What Is Reciprocal IVF?

Building a family is a beautiful journey, and for LGBTQ+ couples, there are exciting options to make that dream a reality. One such option is reciprocal IVF, also known as co-maternity or partner-assisted reproduction. This advanced fertility treatment allows both partners to actively participate in creating a family, fostering a shared experience and a deep emotional connection throughout the process.

What Is Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF is a form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) designed specifically for couples where one partner provides the eggs, another partner carries the pregnancy, and sperm donation is used. It’s a wonderful way for both partners to share the experience of creating a family. 

 

Here’s a breakdown of the reciprocal IVF process:

 

Stimulation and Egg Retrieval

• Ovarian stimulation: The partner providing the eggs undergoes a process to stimulate their ovaries using fertility medications. Ovarian stimulation encourages the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Close monitoring through ultrasounds and blood tests ensures optimal egg development.
• Egg retrieval: Once the eggs mature, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure retrieves them. The process typically involves light sedation for comfort. A thin needle guided by ultrasound gently aspirates the eggs from ovarian follicles.

Fertilization

The retrieved eggs are carefully transported to a state-of-the-art embryology lab, but at Kofinas Fertility, the retrieved eggs are collected and directly passed through a window from our operating rooms to our in-house embryology lab. Here, experienced embryologists combine the eggs with sperm from a carefully chosen donor. Two methods are possible:

• Conventional insemination: Sperm and eggs are placed together in a dish, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into the egg, a more specialized technique used in certain cases.

Embryo Development

The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are closely monitored for healthy cell division and development within a special incubator. The incubator mimics the natural environment within the fallopian tubes. Daily assessments track embryo progress, selecting the strongest and most viable ones for potential transfer.

 

Embryo Transfer

The chosen embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy. The procedure is painless and uses a thin catheter inserted into the cervix. Ultrasound guidance ensures accurate placement of the embryo(s) within the uterine lining, maximizing the chances of implantation.

 

Pregnancy and Delivery

After successful embryo implantation, the pregnancy progresses much like a natural conception. The carrying partner receives ongoing prenatal care from their OB-GYN to monitor the baby’s growth and development.

 

Benefits of Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF offers several advantages for LGBTQ+ couples considering parenthood:

• Shared experience: Both partners actively participate in the process, sharing the emotional journey of creating a family. One partner contributes genetically, while the other experiences the miracle of carrying and birthing the child. A shared experience can foster a strong and lasting bond.
• Flexibility: You can choose which partner will provide the eggs and which will carry the pregnancy based on your preferences and health considerations. This level of control allows you to tailor the process to your unique family-building goals.
• Genetic connection: By using your own eggs, one partner can share a genetic connection with the child, which can be a significant factor for some couples, and reciprocal IVF allows for this biological link to be established.
• Building a strong bond: Reciprocal IVF can be a powerful bonding experience for couples as they embark on parenthood together. The shared journey and decision-making process can strengthen your relationship as you prepare to welcome a child into your lives.

 

Answering All Your Reciprocal IVF Questions

What is the difference between reciprocal IVF and IVF?

The key difference lies in who contributes the eggs and who carries the pregnancy:

 

• Traditional IVF: IVF is typically used by couples where the woman desires to conceive but may have fertility challenges. In this process, the woman’s own eggs are retrieved and fertilized with her partner’s sperm (or donor sperm if needed). The resulting embryo is then transferred back into the same woman’s uterus for pregnancy.
• Reciprocal IVF (also known as co-maternity or partner-assisted reproduction): Reciprocal IVF is specifically designed for lesbian couples or transmasculine individuals seeking parenthood. Here, one partner provides the eggs (which may or may not be fertilized with her own sperm). Sperm donation is then used for fertilization, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus of the other partner, who will carry the pregnancy.

Both methods involve in vitro fertilization (meaning fertilization occurs outside the body in a lab), but reciprocal IVF allows for a shared experience of parenthood for couples where traditional IVF wouldn’t be suitable.

 

How much does reciprocal IVF cost?

The cost of reciprocal IVF can vary depending on several factors, including medications, number of cycles needed, lab fees, and donor sperm costs. In general, it can range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more per cycle. 

 

Does insurance cover reciprocal IVF?

Unfortunately, insurance coverage for fertility treatments like reciprocal IVF varies widely. Some plans may offer partial or full coverage, while others may not cover any aspect of it. It’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage details.

 

Can two female eggs make a baby?

No, creating a baby with two female eggs is not possible. Eggs require sperm for fertilization to occur and develop into an embryo.

 

What states pay for IVF?

Currently, there are no states in the US that directly mandate insurance companies to cover IVF. However, some states have laws that prevent insurers from excluding fertility treatments from their coverage altogether.

 

What are the risks of reciprocal IVF?

As with any medical procedure, reciprocal IVF carries some potential risks.

• Side effects from fertility medications for the egg provider
• Risks associated with egg retrieval procedure
• Risks of the embryo transfer procedure
• Potential complications during pregnancy for the carrying partner

It’s important to discuss these risks in detail with your fertility specialist to make informed decisions.

 

Embark on Your Reciprocal IVF Journey with Kofinas Fertility Group

Ready to build your beautiful family? Reciprocal IVF offers a path for LGBTQ+ couples to share the incredible experience of creating a life together. At Kofinas Fertility Group, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We’ll listen to your hopes and concerns, and create a personalized plan that makes your dream a reality. Reach out to us to get started or learn more below.