Third-party reproduction and LGBTQ+ family building
Donor sperm, donor eggs, reciprocal IVF, gestational carriers and IVM: the paths to parenthood for LGBTQ+ families and anyone building a family with help.
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There are many ways to build a family. Third-party reproduction uses donated sperm or eggs, or a gestational carrier, to help single parents, same-sex couples and anyone who needs help conceiving become parents.
Donor sperm
Sperm can come from a known donor, often a friend or family member, or from a sperm bank, where donors are anonymous. Donor sperm from a bank has been tested for infectious diseases and screened for quality.
Home insemination
Fresh or frozen sperm is prepared for insemination at home.
Office preparation
Fresh or frozen sperm is prepared in our office and used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF.
Donor eggs
Egg donation allows people with ovarian failure, low egg quality or previous unsuccessful IVF to become pregnant. Eggs are retrieved from a donor and fertilized as part of IVF treatment. Read more about donor eggs.
Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF lets both partners take part in the pregnancy. One partner undergoes egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized with donor sperm, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the other partner, who carries the pregnancy.
Dr. Elassar explained everything to us each step of the way and helped us review our options. She made sure we had the information necessary to make an informed decision and never pushed or pressured us into making a decision.
Surrogacy with a gestational carrier
An embryo, created with known or donated sperm and eggs, is transferred to the uterus of a gestational carrier, who carries the pregnancy. Read more about gestational carriers.
In vitro maturation (IVM)
With IVM, eggs are collected from the ovary before they are fully mature and then matured in the laboratory as part of IVF treatment. Read more about in vitro maturation.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk with your doctor about yours.
