Fertility Options For LGBTQIA+ is a service that provides various reproductive treatments for individuals and couples in the LGBTQIA+ community who wish to have children. For two-female couples, options include intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm, where sperm is placed directly into the uterus of one partner, or in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs from one partner and donor sperm. Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to participate, with one providing eggs and the other carrying the pregnancy. For two-male couples, the process typically involves IVF using one partner’s sperm to fertilize donor eggs, with the resulting embryo carried by a gestational surrogate.

Fertility Treatments For LGBTQIA+ in New York, NY is designed for individuals and couples seeking to start or expand their families. Patients can expect comprehensive care, including fertility testing, counseling, and personalized treatment plans. The probability of success varies depending on individual factors and chosen treatments. To learn more about your options and take the first step towards building your family, book an appointment with Sher Fertility Solutions in New York, NY.

Reasons for Considering Fertility Treatments For LGBTQIA+

• Biological parenthood for same-sex couples: Same-sex couples have several options for achieving biological parenthood. For lesbian couples, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor sperm are common choices. One partner can carry the pregnancy using her own eggs or her partner’s eggs. For gay male couples, surrogacy is an option, where one partner’s sperm is used to fertilize a donor egg, and the resulting embryo is carried by a gestational surrogate. Some couples choose reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy, allowing both to be biologically involved.

• Single LGBTQIA+ individuals wanting children: Single members of the LGBTQIA+ community have various paths to parenthood. They may opt for adoption or foster care, which can be especially meaningful for those who want to provide a loving home to children in need. For those desiring a biological connection, single women can use donor sperm for IUI or IVF, while single men might pursue surrogacy. Some individuals also consider co-parenting arrangements with friends or other single people who share their desire for parenthood.
• Transgender individuals preserving fertility before transition: For transgender individuals, fertility preservation before medical transition is crucial if they wish to have biological children in the future. Trans women may choose to bank sperm before starting hormone therapy or undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. Trans men might opt for egg freezing or embryo freezing if they plan to use their eggs in the future. It’s important for healthcare providers to discuss these options with transgender patients early in their transition journey to ensure they have the opportunity to preserve their fertility if desired.
• Overcoming age-related fertility decline: Age-related fertility decline affects everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. For LGBTQIA+ individuals who may delay parenthood due to various factors, including the time needed for coming out, finding a partner, or navigating complex fertility options, this can be a significant concern. Egg freezing for those with ovaries and sperm banking for those with testes are increasingly popular options to preserve fertility at a younger age. Additionally, using donor eggs or embryos can be an option for those who have experienced age-related fertility decline.
• Addressing underlying fertility issues: LGBTQIA+ individuals may face the same fertility challenges as anyone else, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or low sperm count. It’s crucial for healthcare providers to be inclusive and knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ health needs when addressing these issues. Fertility treatments like medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies can help overcome many of these challenges. Some individuals might also consider using a known donor with a higher fertility potential or opt for reciprocal IVF where one partner with fertility issues can still be involved in the pregnancy process.

The Process of Choosing Fertility Treatments For LGBTQIA+

1. Initial consultation and fertility assessment
   This step involves meeting with a fertility specialist to discuss options and evaluate the reproductive health of the individual or couple seeking to become parents.
2. Selection of appropriate treatment option
   Based on the assessment, the healthcare provider will recommend suitable fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF, or surrogacy, tailored to the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples.
3. Donor selection (if required)
   For same-sex couples or individuals who need donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, this step involves choosing a donor through a reputable bank or known donor process.
4. Medication and monitoring (for IUI or IVF)
   This phase includes administering fertility medications and closely monitoring hormone levels and follicle development to optimize the chances of successful conception.
5. Egg retrieval and/or sperm collection
   For lesbian couples or individuals using their own eggs, this involves a minor surgical procedure to retrieve eggs; for gay couples or individuals using their own sperm, a sample is collected on the day of insemination or fertilization.
6. Fertilization and embryo culture (for IVF)
   In a laboratory setting, eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos, which are then cultured for several days before the best quality embryo(s) are selected for transfer.
7. Embryo transfer or insemination
   Depending on the chosen method, either embryos are transferred into the uterus (IVF) or prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus (IUI) of the individual carrying the pregnancy.
8. Pregnancy testing and ongoing care
   Following the procedure, regular testing and monitoring are conducted to confirm pregnancy and provide continued support throughout the gestation period for LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples.

Sher Fertility Solutions’ Fertility Options For LGBTQIA+

Sher Fertility Solutions focuses on providing personalized treatments tailored to each couple’s unique needs and goals. The experts at Sher Fertility Solutions understand the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and have worked with the LGBTQIA+ community, offering a variety of treatment options.

The clinic offers a range of services, including IUI, IVF, reciprocal IVF, and surrogacy options, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment plan. We understand that each case is specialized and unique. SFS recognizes that while the technical process of IVF is essentially the same for LGBTQIA+ people as it is for heterosexuals, our doctors and staff at SFS understand the emotional differences that may arise and are with you during the entire process.

Frequently Asked Questions