Gay Services
Biological parenthood is possible. The intended parent(s) will want to undergo fertility testing and a semen analysis. Whoever provides the sperm for IVF will be the biological parent.
Options
- A single intended parent and couples will need an egg donor and a gestational carrier.
- A single man may use his own or donated sperm, donated eggs, IVF, and a gestational carrier.
- Gay couples can use IVF, donor eggs, and sperm from one partner, with implantation into a gestational carrier. The partner choosing to donate his sperm will be the biological parent.
- Gay couples can use IVF, donor eggs, and sperm from both partners, with implantation into a gestational carrier. When both partners donate sperm, both will be biological parents. This is called the “Two Dad” IVF approach.
- Couples can use IVF using donor eggs, donor sperm, and a surrogate. Neither partner will be a biologically related parent.
- Men who are HIV positive can become biological parents because HIV doesn’t infect sperm, though it does infect semen. Special sperm washing techniques are used to separate HIV-free sperm from infected seminal fluids.
Note: Same-sex marriage is legal across the U.S. and in Ohio. However, issues of parenthood have not been addressed since 2002. Consult an Ohio attorney who specializes in assisted reproductive technologies.
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, cryopreservation (Freezing), and Vitrification of sperm, eggs, and embryos, 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.