What Is Reciprocal IVF? A Complete Guide For Lesbian Couples!
Technology is advancing day by day and it is opening unending possibilities for everyone to equalize life. Years ago, it was impossible for a female couple to have their own family with biologically related offspring. Here medical science is advanced to make it possible. Reciprocal IVF, Intrauterine insemination (IUI), egg donation, and surrogacy are a few of them. Reciprocal IVF is getting more popular as it is convenient for both partners. The fetus can be biologically related to both parents even though both of them are females. This modern fertility option is for two people with ovaries and uteruses if they desire a baby.
What Is Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is a modern method of fertility that provides both female partners an opportunity to take part in their own role in the biological development of the baby. It is also known as Co-IVF and is considered to be the most acceptable method for reproduction in a female couple. Here one of the partners can contribute eggs from the ovaries and the other one can be the child bearer. During the procedure, the couple has to receive healthy sperm from a donor and complete the fertilization procedure. The embryo will be transferred to the second partner’s uterus and will give her an opportunity to become pregnant and give birth to the baby.
Are Both Parents Biologically Related To The Baby?
Both parents are biologically related to the baby as they both are biologically involved in the process of creating a child. One of the couples who act as a father can contribute an egg and the other one can receive the fertilized egg for pregnancy. The second person will be giving birth to the baby and both of them are biologically bonded to the baby.
How To Decide On The Egg Donor And Gestational Carrier?
If both partners are healthy without any fertility issues, any one of them can be the egg donor and the other person’s carrier. The carrier will be passing through the gestational process. The steps involved are almost similar to a normal IVF. The only thing is the involvement in the primary stage includes two women. They can even reverse their roles when they opt for a second child. While choosing the role of a partner in the procedure, it is very important to consider the partner’s age. Women under 35 can have healthier eggs. It is also suggested to get your doctor’s opinion here as everything depends on the individual case.
Step Of Reciprocal IVF!
The partners should decide on the egg donor and gestational carrier to begin with and approach a reproductive endocrinologist who can help them. The physician may suggest a panel of blood tests and ultrasound tests of the egg donor as part of reviewing the medical condition. She will also be given fertility medications to produce healthy or multiple eggs. The physician will also examine the health conditions of the gestational carrier before transferring the embryo. The childbearing partner will be given hormone medicines to make her body prepared for pregnancy.
Then there should be a sperm donor too. It is advised to choose a sperm donor from a sperm bank to avoid legal problems. Then the egg donor has to undergo the ovarian stimulation process, which is the first step of IVF. By ovarian stimulation, the person will be able to produce a healthy egg that is fit for fertilization. Once the egg is collected and fertilized with the sperm in the IVF lab, the fertilized egg or embryo will be transferred to the gestational carrier body. Doctors will be monitoring the career’s hormonal level while doing the process.
Cost And Insurance Coverage
IVF is a complicated and costly fertility method. It cost around $10,000 to $12,000. Reciprocal IVF is a bit more costly. It depends on the clinic. The average cost of Reciprocal IVF can be around $ 20,000. The cost of the donor sperm, medication for both partners, and clinical expenses are the factors that add to the expenditure. ICSI, a process that helps in speeding up sperm mobility costs more than $1000 and it is another reason for the expenses. And also, there is no insurance coverage for reciprocal IVF. Partners have to afford all the expenses at their own risk. It is not available even though some companies are offering it. A few blood tests and sitting with your doctor can be covered by your insurance.
The Legal Side
It is very important to know the legal side of reciprocal IVF if you are opting for it. Although both partners are biologically related to the baby, there can be complications in claiming parenthood. The partner who has gone through the process of gestation will have more acceptance as per the law. The egg donor has to opt for the adoption process to claim the right of the parents. The sperm donor can also come and claim parenthood. It is important to complete all the legal procedures before receiving sperm.
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