Advances in fertility treatments now make it possible for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) couples to conceive children together. LGBT couples are often told that it is impossible to have children together, but this is not true. LGBTQ Fertility Mountain View is about family building through assisted reproductive technology (ART) for same-sex couples.
No matter what fertility options you choose, it is important to find a fertility clinic that is supportive of LGBT couples and individuals. There are many fertility clinics out there that are not understanding or supportive of LGBT couples.
Many support groups and resources are available to LGBT couples trying to conceive. These groups help provide emotional support and practical advice. So, do your research to find a clinic that is fully supportive of your goal of establishing a family.
There are many different ways to have a family, and many other fertility options are available to LGBT couples who want to have children together. Some of the most common LGBT fertility options include:
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
This is a laboratory procedure in which eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm. The embryos that result are then transferred to the uterus. Many factors influence IVF success, including the woman’s age and the quality of the eggs. So, while IVF is not for everyone, it is often a good option for couples who want to have a biological child together.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
This is a variation of IVF in which a single sperm is injected into an egg. ICSI can be used when the man has a low sperm count or when the sperm is of poor quality. ICSI can also be used if the couple has had trouble conceiving with IVF in the past.
Artificial insemination
Artificial insemination is often used when the woman has a condition that makes it difficult for her to conceive with IVF. In this procedure, sperm is inserted into the uterus through a small catheter. The sperm can come from the partner or a donor.
Egg donation
In egg donation, it is all about the quality of the eggs. If the woman has a condition that makes it difficult for her to produce healthy eggs, she may need to use donor eggs. The donor eggs are fertilized with the partner’s sperm and then transferred to the uterus.
Surrogacy
In surrogacy, a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another couple or individual. The surrogate may be a friend or family member, or she may be a professional. There is no biological relationship between the surrogate and the baby. The surrogate only carries the baby and gives birth. The couple or individual who wants to have a child is referred to as the “intended parent.”
Sperm donation
If the man has a low sperm count or poor-quality sperm, he may need to use donor sperm. The donor sperm can be used with IVF, ICSI, or artificial insemination.
If you are an LGBT couple or an individual interested in starting a family, talk to your fertility specialist at NOVA IVF to learn more about your options.
