Lesbian family planning

Lesbian family planning - the first step

The first step in building a family as a lesbian couple is to find the right fertility clinic. Finding a fertility clinic is easy - but finding the perfect clinic can seem difficult if you do not know what to look for. If you are looking for inspiration on what to search for, follow the link to our guide on finding the right fertility clinic.

Once you have chosen the right clinic, the next step is to plan your treatment with a fertility doctor from the clinic. Initially, the doctor ensures that the woman who intends to carry the child is healthy with no fertility issues. From there, you need to plan when to start treatment and how to proceed. Read what to consider when choosing who should carry the child here.

Fertility treatment options available for lesbian couples

Most lesbian couples begin their treatment process with IUI and continue from there if no successful pregnancy is achieved. ICSI treatment is the preferred method for heterosexual couples struggling with male infertility, and as lesbian couples use high-quality sperm from a donor, it is rarely necessary to use that type of treatment.

ICI with donor sperm

Intracervical insemination, also called ICI, is the easiest method of artificial insemination. In ICI, a healthcare professional injects sperm into the vagina. ICI treatment can also be performed by yourself or a partner in the comfort of your own home. Examine your country’s regulations before ordering donor sperm for ICI treatment at home, as many countries have made it illegal to perform ICI treatment yourself.

IUI with donor sperm

IUI is short for Intrauterine Insemination. It is a form of donor insemination where a doctor injects sperm from a donor directly into the woman's uterus during ovulation. IUI with donor sperm is the preferred starting option for lesbian couples, as it is less invasive and expensive than IVF.

IVF with donor sperm

IVF is a method of artificial insemination used to help couples and singles become pregnant without a man. In IVF with donor sperm, the eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm from a donor. Hopefully, the fertilization creates one or more embryos, which a doctor transfers back into the uterus where it can grow into a pregnancy. Lesbian couples only use IVF if they have been through multiple rounds of IUI without receiving a positive pregnancy test or if the woman meant to carry the child has a medical record showing any fertility-related diseases.

Success rates for IVF treatment with frozen embryos

According to the NHS, the birth rate per frozen embryo transferred for IVF treatment in 2021 was:

• 31% for women under 35
• 27% for women aged 35 to 37
• 22% for women aged 38 to 39
• 17% for women aged 40 to 42
• 14% for women aged 43 to 44
• 17% for women aged over 44

Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF is a pregnancy option for lesbian couples similar to IVF treatment. The difference is that in reciprocal IVF, the eggs from one woman are retrieved and fertilized with donor sperm before being transferred to the other woman’s uterus, hopefully resulting in pregnancy. Reciprocal IVF is a preferred option amongst many lesbian couples because both women are physically involved in the pregnancy, with one supplying the eggs, while the other carries and gives birth to the child. Reciprocal IVF is illegal in some countries, be sure to research the laws regarding fertility in your treatment country before deciding on reciprocal IVF as your treatment method.

What is the best option?

It is difficult to determine which option is the best, as it differs from one couple to another. You must consider your preferences, fertility level, and budget before deciding on the best option for you.

The big difference between IUI and IVF is the egg retrieval process required in IVF. Because fertilization happens outside the uterus, the chances of obtaining pregnancy are higher in IVF, but the treatment method is also more invasive and expensive than IUI.

Other articles for lesbian couples starting a family

• Debunking 6 myths about lesbian parents
• Same-sex families and LGBT parenting: What you should know
• 6 books for lesbian parents

How to order donor sperm for treatment

Before you can order donor sperm for treatment, you must book a consultation with your fertility doctor to ensure that you order the right type and amount of sperm. Most fertility doctors prefer to use IUI sperm instead of ICI, but please consult your doctor before placing the order to be sure.

Once you know the correct type and amount of sperm to order, you can begin searching for a donor. There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a sperm donor. Most lesbian couples prefer a donor with a good medical history and with a physical appearance similar to the partner not genetically related to the child.

If you have any questions regarding how to buy sperm for fertility treatment or the process of choosing a donor, click the button below to contact our Customer Care Consultants.

Contact Cryos