Cryos

Text

<h2><span class="display-3">IVF is not the only option for lesbian couples</span></h2>
<p>This blog post mainly focuses on in vitro fertilization (IVF) for lesbian couples, but it is also important to mention the other available treatment options for lesbian couples hoping to fulfil their dream of parenthood. The other options include:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/iui-treatment-how-it-works/">Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) with donor sperm</a></li>
<li><a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/ivf-treatment/">In vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor sperm</a></li>
<li><a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/reciprocal-ivf-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/">Reciprocal IVF</a></li>
<li>Adoption</li>
</ul>
<p>Many of these options require the <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-sperm/">purchase of donor sperm</a>. If you consider entering IVF treatment as a lesbian couple and are curious about the donors available in our Donor Search, then click on the button below.</p>
<p><a class="button button--blue" href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/find-donor/search-sperm-donors/">Sperm Donor Search</a><br><br></p>
<h2><span class="display-3">What is the difference between IVF and Reciprocal IVF?</span></h2>
<p>For lesbian couples looking to start a family, the journey to parenthood often involves some sort of fertility treatment. In recent years, more lesbian couples have chosen IVF treatment or Reciprocal IVF with donor sperm to fulfil their dream of a child. Here below, we explain the difference between the two treatment types.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 54px;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 21.0491%;"><col style="width: 49.4896%;"><col style="width: 29.4613%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 18px;">
<td style="height: 18px;"><strong>Treatment method</strong></td>
<td style="height: 18px;"><strong>Treatment process</strong></td>
<td style="height: 18px;"><strong>Benefits</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 18px;">
<td style="height: 18px;"><span class="text-theme-blue-700">IVF (In vitro fertilization)</span></td>
<td style="height: 18px;">The first step of IVF is to use fertility medication to increase the amount of eggs produced in the ovaries. The eggs are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm from a donor. Once embryos develop, they are transferred back into the woman's uterus, hopefully evolving into a pregnancy.</td>
<td style="height: 18px;">As the eggs are retrieved and fertilized in a lab, the chances of a successful pregnancy increase.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 18px;">
<td style="height: 18px;"><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Reciprocal IVF (double donation</span></td>
<td style="height: 18px;">In reciprocal IVF, one partner's eggs are stimulated, retrieved, and fertilized with donor sperm in the lab. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the other partner's uterus, allowing her to carry the pregnancy.</td>
<td style="height: 18px;">Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to be actively involved in the conception process: one as the genetic mother providing the eggs and the other as the gestational mother carrying the baby.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br>Both treatment types are a great opportunity for lesbian couples to fulfil their dream of a child. Before you choose to use IVF or reciprocal IVF, we recommend researching the laws regarding fertility treatment in your treatment country, as reciprocal IVF is an illegal treatment type in some countries.</p>

Image

<h2><span class="display-3">Reciprocal IVF &ndash; the preferred option for many lesbian couples</span></h2>
<p>Reciprocal IVF, also known as double donation, is a common <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/how-do-lesbians-have-a-baby/">pregnancy option for lesbian couples</a> as the eggs are collected from one woman and fertilized with donor sperm before being transferred to the uterus of the other woman. Hopefully, the embryo will implant and develop into a pregnancy.</p>
<h3><span class="display-4">Why is reciprocal IVF preferred among lesbian couples?</span></h3>
<p>Reciprocal IVF allows both women to be biologically involved in the pregnancy, with one being genetically related to the child and the other carrying and giving birth to the child. Giving birth to a child often creates a special bond between the mother and the child, which can be deepened through <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/breastfeeding--advice-and-explanations-from-the-midwife/">breastfeeding</a>.</p>
<p>Reciprocal IVF is prohibited in several countries, so we recommend researching whether it is possible to receive in your country. If not, you will have to decide whether you are willing to travel to a country that allows it. This is called <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/fertility-tourism-why-travel-abroad/">fertility tourism</a>. If you want to read more about people travelling to another country for fertility treatment, we recommend that you follow the link to our blog post about <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/fertility-treatment-abroad-when-phoebe-and-her-wife-went-to-denmark/">Phoebe and her wife, who travelled abroad for fertility treatment</a>.</p>
<h3><span class="display-4">How long does reciprocal IVF take?</span></h3>
<p>The process of reciprocal IVF is very similar to the normal IVF treatment. As a result, the length of the process is also quite similar, as a normal treatment process typically takes between 3-6 months, depending on various factors.</p>
<h3><span class="display-4">The cost of reciprocal IVF</span></h3>
<p>The cost of reciprocal IVF varies depending on factors such as the country in which you receive treatment and the fertility clinic you choose. Compared to traditional IVF, reciprocal IVF tends to have a higher overall cost as the procedure is more complicated than normal IVF.</p>

Illustration of the IVF treatment process

<h2><span class="display-3">The process of IVF treatment as a lesbian couple</span></h2>
<p>IVF is an artificial insemination technique where embryologists fertilize an egg with sperm in a laboratory. At the start of IVF treatment, the fertilization was performed in a glass, which is why it is called "in vitro" (meaning "in glass"). After the embryo has developed, a fertility doctor transfers it to the uterus where it hopefully develops into a successful pregnancy.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Step 1</span>: When undergoing IVF, the process always starts with fertility medication that stimulates the ovaries to help mature and maximize the number of eggs that can be retrieved. The medication is typically injected during a period of one to two weeks before the retrieval. The type and dosage of hormones will be tailored to you. Depending on how your body responds, it may cause some discomfort.</li>
<li><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Step 2</span>: Regular ultrasound scans are conducted during this time to monitor egg development, as the eggs themselves are too small to be visible. Instead, follicle size and growth are measured to determine when to use a trigger shot. By using a trigger shot, you create a rise in the hormone luteinizing hormone (<a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/faq/pregnancy/what-is-lh-surge/">lh surge</a>), thus triggering <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/blog/how-does-ovulation-work-understand-the-phases-of-your-cycle/">ovulation</a> after a period of 36 to 40 hours.</li>
<li><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Step 3</span>: Once one or more eggs have matured, it is time for egg retrieval. During egg retrieval, the woman will typically receive intravenous sedation and pain relief medication. The fertility doctor will then gently retrieve the eggs from each follicle and place them in a dish, with the process visible to the patient and partner on a screen. How much time this will take depends on the number of eggs. Once you are done, you will need rest and must expect to take the rest of the day off.</li>
<li><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Step 4</span>: Mature eggs are then fertilised with <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/about-sperm/about-donor-sperm/">donor sperm</a> and monitored for five or six days to observe whether fertilization has occurred and whether they have started to develop into embryos.</li>
<li><span class="text-theme-blue-700">Step 5</span>: Any successfully developed embryos will then be transferred to the uterus of the person who intends to carry the pregnancy. It is normal to only transfer one embryo at a time since twin pregnancies can be a health risk for both the mother and the babies. While fresh embryos may be transferred five or six days after egg retrieval, sometimes embryos must be frozen and stored to allow the body time to rest. The embryo transfer process is brief, lasting approximately 10 minutes and is typically performed without anaesthesia. A blood test is conducted approximately two weeks later to determine whether the treatment was successful and whether you are going to be a family of two mums in the near future.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span class="display-4">How long does IVF take as a lesbian couple?</span></h3>
<p>The process of IVF differs from one woman to another depending on the number of treatments required and is largely the same for lesbian women and heterosexual couples. The main difference is that lesbian couples need help from a sperm donor, while only some heterosexual couples need that. Typically the process will last about 3-6 months depending on a variety of factors.</p>
<h3><span class="display-4">The cost of IVF</span></h3>
<p>In the UK, the initial price for IVF treatment begins at 5000 GBP per cycle. However, depending on different factors like your location, the number of treatments required, and clinic packages this cost can increase. Typically, the treatment includes consultations with fertility experts, ultrasound scans, blood testing, medicines, and the actual IVF procedure. Before entering treatment, we recommend you research whether your insurance makes you eligible for fertility treatment in the public healthcare system, as it often helps reduce the total cost of IVF treatment.</p>
<h2><span class="display-3">Find a sperm donor for LGBT+ couples</span></h2>
<p>At Cryos we care about being an LGBT+ friendly sperm bank, and about 35% of the people we help are <a href="/en-gb/dk-shop/private/about-sperm/why-use-a-sperm-donor/lesbian-parents/">lesbian couples trying to conceive with donor sperm</a>. We have the world's largest donor selection, and you can browse through our free donor search to find the perfect match.</p>