The LGBTQ+ family building process
At Fertility Centers of Orange County, we believe anyone who wants to be a parent can become one. You deserve a medical team that understands your unique fertility needs. We tailor each treatment plan to the specific needs of the patient.
How LGBTQ+ family building works
Family building is a deeply personal process for every couple and individual who walks through our doors. Our doctors have extensive experience working with same-sex couples, transgender and non-binary patients, and LGBTQ+ singles who dream of parenthood. Your treatment plan will begin with a consultation where you can discuss your unique needs and goals with your doctor and collaboratively create a path forward.
Same-Sex female and lesbian couples
Although many same-sex female couples have no proven history of infertility, we recommend diagnostic evaluations as the first step to achieve success quickly and make the process more cost-efficient. These tests may include bloodwork to determine egg quantity and quality, a genetic carrier screening, a hysterosalpingogram to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes, and ultrasounds to follow the timing of natural ovulation.
After testing is complete, your physician will recommend a path to pregnancy that’s right for you. These can include intrauterine insemination (IUI) in a natural cycle (without hormones), intrauterine insemination with hormones, and IVF. These procedures can be tailored to your unique needs. Donor sperm can be used from a known source, such as a friend or family member, or an anonymous source selected from a trusted sperm bank. Your team will be there every step of the way to support you in making the best decision for your family.
Gay and same-sex male couples
For gay and same-sex male (assigned male at birth) couples starting or expanding their families involves donor eggs and a gestational carrier, commonly referred to as a surrogate. The first step will be a diagnostic evaluation including semen analysis, genetic carrier screening and infectious disease testing (FDA testing). Once you’re ready to select an egg donor and surrogate, we will assign you a clinical coordinator that will help guide you through this process. The donated eggs will be combined with your sperm in our lab to develop an embryo which will then be placed in your surrogate’s uterus.
Family building for transgender and non-binary people
Fertility Centers of Orange County has worked with many transgender and non-binary patients to help them achieve their dreams of parenthood through egg, sperm, and embryo freezing. We recommend scheduling a consultation with us before pursuing gender-affirming care if possible, but regardless of where you are in your journey, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your fertility options and create a plan that works for you. You may have many options, from using your own stored eggs or sperm to exploring donors and surrogacy.
LBGTQ+ Family Building Success with Fertility Centers of Orange County
Our network has built more LGBTQ+ families around the world than any other fertility group.
Paying for your fertility treatment
Though coverage for fertility care varies widely by insurance plan, the good news is that you have options. We are committed to guiding you through your insurance benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and other financing options every step of the way.
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Deciding between IVF and IUI will depend on the results of your fertility testing and the decisions that you make with your care team. We suggest booking a consultation to begin testing and the process of determining which treatment is right for you.
Finding a gestational carrier is a deeply personal process and we will be with you every step of the way. We partner with trusted surrogacy agencies and are also able to work with your known surrogate (sometimes called a compassionate carrier) should you choose to go that route.
Couples and individuals seeking a sperm donor all have very different criteria, from health, to physical appearance and personality. Fertility Centers of Orange County has partnered with trusted sperm banks so that we can support your process every step of the way. Some patients also work with known donors, such as family and friends, which we equally welcome as part of your fertility treatment plan.
FCOC has partnered with a number of trusted egg donor agencies and egg banks so that we can support your process every step of the way. The selection process for an egg donor is very similar to sperm donor selection. You are able to select an egg donor or banked donor eggs based on a number of personal criteria. You also have the option of working with a known egg donor, such as a friend or relative.