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All individuals and couples who want to start a family or expand the one they have, deserve access to reproductive services. Unfortunately, there have been too many cases where same-sex couples were denied this assistance.
Finding Compassionate Fertility and Reproductive Services
LGBTQ+ couples should thoroughly research providers before scheduling a consultation to avoid potential discrimination. Check their websites for options catering to same-gender couples, their history, available services, and success rates.
Do not put yourself and your partner in a position to be judged or shamed by medical professionals who have no insight into same-sex relationships and your natural desire to become parents.
IVF for Same-Sex Female Couples
In vitro fertilization treatments (IVF) can help women in same-gender partnerships conceive.
IVF involves a woman receiving injections to increase the number of eggs produced by the ovaries, extracting them, and fertilization with sperm from a donor.
The IVF process offers several benefits, which include:
- Genetic testing - Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities.
- Gender selection - PGT is also used to determine the sex of the embryo, which can be beneficial in limiting the potential for gender-linked disorders.
- Sperm donors - Embryos can be created with donated sperm for female couples or male couples who cannot or choose not to use their own sperm.
- Egg donors - Donated eggs are used for male couples who choose surrogacy or women whose eggs are not viable.
Learn more about the IVF process here.
Using a Surrogate
Surrogates are typically used for male couples as well as women who cannot or choose not to carry their child. This involves a careful process to match prospective surrogates with the intended parents.
Gestational surrogacy is the term used for the process of implanting an embryo created by the sperm and egg of another, either from the intended parents or a donor.
Reputable reproductive clinics require gestational surrogates to undergo a thorough screening process. This screening includes psychological and medical evaluations.
Gestational Surrogacy Using an Egg Or Sperm Donor
If the intended mothers cannot produce viable eggs, or the intended fathers are unable to produce healthy sperm, an egg or sperm donor is used.
This means that male couples will have to choose an egg donor and a surrogate to carry their child. Most female couples will only have to choose the sperm donor, and one of the partners will go through the IVF procedure to become pregnant. However, there is nothing preventing both women from undergoing the process and each carrying a child.
After fertilization, the embryos are incubated and monitored. Usually, one to five days following fertilization, the embryo is implanted in the surrogate’s uterus.
Reproductive Services for Same-Sex Couples in Southern California
Dr. Peyman Saadat and the team at Reproductive Fertility offer advanced reproductive and fertility treatments, including surrogacy services for same-gender couples, in three office locations, including West Hollywood, Riverside, and Glendora, California.
Dr. Peyman Saadat is double board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and obstetrics and gynecology.
If you are looking for open-minded, compassionate reproductive care in Southern California, call Dr. Peyman’s Beverly Hills fertility center today at (310) 881-8846. His friendly and helpful staff are available to answer your questions or schedule a consultation.
