What Is Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF, also known as shared motherhood or co-IVF, is a fertility treatment option designed for same-sex female couples who want to each share a biological role in pregnancy. In this process, one partner provides the eggs while the other carries the pregnancy, allowing them both to participate in bringing their child into the world.
For many couples, reciprocal IVF is deeply personal, giving each partner the chance to be physically and biologically involved in the same pregnancy. With one partner contributing genetically and the other experiencing pregnancy and delivery, reciprocal IVF creates a shared, collaborative journey.
At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we've been helping LGBTQ+ couples and individuals build their families with advanced treatments and personalized care for over 29 years. Our team understands the emotional considerations behind choosing reciprocal IVF and is dedicated to providing clear guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.
The Reciprocal IVF Process at Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago
Reciprocal IVF follows the same proven process as traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF), with thoughtful coordination between both partners. At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, your care team guides you through each step, from egg retrieval through embryo transfer.
Step 1: Egg Retrieval and IVF Laboratory Care
The first step is ovarian stimulation using fertility medications to assist the partner providing the eggs in producing multiple mature eggs.
Once the eggs are ready, an experienced reproductive specialist will perform a minimally invasive retrieval procedure. Then, the eggs are fertilized with donor sperm in our advanced IVF laboratory.
We monitor the resulting embryos and, depending on your treatment plan, may transfer them fresh or freeze them for later use.
Step 2: Preparing the Gestational Partner
At the same time, the partner carrying the pregnancy undergoes preparation to support implantation. This involves assessing uterine health and possibly undergoing hormonal treatment to ready the uterine lining.
Your care team carefully coordinates the timing between both partners to ensure the uterus is prepared for the embryo transfer at the optimal moment.
Step 3: Embryo Transfer and Early Pregnancy Care
Once an embryo is selected, it's transferred into the uterus through a simple in-office procedure.
After the transfer, early pregnancy monitoring confirms implantation and tracks the embryo's initial development. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, care is transitioned to an obstetric provider for ongoing prenatal support.
Using Donor Sperm
Reciprocal IVF involves the use of donor sperm, which can be sourced from either a sperm bank or a known donor. This choice entails specific medical, legal, and logistical considerations.
All donor sperm must meet established screening and testing requirements to ensure safety. At Advanced Fertility of Chicago, our team can help you explore your options and coordinate the necessary steps.
Choosing Roles: Egg Provider vs. Gestational Partner
Deciding which partner will provide the eggs and which will carry the pregnancy is deeply personal, and there's no single "right approach." Instead, it depends on several factors, including medical considerations, personal preferences, and shared goals.
Age, ovarian reserve, and uterine health often play an important role in this decision. Depending on their reproductive health, one partner may be better suited for egg retrieval, while the other is a stronger candidate for pregnancy.
Emotional and personal considerations are just as important as the medical factors. Some couples go into the reciprocal IVF process knowing how each partner wants to participate, while others take time to explore what feels right for them.
Our care team will work closely alongside both partners to guide this decision collaboratively and thoughtfully, ensuring each person's priorities remain at the center of the plan.
Reciprocal IVF Success Rates & What Affects Outcomes
Reciprocal IVF success rates depend on various factors, similar to traditional IVF. Age plays a crucial role, especially for the partner providing eggs, because it directly affects egg quality and embryo development.
Reproductive health, embryo quality, and the uterine lining's response during transfer preparation are key factors. Each couple is unique, so outcomes can vary based on a combination of these elements.
At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we build our treatment plans around a comprehensive evaluation of both partners. This individualized approach allows us to optimize each step of the process.
Additionally, we prioritize clear, transparent communication around success rates, combining data-driven insights with decades of clinical experience. Our goal is to give each patient a realistic understanding of what to expect and a plan designed to give them the best possible chance of success.
Reciprocal IVF FAQs
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Reciprocal IVF and traditional IVF follow a similar process, but there are key differences between them. In reciprocal IVF, one partner provides the eggs while the other partner carries the pregnancy. In contrast, traditional IVF involves one partner supplying either their own eggs or donor eggs, and that same partner also carries the pregnancy.
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The cost of reciprocal IVF is comparable to that of traditional IVF. However, the final pricing may vary based on several factors, including medications, testing, embryo freezing, and donor sperm. Additionally, reciprocal IVF requires evaluations and monitoring for both partners, which can also influence the overall cost. Your care team at Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago will provide you with a personalized cost breakdown based on your specific treatment plan and will be available to answer any questions you may have.
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Insurance coverage for reciprocal IVF varies by plan and state-specific mandates. IIllinois explicitly includes LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples under its state fertility mandate, redefining the definition of infertility to include anyone who is unable to conceive without medical intervention. The mandate applies strictly to fully insured group health insurance plans issued or renewed in Illinois that provide pregnancy-related benefits. If you have questions, your clinic's financial team can help you understand your coverage and all available options.
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In reciprocal IVF, the person who carries the pregnancy does not share DNA with the baby. Instead, the baby inherits genetic material from the partner who provides the eggs and the sperm donor. Despite this genetic difference, many couples still feel a strong biological and emotional connection through this shared experience.
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Yes, typically both partners undergo fertility evaluations. The partner providing eggs is assessed for ovarian reserve and reproductive health, whereas the partner carrying the pregnancy is assessed for uterine health and readiness for implantation.
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In many situations, couples can switch roles. Some choose to swap roles for future pregnancies based on each partner's reproductive health and any changes that may occur over time. Your care team can help you plan your current and future family-building goals.
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Yes, embryos can typically be frozen and stored safely for future use. Freezing embryos allows couples to have the option of using them to conceive additional children later on, providing flexibility in timing, which may be recommended as part of your overall treatment plan.
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In cases where neither partner can safely carry a pregnancy, a gestational carrier, or surrogate, can be a suitable option. Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago can walk you through this option if it best fits your family-building goals.
Schedule a Reciprocal IVF Consultation in Chicago
Reciprocal IVF gives both partners in a same-sex female relationship the chance to each play an important role in the pregnancy and delivery of their child. At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we’re here to guide you at every step. Contact us to schedule a consultation.