At Fertility Partnership, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a family—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status. LGBTQ+ individuals and couples often face unique challenges on the path to parenthood, but thanks to modern reproductive technology and inclusive fertility care, there are more options than ever.
Whether you’re a same-sex couple, transgender individual, or single LGBTQ+ parent-to-be, this guide will walk you through the fertility treatment options available to you.
Fertility Options for Lesbian Couples
For lesbian couples looking to grow their family, several treatment paths are available depending on your goals and preferences.
1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) with Donor Sperm
One partner carries the pregnancy using donor sperm. Sperm can be obtained from:
- A known donor (friend or relative)
- A sperm bank
IUI is a non-invasive and cost-effective option that aligns well with natural or medicated cycles.
2. Reciprocal IVF
In this option, one partner provides the eggs, and the other partner carries the pregnancy. This allows both partners to participate biologically and emotionally in the process.
Steps include:
- Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval from Partner A
- Fertilization with donor sperm
- Embryo transfer into Partner B
Fertility Options for Gay Couples
Gay male couples will require an egg donor and a gestational carrier (surrogate) to have a child genetically related to one or both partners.
1. IVF with Egg Donation and Surrogacy
- Eggs are retrieved from a donor
- Fertilized with sperm from one or both partners
- Transferred to a gestational carrier who will carry the pregnancy
Some couples create embryos with sperm from each partner and choose to transfer one of each or alternate transfers for different children.
Fertility Options for Transgender Individuals
Transgender and nonbinary individuals may consider a variety of family-building options depending on their transition status and fertility preservation efforts.
1. Fertility Preservation Before Transition
- Trans men can freeze eggs
- Trans women can freeze sperm
Preserving fertility before hormone therapy or surgery ensures more options for the future.
2. Fertility Treatments After Transition
Depending on your medical history, you may still be able to pursue:
- IUI or IVF
- Gestational surrogacy
- Use of partner’s or donor gametes
We recommend early consultation with a fertility specialist to explore options and timelines.
Choosing Donors and Carriers
In LGBTQ+ fertility journeys, choosing the right sperm donor, egg donor, or gestational carrier is an important step.
You can work with:
- Sperm and egg banks: Provide screened, anonymous donor profiles
- Known donors: Friends or family (requires legal agreements)
- Agencies: Match you with gestational carriers or donors
Legal consultation is highly recommended to ensure all parties are protected, especially when using known donors or surrogates.
Financial Support and Legal Considerations
Fertility treatments can be expensive, especially when third-party reproduction is involved. Some financial support options include:
- Fertility grants for LGBTQ+ families
- Flexible payment plans through Fertility Partnership
- Tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs and FSAs
You’ll also want to consult with an attorney who specializes in reproductive law to draft parentage agreements and ensure your parental rights are secure.
We’re Proud to Support All Families
At Fertility Partnership, we are proud to offer compassionate, personalized fertility care for the LGBTQ+ community. We’re here to answer your questions, explore your options, and help you take the next step toward building the family you’ve always dreamed of.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking for support on your current journey—we’re with you every step of the way.
