Starting a family as a same-sex female couple or individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) is a deeply personal journey. At The Evewell, we’re proud to support LGBTQ+ families with tailored, compassionate care that prioritises your unique needs.
IVF and fertility treatment for same-sex female couples
Starting a family as a same-sex female couple or individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) is a deeply personal journey. With advances in fertility treatments and inclusive care, there are more options than ever to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
At The Evewell, we’re proud to support LGBTQ+ families with tailored, compassionate care that prioritises your unique needs.
Here, we’ll explore the different fertility treatments available, including reciprocal IVF, how to choose donor sperm, and why The Evewell is the right choice for your fertility journey.
Same-sex female couples or AFAB individuals considering fertility treatment often choose between intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Each has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your fertility potential, personal preferences, and medical circumstances.
IUI is a simpler, less invasive treatment where donor sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. IUI is most effective for individuals or couples with minimal or no fertility challenges, such as:
It’s less effective for individuals with conditions like:
Advantages of IUI include:
While IUI is less expensive than IVF per cycle, the lower success rates may mean multiple cycles are needed, more donor sperm will need to be purchased and the cumulative cost of repeated IUI treatments can become comparable to or even exceed the cost of a single IVF cycle.
IVF with ICSI is a more advanced treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, a sperm is then injected into the egg by one of our embryologists, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.
IVF with ICSI offers same-sex female or AFAB couples opportunities to create and grow their families, whether through shared motherhood, advanced genetic testing, or embryo banking for future children.
IVF with ICSI is recommended if:
IVF generally has higher success rates than IUI, particularly for individuals or couples with fertility challenges. Factors such as age, ovarian reserve, and overall reproductive health can influence success, but IVF’s controlled process and advanced technology give it a significant advantage.
For those under 35, our latest success rate per IVF cycle is around 48%, vs. the HFEA national average of 32%.
Reciprocal IVF, also known as intrapartner egg sharing or shared parenthood, is a popular option for patients who want to share the experience of creating a family. This treatment allows one partner to provide the eggs, which are fertilised with donor sperm, while the other partner carries the pregnancy and gives birth.
The process typically involves:
This advanced testing examines the embryos’ chromosomes to identify potential genetic abnormalities before transfer.
Benefits of PGT-A include:
PGT-A is especially beneficial for individuals over 35, as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with age.
Selecting the right donor sperm is an important part of the process and can be a daunting process whether you’re electing for IUI or IVF.
Donor conception is highly regulated in the UK by the HFEA and we will guide you through this process. The sperm donor has no legal rights or financial obligation to the child, is not the legal parent, and won’t be named on the birth certificate. If you choose anonymised donor sperm, your child will be able to access identifiable details of their donor once they reach 18.
The amount of donor sperm required depends on your chosen treatment:
If you’re planning for multiple children or future cycles, you may want to purchase extra vials from the same donor to maintain genetic consistency between siblings.
At The Evewell, we take pride in being an inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly clinic with a deep commitment to providing exceptional care for same-sex female couples and AFAB individuals. Here’s what sets us apart:
Our fertility specialists are also experienced gynaecologists, meaning we can evaluate and optimise your overall reproductive health alongside your fertility treatment. This comprehensive approach leaves no stone unturned in helping you build your family.
Before starting treatment, we perform detailed assessments to understand your fertility potential. This includes tests such as ovarian reserve evaluation and hormone profiling, ensuring we tailor your treatment plan to maximise your chances of success
No two journeys are the same. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, preferences, and goals to create a personalised treatment plan that fits you and your partner.
We understand the challenges and joys of starting a family as an LGBTQ+ couple. Our clinics are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive, creating a safe space where you can feel comfortable and respected.
From advanced embryo selection techniques to state-of-the-art laboratories, our clinic combines innovation with compassionate care to give you the best possible chance of success.