Reciprocal IVF: A Beautiful Way To Share The Journey To Parenthood

At Audubon Fertility, we understand that building a family is one of life’s most precious journeys. For same-sex female couples, Reciprocal IVF offers a unique and deeply meaningful way to share in the experience of bringing a child into the world. This method allows both partners to actively participate—one by providing the eggs and the other by carrying the pregnancy—creating an incredible shared connection to their future baby. As more LGBTQ+ couples seek inclusive fertility options, Reciprocal IVF has become a popular choice, offering not only a biological link but also an emotional bond throughout the entire process. Parenthood is about love, commitment, and togetherness, and we are here to help make that dream a reality.

Reciprocal IVF: A Shared Path To Parenthood

Reciprocal IVF, sometimes called co-maternity IVF, is a specialized fertility treatment designed for same-sex female couples who want to share the parenthood experience. Unlike traditional IVF, where a single individual undergoes both egg retrieval and embryo transfer, Reciprocal IVF splits these roles between both partners. One partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, and those eggs are then fertilized with donor sperm in our lab. Once the embryos develop, we transfer one into the uterus of the other partner, who then carries the pregnancy. This approach allows both individuals to play an essential role—one providing the genetic material and the other nurturing the baby throughout pregnancy. It is a powerful way to build a family together, with each partner feeling truly involved in the process.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF is an excellent option for same-sex female couples who both wish to be actively involved in the creation of their child. Many couples choose this path because one partner has a strong desire to have a genetic connection to the baby, while the other dreams of experiencing pregnancy and childbirth. This process is also beneficial for couples who may have concerns about fertility—if one partner has difficulty producing eggs, the other can provide them. We help determine whether this method is the best fit through comprehensive fertility evaluations, ensuring that both partners are healthy and prepared for the journey ahead. No matter your situation, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Step-By-Step Process of Reciprocal IVF

• Initial Consultation & Fertility Evaluation

Every successful fertility journey starts with a consultation. During this first step, we take the time to understand your medical history, personal goals, and expectations. Both partners undergo fertility assessments, which include blood work, ultrasounds, and hormone testing. This helps us determine ovarian reserve, overall reproductive health, and any potential challenges. We believe in transparency, so we walk you through each step, ensuring you feel informed and confident in your choices.

• Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval

The partner providing the eggs begins a cycle of ovarian stimulation using hormone injections. This encourages the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of a successful embryo transfer. During this phase, we closely monitor the response through ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the eggs are mature, we perform a minor outpatient procedure to retrieve them. This step is quick and performed under mild sedation to ensure comfort.

• Fertilization & Embryo Development

After retrieval, the eggs are fertilized with donor sperm in our laboratory. We carefully monitor their growth, selecting the healthiest embryos for transfer. We use advanced embryo grading techniques to improve the chances of implantation and a successful pregnancy. If multiple high-quality embryos develop, couples may choose to freeze some for future use, providing an opportunity for siblings later on.

• Embryo Transfer To The Carrying Partner

Once the embryos have matured, we prepare the partner who will carry the pregnancy for the transfer. This involves hormonal preparation to ensure the uterus is receptive. When the time is right, we place the best-quality embryo into the uterus in a simple and painless procedure. After the transfer, we wait for implantation, offering continuous support and guidance throughout this exciting but sometimes nerve-wracking time.

• Pregnancy Testing & Monitoring

About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, we conduct a pregnancy test to confirm implantation. If successful, we continue monitoring the pregnancy through bloodwork and ultrasounds, ensuring everything progresses smoothly. Our team provides ongoing care, emotional support, and medical expertise to help both partners feel secure and reassured as they move toward welcoming their baby.

Benefits of Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF is not just about having a baby—it’s about the shared experience of creating life together. One of the most beautiful aspects of this method is the deep emotional connection it fosters between partners. By allowing one partner to contribute genetically and the other to experience pregnancy, Reciprocal IVF strengthens the bond between both individuals and their children. It also provides flexibility in family planning, offering couples the chance to alternate roles for future pregnancies if desired. Beyond these personal benefits, this method gives LGBTQ+ couples an empowering way to build their family with full support and recognition.

Considerations & Challenges

While Reciprocal IVF is an incredible opportunity, it does come with considerations that couples should be aware of. One major factor is cost — IVF treatments can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies widely. We help our patients explore financing options and understand potential expenses upfront.

Legal considerations are also important. Some states may require additional legal documentation to ensure both partners have full parental rights. We recommend working with an attorney specializing in LGBTQ+ family law to establish these rights early on.

Finally, the process itself can be emotionally and physically demanding. Ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer involve medical procedures, and both partners may experience a rollercoaster of emotions. We encourage open communication and provide counseling resources to support our patients throughout the journey.

Audubon Fertility: Your Trusted Partner in Reciprocal IVF

We are proud to offer compassionate, inclusive, and expert fertility care for LGBTQ+ families. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to build the family they’ve always dreamed of, and we are honored to be part of that journey. Here’s why we stand out:

• Expert Team: Our specialists have extensive experience in LGBTQ+ fertility treatments and take a patient-centered approach to care.

• Advanced Technology: We use the latest reproductive technologies to optimize success rates and create the best possible outcomes.

• Personalized Approach: No two families are the same, and neither are our treatment plans. We tailor every process to suit each couple’s unique needs.

• Comprehensive Services: From fertility preservation to third-party reproduction options, we provide a full spectrum of fertility services to support your goals.

We know that navigating fertility treatments can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is here to guide you with warmth, expertise, and unwavering support.

Conclusion

Reciprocal IVF is more than just a medical procedure—it’s a deeply personal and meaningful way for same-sex female couples to experience the joy of parenthood together. It allows both partners to actively participate in bringing their child into the world, creating a bond that is truly special. If you and your partner are considering this path, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about how we can help make your dream a reality.

At Audubon Fertility, we are dedicated to making the journey to parenthood as smooth and fulfilling as possible. Let us be your trusted partner in this incredible chapter of your life. Schedule a consultation with us today, and let’s start building your family—together.