What Are the Fertility Treatment Options for Same-Sex Couples?

Today, more same-sex couples than ever are building families—and modern fertility treatments offer a variety of safe, effective paths to parenthood. Whether you’re a female couple, male couple, or nonbinary partners, you have options. Here’s a look at how fertility treatment can help make your dream of family a reality.

For Female Couples

Main Options:

Donor Sperm Insemination (IUI or IVF)

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination):

• Donor sperm is placed directly into the uterus.

• Less invasive and less expensive than IVF.

• Works best if both partners have healthy fertility.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization):

• Eggs are retrieved from one partner, fertilized with donor sperm in a lab, and an embryo is transferred into the uterus.

• Higher success rates than IUI, especially for older women or those with fertility concerns.

• Allows genetic connection for one partner.

Reciprocal IVF (Shared Motherhood)

• One partner provides the eggs.

• The other partner carries the pregnancy.

• Both partners have a biological connection to the child—one genetically, one through pregnancy.

• Especially popular with female couples wanting shared involvement.

Choosing a Sperm Donor

Anonymous Donor: Chosen from a sperm bank, with medical and genetic screening.

Known Donor: A friend or family member—but requires legal agreements and screening.

For Male Couples

Main Options:

Gestational Surrogacy with Donor Egg IVF

Male couples require an egg donor and a gestational carrier (surrogate).

Process:

• Eggs from a donor are fertilized with sperm from one or both partners.

• Resulting embryos are transferred to the surrogate.

  
  

Choosing an Egg Donor

• Anonymous donor through an egg bank or fertility clinic.

• Known donor (friend or relative)—requires legal and medical guidance.

Choosing a Surrogate

• Surrogates carry the pregnancy but have no genetic link to the child.

• Must undergo medical and psychological screening.

• Legal contracts are critical to protect everyone’s rights.

Legal Considerations

• Parental rights vary by country and state.

• Some places require second-parent adoption even if you’re married.

• Work with an attorney specializing in reproductive law.

Consider legal agreements for sperm donors or surrogates to clarify rights and responsibilities.

Costs to Consider

IVF costs vary widely and can be higher for male couples needing surrogacy.

Additional costs may include:

• Donor sperm or egg fees

• Legal fees

• Surrogate compensation and medical expenses

• Travel if using clinics abroad

Emotional Support

Fertility treatment can be stressful and emotional. LGBTQ+ couples sometimes face additional challenges, like navigating less inclusive healthcare environments.

Seek out:

• LGBTQ+-friendly fertility clinics

• Counselors experienced in LGBTQ+ family building

• Support groups for same-sex parents

Building Your Family, Your Way

Every couple’s journey is unique. Whether you choose IUI, IVF, reciprocal IVF, or surrogacy, there’s no single “right” way to become parents. The most important thing is finding the path that feels right for you as a couple.

Bottom Line: Modern fertility treatments empower same-sex couples to build loving families. With the right medical team, legal guidance, and emotional support, your path to parenthood is absolutely possible—and you deserve compassionate, inclusive care every step of the way.