Reciprocal IVF at The Reproductive Medicine Group

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What Is Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF), also known as co-IVF or partner IVF, is a unique fertility treatment for same-sex female couples. In this process, one partner provides the eggs, which are then fertilized with donor sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are later implanted into the uterus of the other partner. This approach allows both partners to participate biologically in the conception and pregnancy, fostering a deep emotional connection.

At The Reproductive Medicine Group, we're proud to have helped many LGBTQ+ couples and individuals grow their families through advanced fertility treatments like reciprocal IVF. Our goal is to provide inclusive care in a supportive environment for every patient.

The Reciprocal IVF Process at The Reproductive Medicine Group

Traditional IVF and reciprocal IVF both involve ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. However, in traditional IVF, one partner undergoes all procedures, whereas in reciprocal IVF, both partners undergo medical preparation: one provides the eggs, while the other receives the embryo transfer.

Step 1: Egg Retrieval and IVF Laboratory Care

  • Ovarian stimulation and monitoring: One partner undergoes hormonal treatments, closely monitored by blood tests and ultrasounds, to increase the number of mature eggs available for retrieval.
  • Egg retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, a fertility specialist performs a minor surgical procedure under anesthesia to extract them from the ovaries, timed just before ovulation.
  • Fertilization: An embryologist fertilizes the retrieved eggs with donor sperm in The Reproductive Medicine Group's IVF laboratory.
  • Embryo development and freezing: The embryology team monitors the eggs over several days as they develop into embryos, determining viability for transfer or freezing.

Step 2: Preparing the Gestational Partner

Uterine health evaluation: The carrying partner's uterine health is thoroughly assessed using ultrasound and hormonal testing, ensuring a suitable environment for embryo implantation.
Hormonal preparation of the uterine lining: Estrogen is given to thicken the uterine lining, followed by progesterone to stabilize it for embryo implantation. Careful monitoring allows fertility specialists to adjust dosages as needed.
Timing coordination between partners: It's crucial to coordinate with both partners to ensure the uterine lining is ready for embryo implantation.

Step 3: Embryo Transfer and Early Pregnancy Care

  • Embryo transfer: Embryos selected for transfer are placed into the carrier partner's uterus using a thin catheter.
  • Early pregnancy monitoring: After the transfer, fertility specialists monitor embryo development using blood tests and ultrasounds to confirm implantation.
  • Transition to obstetric care when appropriate: As the pregnancy progresses, the couple will enter routine obstetric care and receive prenatal support from an obstetrician or midwife.

Using Donor Sperm

Couples can use a known donor or choose someone through a sperm bank. Sperm banks offer a wide selection of medically screened donors, which can give intended parents peace of mind. Alternatively, a known donor can foster a more personal connection but may involve additional legal and logistical considerations regarding parental rights and responsibilities.

At The Reproductive Medicine Group, we understand that choosing a sperm donor is a personal decision, and we're here to help you navigate the process and answer any questions you have.

Choosing Roles: Egg Provider vs. Gestational Partner

It's important to consider several key factors when determining roles in reciprocal IVF,  including medical considerations (age, ovarian reserve, and uterine health), personal preferences, and emotional considerations. Flexibility is essential, as these roles can change over time. Some couples switch roles for future pregnancies or adjust their plans based on new medical information.

The Reproductive Medicine Group is dedicated to working alongside couples to ensure their decisions align with both their medical needs and emotional well-being.

Reciprocal IVF Success Rates & What Affects Outcomes

Whether reciprocal IVF is successful depends on several factors, such as age. Individuals under 35 tend to have higher-quality eggs, which directly affects embryo health and overall viability—the healthier the embryos, the better chances of pregnancy success.

Additionally, each couple's circumstances and family-building goals are unique and require a tailored approach. Personalized treatment planning ensures every step is optimized to maximize the likelihood of success.

The Reproductive Medicine Group is committed to transparency and data-driven care, ensuring couples have the information and support they need to make informed decisions during their reciprocal IVF journey.

Reciprocal IVF FAQs

  • The key difference between traditional IVF and reciprocal IVF is the role each partner plays in the process. In traditional IVF, one person undergoes the egg retrieval and embryo transfer, as well as carries the pregnancy. In contrast, reciprocal IVF involves one partner providing the eggs while the other partner carries the pregnancy.

  • There's not a set cost for reciprocal IVF, as it depends on clinic fees, medications, donor sperm, and genetic testing. Costs typically range between $15,000 and $30,000, with many couples budgeting more to cover additional factors that may arise during the process.

  • Insurance doesn't typically cover reciprocal IVF unless there's a medical necessity. This often requires an "infertility" diagnosis that many LGBTQ+ couples don't have. Some plans may cover diagnostics or medications but not procedures, so it's important to speak with your provider ahead of treatment.

  • Reciprocal IVF babies have DNA from the partner who provides the eggs and the sperm donor, but not the partner who carries the pregnancy. However, they are still biologically connected, as the carrying partner influences the baby's development during pregnancy.

  • Both partners need to undergo thorough fertility testing for reciprocal IVF. The partner providing the eggs will have their ovarian reserve evaluated through blood tests and ultrasounds, whereas the partner who will carry the pregnancy will receive a uterine evaluation to confirm a healthy environment for implantation.

  • Yes, partners can change roles in reciprocal IVF due to new medical information. Additionally, many couples switch during subsequent pregnancies, allowing both partners to experience pregnancy and share a biological connection to their family.

  • Embryos created during reciprocal IVF can be frozen (cryopreserved) for future pregnancies, allowing couples to have more children from a single egg retrieval, try again if the first transfer fails, or postpone pregnancy.

  • If neither partner can carry a pregnancy due to health, age, or uterine factors, they can use a gestational carrier (surrogate). The carrier can carry an embryo created from one partner's egg and donor sperm. If egg quality is a concern, same-sex couples can also use donor eggs with the gestational carrier.

Choose The Reproductive Medicine Group for Reciprocal IVF in Tampa

At The Reproductive Medicine Group, we're committed to delivering the highest standard of care through our comprehensive fertility evaluations, clinical expertise, and advanced laboratory facilities. With years of experience in advanced IVF care and LGBTQ+ fertility treatment, we understand the diverse needs of same-sex female couples and other LGBTQ+ families.

If you're interested in reciprocal IVF, we invite you to take the first step toward building your family by scheduling a consultation at one of our clinics in North Tampa, South Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, or Wesley Chapel. Your path to parenthood is important to us, and we are here to support you every step of the way.