LGBTQ Family Planning | Reproductive Sciences Medical Center

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LGBTQ Family Planning
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• Modern Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
  have made it possible for LGBTQ couples to build
  a family together. LGBTQ families have unique
  needs, but like many prospective parents, have
  questions.
• What is possible?
• What is involved?
• We can we expect?

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What are the fertility options for lesbian
couples?

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
• referred to as artificial insemination
• is a precise procedure, where the sperm is
  treated to create a concentrated sample of the
  healthiest sperm, which are then placed directly
  into uterus through the cervix
• is timed with a womans natural ovulation cycle
  for optimal results.

• Reciprocal IVF
• it allows both partners to contribute and
  collaborate in the creation of their child
• also known as egg sharing, allows one partner to
  donate their eggs while the other carries the
  pregnancy
• Each couples fertility needs are different and
  will determine how they use IVF to achieve
  pregnancy.

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What are the fertility options for gay couples?

• Traditional Surrogacy
• The chosen sperm fertilizes the surrogates egg
  through artificial insemination/IUI.
• Sperm used for this procedure can be from anyone
  of the partners or even a donor may be used.

• IVF, Egg donation and gestational surrogate
• Multiple IVF treatments are available for gay
  couples, and are outlined below
• The surrogate can use their own egg and sperm
  from one of the partners
• Using the surrogates egg and donor sperm
• Using donor eggs and sperm from one of the
  partners
• Use donor eggs and donor sperm

When using donor eggs, the surrogate will have no
genetic relation to the baby.
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How do we get donor sperm?

• For lesbian couples, surrogacy requires a sperm
  donor for IVF. Choosing a sperm donor can be a
  very personal process. You can choose from the
  following two paths.
• Anonymous Donor This option lets you choose a
  donor from a sperm bank. The bank will provide
  profiles with background information of the
  donor, and all samples will be pre-screened.
• Known Donor Women can decide to use the sperm of
  an identified donor, they can be a friend or a
  relative. In this case, the donor will be
  required to submit a sample to the clinic for
  analysis to ensure that the sperm is healthy and
  fit for using in fertility treatments.

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How should you choose which partner carries the
baby?

• For some lesbian couples it is difficult to come
  to a decision, since both may want to carry the
  baby. You will have many conversations, but here
  are some considerations that can help you make
  the correct choice
• Medically Fit The reproductive health of the
  partner who will be carrying the pregnancy is
  very important. Healthy ovaries and eggs, if she
  decides to use her own, will give you the best
  chance of success.
• Healthy Lifestyle You and your partner should
  consider each others overall health and fitness.
  Obese or underweight women have a lower chance of
  success. Also, smoking and other toxic habits can
  have adverse effects on pregnancy.

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What are the surrogacy options for gay couples?

• Surrogacy for gay couples has revolutionized over
  the last few decades. There are two paths for
  choosing a surrogate to carry your child.
• Surrogate is the source of both egg and uterus to
  carry the pregnancy. She can get pregnant through
  Intrauterine Insemination.
• Surrogate and egg donor are different. IVF is
  used in this case.

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How to we get donor eggs?

• This is a recurrent question on almost every gay
  couples mind. You can get egg donors in one of
  two ways

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Anonymous Donor

• It is important to choose a reputable fertility
  agency for this, thats because a LGBTQ fertility
  specialist will point you in the right direction.
  
• Many donors have already been prescreened and
  will have profiles with background information,
  making the selection process easier.

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Known Donor

• You can use the eggs of your friends or family
  members.
• It takes several weeks to complete the egg
  retrieval process, including fertility drugs and
  a short outpatient procedure.
• This requires a significant commitment from your
  donor.

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How can we ensure that the baby has a biological
connection with both partners?

• Combining sperm
• Sperm from both partners is combined with
  separate batches of donated eggs.
• This process could result in twins, meaning the
  same biological mother but separate dads.
• If a single child is born, you can use a DNA test
  to determine the father.

• Relative Donor
• One of the partners female relatives serves as
  the egg donor while those eggs are fertilized by
  the sperm of the other partner.
• This ensures that both partners share a genetic
  connection with the baby.

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What will be the cost for LGBTQ couples to have a
child?

• Every couples needs and situation are different.
  It is not possible to know the exact cost
  without knowing the specifics about your case.
  Factors like the type of IVF treatment, third
  party agency costs, egg/embryo freezing and
  storage cost, diagnostic testing, office visits,
  medications for donor and recipient directly
  affect the cost of your fertility treatment.

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Pushing Forward

• The landscape of having a child for LGBTQ
  families has evolved over the past couple of
  years. Reproductive Sciences Medical Center, is a
  fertility agency in San Diego that has already
  helped numerous same sex couples achieve their
  dream of starting a family. If you would like to
  work with us, we would be more than happy to
  schedule a free initial consultation to
  understand your personal situation and needs.

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For more information visit us at www. fertile.com
or call at [phone].