Lesbian Services
Biological parenthood is less complicated for lesbian women and couples. Either woman can carry the child, and/or donate their eggs. They can choose a surrogate, and sperm donors and decide whether they need donated eggs from an anonymous donor, depending on their ages.
Options
- Single intended women and couples will need a sperm donor.
- A single intended mother can use her own eggs and choose sperm donation using IUI. She will carry the pregnancy. She will be the biological parent.
- A single intended mother can choose to use donor eggs, donated sperm and IVF, she can choose to carry the pregnancy, or use a gestational carrier.
- A couple can choose which partner will donate her eggs and which will carry the pregnancy. In vitro stimulation is required to stimulate egg maturation and harvesting, and fertilization with donor sperm to create the embryo, which is then transferred to the partner who will carry the pregnancy.
- The woman who donates her eggs will be the biological parent.
- Couples can choose to receive sperm donor insemination for both partners. They become moms together.
- Couples can also choose donor eggs and donor sperm and a surrogate or gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy. Neither of the intended parents will be a biological parent.
- HIV-positive women must take HIV treatments during pregnancy and until one week after breastfeeding ends, to prevent infecting the baby. Even if you have HIV you can still have healthy HIV-Negative babies.
Starting the Process
Schedule a consultation with one of the reproductive endocrinologists and infertility experts at Ohio Reproductive Medicine. We appreciate that each patient is unique and has individual needs, so we personalize a treatment plan based on your needs.
Generally, women generally receive a physical exam, medical and health history, and blood tests for hormone analysis. Men will receive a physical exam, medical and health history, semen analysis to determine quality and quantity, density, motility, and the shape of the sperm. This is the time to ask your questions. Discussion of financial issues will also occur.
Our Ohio Reproductive Medicine team is highly educated and experienced in LGBT reproductive planning and will be happy to discuss your needs and assist you to help complete the required procedures to make your dreams come true.
Ohio Reproductive Medicine works closed with Cryobiology, a donor sperm bank for anonymous and directed donor services. We also have established working relationships with Reproductive Diagnostics, a diagnostics laboratory that offers semen analysis, and cryopreservation (Freezing) and Vitrification of sperm, eggs and embryos, and sperm washing procedures, and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.
Learn More About LGBTQ+ Family Services
If you are interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ family building services at Ohio Reproductive Medicine, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will answer all of your questions about our infertility treatments, patient services, and surrogacy options. At Ohio Reproductive Medicine, you do not have to feel alone during any part of your journey into parenthood. Our team of fertility experts is here to help you along the way with a wide variety of procedures and services to address your individual needs.