Two Moms, One Dream: Exploring Reciprocal IVF
What makes a family? The answer is simple — at least two people who love each other and share a deep bond. If you’re part of a two-mom family and want children, there is a way for both you and your partner to participate biologically in a pregnancy. How? The answer is reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Note: We understand that those with uteruses may not identify as female or as mothers. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll use feminine language, but we want to point out that trans-men couples can also use reciprocal IVF to grow their families.
What Is Reciprocal IVF?
In reciprocal IVF, one partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and has their eggs retrieved. Those eggs are fertilized with sperm from a donor and transferred to the second partner’s uterus. Therefore, one partner contributes genetic material, while the second contributes to the maternal environment, allowing both parents to play integral roles in the development of the fetus and child.
The Reciprocal IVF Process
For couples interested in reciprocal IVF, the first step is to undergo a medical evaluation. This will assess each person’s ovarian reserve and medical history. If the couple isn’t sure who will carry and who will provide the egg, the medical evaluation can give insight into who will be better suited for what.
The couple can then find a sperm donor. This can be challenging, but a fertility care center can help aspiring parents navigate the process. The donor can come from a bank or from someone the couple knows. After a sperm donor is chosen, the couple will undergo IVF to fertilize the egg and sperm. Once fertilized, the embryo will be inserted into the partner who has chosen to carry the pregnancy. Some fertility clinics offer a modified IVF cycle for this particular treatment, minimizing medical intervention and reducing the overall cost.
Reciprocal IVF in New York
If you’re in a relationship where there are two aspiring moms, reciprocal IVF may be a suitable option to grow your family. If you live in New York, Chelsea Fertility in New York City wants to work with you to make your family-building dreams come true. We offer various fertility care services in an inclusive, supportive, and compassionate environment. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our expert team, contact us today.
