Family-Building for

Lesbian Couples and LGBTQIA+ Women

For over 30 years, SCCRM has proudly supported LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples in their fertility and family-building journeys. For lesbian couples, those with two egg providers, or egg-producing individuals seeking pregnancy, we offer two primary treatment options: intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF can be tailored to your needs through either standard IVF or Co-IVF (reciprocal IVF). Our experienced physicians collaborate closely with you to design a personalized plan that aligns with your fertility and family-building goals.

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IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

A low-tech option

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), commonly referred to as artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment where frozen donor sperm is prepared and placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. This "low-tech" option is an accessible and effective solution for same-sex female couples, lesbian and queer individuals, or anyone with ovaries planning to conceive using donor sperm.

  • An IUI cycle can be natural (unmedicated) or medicated, also known as ovulation induction (OI). Medicated cycles may involve oral medications like Clomid or letrozole to stimulate ovulation or increase egg production.

    Timing insemination around ovulation is essential for success. Your fertility physician will monitor your cycle using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) at home or in-office transvaginal ultrasounds and hormone blood tests. OPKs detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that signals ovulation, while ultrasounds track follicle growth. When a follicle reaches the optimal size, a medication like Ovidrel may be administered to trigger ovulation. IUI is typically performed within 24-48 hours after the LH surge or Ovidrel injection.

  • SCCRM will coordinate with your chosen sperm bank to ensure sperm vials are delivered to our office before your IUI procedure. Lesbian individuals and couples typically use either a non-identified (anonymous) donor or a directed (known) donor.

    Anonymous donor sperm can be purchased from licensed sperm banks, where donors and sperm are pre-screened, and vials are readily available for shipment. If you choose a known donor, the donor must complete a medical examination, and their sperm must undergo testing and a mandatory 6-month quarantine to rule out HIV and other transmissible diseases.

    When using a known donor, consider the 6-month quarantine in your family-building timeline and consult a reproductive lawyer and counselor specializing in donor conception. SCCRM can recommend trusted sperm banks, legal experts, and counselors to support your journey.

  • During an IUI procedure, a speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a thin catheter is used to place the concentrated donor sperm solution at the top of the uterus, near the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. The experience is often compared to a Pap smear—while the speculum may cause mild discomfort, the catheter is typically not felt. Some patients may experience light cramping afterward.

    After the procedure, you will rest in a relaxed position for about five minutes. Normal physical activities can usually be resumed the same day. Two weeks later, you will take a home pregnancy test to determine the outcome.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a highly effective fertility treatment for same-sex female couples, lesbian and queer individuals, and anyone with ovaries planning to conceive using donor sperm. The process involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in a lab with donor sperm to create embryos, and transferring a healthy embryo into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF can also include Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to identify the healthiest embryo for transfer, further optimizing success.

Co-IVF

Co-IVF, also known as Reciprocal IVF, is a fertility treatment that allows both partners in a same-sex female couple to share in the process of creating a child biologically and emotionally. One partner provides the eggs that are fertilized with donor sperm to create embryos, while the other partner carries the pregnancy. This collaborative approach enables both partners to play an active role in building their family.

    • Shared Experience: Both partners actively participate in the process, fostering a deep emotional connection to their journey of parenthood.

    • Biological Connection: One partner provides the genetic material, while the other nurtures the pregnancy, allowing both to have unique roles in creating and raising their child.

    • Customizable Options: Co-IVF offers flexibility, allowing couples to choose donors and tailor the process to fit their family-building goals.

  • The Co-IVF process involves several coordinated steps, each designed to maximize success and provide a seamless experience:

    1. Initial Consultation

    Both partners meet with a fertility specialist to discuss their goals, medical histories, and the process of Co-IVF. During this appointment, the doctor will assess each partner’s fertility through bloodwork, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests. One partner will be chosen to provide the eggs, while the other will carry the pregnancy based on health, preferences, and any medical factors.

    2. Donor Sperm Selection

    The couple selects donor sperm, either from a known donor or through a trusted sperm bank. Donors undergo extensive medical and genetic screening to ensure quality and compatibility.

    3. Ovarian Stimulation

    The partner providing the eggs begins a course of hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and produce multiple eggs in a single cycle. Regular monitoring with ultrasounds and blood tests ensures the eggs are developing properly and helps the doctor determine the optimal timing for retrieval.

    4. Egg Retrieval

    Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation. The process takes about 20-30 minutes, and the partner can usually resume normal activities the following day.

    5. Fertilization and Embryo Development

    The retrieved eggs are fertilized with donor sperm in SCCRM’s state-of-the-art laboratory. Fertilization may involve Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. The resulting embryos are cultured for several days, allowing embryologists to monitor their development.

    6. Embryo Transfer

    The healthiest embryo is selected and transferred into the uterus of the partner carrying the pregnancy. The embryo transfer is a gentle, precise procedure performed under ultrasound guidance. The remaining viable embryos can be frozen for future use.

    7. Pregnancy Monitoring

    Following the transfer, the carrying partner will be closely monitored for pregnancy with blood tests and ultrasounds. Once pregnancy is confirmed, routine prenatal care begins.

Co-IVF is a beautiful way for same-sex female couples to build their family together. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact SCCRM today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to bring your dream of parenthood to life.

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At SCCRM, we are honored to support lesbian individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. Whether you’re looking to conceive with your own eggs or want to share in the process through reciprocal IVF, we offer compassionate care and advanced fertility treatments tailored to your unique family-building goals.