on the area, the clinic, and extra services needed. Generally, it includes:

✔️ Fertility tests — $500 to $1,000

✔️ Egg retrieval & IVF procedure – $12,000–$15,000

✔️ Embryo transfer & monitoring – $3,000–$5,000

✔️ Cost of donor sperm — $1,000 to $2,000 per vial

Certain insurance companies might cover portions of the procedure. (“Gynmora” connects you to fertility specialists who can walk you through cost-effective options.

Legal Considerations Involved in Reciprocal IVF

Legal definition of parental rights varies based on geographical location. Key factors to consider:

✔️ Birth certificates — To make sure both partners are recognized as legal parents.

✔️ Parental agreements – Certain areas mandate legal contracts prior to conception.

✔️ Second-parent adoption — In some locations, the non-birthing partner is strongly recommended to legally adopt.

Partnering with a fertility lawyer prior to initiating reciprocal IVF also provides a smoother legal process.

✔️ The baby has a biological connection to both partners.

✔️ Emotional link through pregnancy.

✔️ More options for LGBTQ+ couples to build their families.

✔️ Ability to transfer multiple embryos, increasing chances of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Reciprocal IVF is a revolutionary fertility option that enables both partners in an LGBTQ+ couple to share in the pregnancy experience. Whether you’re looking into this for emotional bonding or genetic connection, reciprocal IVF creates a beautiful new way to become parents.

At Gynmora, we link you to leading fertility specialists that offer you with guidance and virtual consultations.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading! If you liked this guide, discover more fertility information and schedule consultations with specialists at Gynmora.