A while back, couples of the same sex couldn’t even dream of having children of their own. Now, as society becomes more tolerant, same-sex couples now have the opportunity to create their own families. There are several ways they can do this, one being reciprocal IVF. 

Key Takeaways

• Reciprocal in vitro fertilization allows same-sex couples to both participate in a pregnancy - one by donating the egg, and the other by carrying the pregnancy to term.
• Reciprocal IVF is a safe, effective form of assisted reproductive technology, and is likely more consistently successful than traditional IVF.
• Reciprocal IVF, and all forms of IVF, can be expensive compared to other forms of ART. Whether the costs are worthwhile comes down to each couple’s needs and wants from a pregnancy.
  
  

What Is Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF or sometimes called “co-maternity” is a fertility treatment option that enables same-sex females and trans-men couples can meaningfully participate in the child creation process or rather the biological development of a child.

In this process, both partners can participate either as the egg donor or the gestational carrier using IVF or in vitro fertilization. Each partner gets to play a personal part by bonding during pregnancy or biologically. Reciprocal IVF has become increasingly popular in recent years showing promising success rates when compared to other forms of IVF therapy.

How Does Reciprocal IVF Work?

Though it follows the same process as IVF, some stages are a bit different in Reciprocal IVF. This process can span several weeks or months depending on each individual’s unique circumstances. The entire process can be broken down into different stages:

Decide on roles

The first decision the couple must make in reciprocal IVF is who will be undergoing the IVF process, and who will carry the pregnancy. Though the decision can be clear for some couples, for others it is not and medical evaluations have to be carried out to know who can perform better in each role. If both partners are cleared medically, it comes down to the couple’s decision.

If the decision is still not clear, the healthcare professionals at Fertility Centers of Orange County specialize in guiding couples through this journey, offering expert care tailored to each couple's needs and aspirations while addressing financial considerations and available treatments. Our goal is to help you navigate this significant step towards building your family with informed confidence and support.

Find A Sperm Donor

The couple must also find and select donor sperm, either from a known or anonymous donor. It’s important to remember that if you choose a donor from a sperm bank, it can involve additional costs not covered by insurance or included in the expected IVF fees. This cost can range anywhere between $400–$2,000.

Medical Evaluation

After the couple decide on roles they undergo a medical evaluation if they didn’t at first. The partner providing the eggs will go through a transvaginal ultrasound to check the ovaries and AFC (antral follicles count) and a blood test panel to analyze their hormonal levels including Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). This will help the IVF specialist to decide on the medication protocol. The fertility specialist will then give the donor partner medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. 

Egg Retrieval

When the follicles containing the eggs are almost mature, a final hormone injection is given exactly 36 hours before extraction. Eggs are then removed through the use of a thin needle inserted into the ovary. The IVF physician will then perform an egg retrieval procedure using ultrasound guidance. 

Fertilization

Once the eggs have been safely retrieved, they are fertilized using the donor sperm. Some couples choose to only fertilize a portion of the eggs retrieved during this first step. The remaining eggs can be frozen before fertilization for future use or in case any complications arise during the IVF process.

Once successful fertilization has taken place, the egg develops into an embryo and is allowed to develop for several more days outside the body before it is transferred into the second partner’s uterus.

Implantation

While eggs are being retrieved, the partner who will carry the embryo takes injections and hormone pills to prepare the uterus for the transfer of an embryo. This procedure is quicker and less invasive than the egg retrieval process and does not require sedation or pain medication. A speculum and catheter are used to inject embryos directly into the uterus, and the entire process should take no more than 10 minutes in most cases.

Once implantation is done, an embryo binds to the lining of the uterus and pregnancy continues as it would with any other form of pregnancy.

What Is the Success Rate of IVF?

According to a 2023 analysis of published research on reciprocal IVF treatments, the success rate of reciprocal IVF is as high or higher than the success rate for IVF treatments overall. This could be because couples engaging in reciprocal IVF treatments were choosing to undergo this procedure due to the nature of their relationship, while many heterosexual couples choose IVF as a way to navigate infertility and other health conditions that might impact their ability to conceive naturally.

Does Insurance Pay for Reciprocal IVF?

IVF treatment in general does come with significant costs and Reciprocal IVF is no different. In fact, the cost could go higher when you consider the donor sperm. An initial cycle of IVF can cost $20,000, while each subsequent round of IVF can cost between $3,000-$5,000. These costs cover everything from hormone injections and pre-procedure medication to egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures to legal fees and donor sperm fees.

Legal Considerations

IVF and fertility laws can be complicated, especially when both partners do not contribute genetic material. These laws vary by state and one should consult with an attorney who specializes in family or reproductive law before deciding on reciprocal IVF. They will be able to explain the legal implications and requirements for parental rights.

Is Reciprocal IVF Worth It?

The decision of how and when to have a child is incredibly personal and everyone’s circumstances are different. What may work for one couple may not for another. Reciprocal IVF is an extremely personal decision that is in most cases not taken lightly. Reciprocal IVF presents a special opportunity for same-sex couples to engage in the conception process, blending medical innovation with personal involvement. 

There are significant costs and lengthy medical treatments associated with the process. However, the idea of being directly involved in the biological development of a child is paramount for some couples, and in such cases, reciprocal IVF might be the best option for developing that bond before a child’s birth.