IVF for Same-sex Female Couples | The Evewell London - The Evewell
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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. At The Evewell, we’re proud to support LGBTQ+ families with tailored, compassionate care that prioritises your unique needs.

I’d like to start an LGBTQ+ Family

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.

IUI vs IVF: which is right for you?

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 (intrauterine insemination)

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:

  • Unexplained infertility
  • Mild ovulation issues

It’s less effective for individuals with conditions like:

  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • Severe endometriosis
  • Poor egg quality (low AMH)
  • Low ovarian reserve

Advantages of IUI include:

  • Lower cost compared to IVF
  • A less complex process with no egg collection required
  • Minimal hormonal stimulation

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

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:

  • There are underlying fertility issues, such as low ovarian reserve or blocked fallopian tubes
  • You want to do reciprocal IVF/shared motherhood
  • You want to create and freeze embryos for future babies
  • You know you need genetic testing
  • You prefer higher success rates compared to IUI

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%.

Shared parenthood with reciprocal IVF

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:

  1. Fertility evaluation: Both partners undergo assessments to determine whose eggs will be used and who will carry the pregnancy.
  1. Ovarian stimulation and egg collection: The partner providing the eggs takes hormonal medication to stimulate the ovaries, followed by a minor procedure to retrieve the eggs.
  1. Fertilisation: The retrieved eggs are fertilised with donor sperm using the ICSI method in the lab to create embryos.
  1. Embryo transfer: Once an embryo is ready, it is transferred to the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A)

This advanced testing examines the embryos’ chromosomes to identify potential genetic abnormalities before transfer.

Benefits of PGT-A include:

  • Improved success rates: By transferring by transferring a chromosomally normal embryo, the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy are higher, and the time it will take to get to a live birth, will be reduced.
  • Reduced risk of miscarriage: Chromosomal abnormalities are a leading cause of miscarriage, so PGT-A helps minimise this risk.
  • Family planning: If you’re planning multiple children, knowing the genetic health of your embryos can provide peace of mind for future pregnancies.

PGT-A is especially beneficial for individuals over 35, as the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with age.

  • For those aged 40, our latest success rates have shown when adding PGT-A to an IVF ICSI cycle, we see 51% of patients achieving a live birth, vs. 16% using unscreened embryos.

Types of sperm donors

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.

  • Known donor: A friend or family member can donate sperm, allowing a personal connection to the child.
  • Anonymous donor: Sperm from a licensed sperm bank provides privacy and a detailed donor profile, including health history, ethnicity, education, and more.

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.

How much sperm will you need?

The amount of donor sperm required depends on your chosen treatment:

  • For IUI, you’ll need one vial of sperm per cycle.
  • For IVF, sperm from a single vial can fertilise multiple eggs from one egg collection

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.

Benefits of starting your LGBTQ fertility journey at The Evewell

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:

  1. Expert fertility care from gynaecologists

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.

  1. Evaluating your fertility potential

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

  1. Individualised treatment plans

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.

  1. Inclusive and supportive environment

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.

  1. Cutting-edge technology and expertise

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.

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