Reciprocal IVF

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Reciprocal IVF offers a uniquely profound way to share in the miracle of parenthood. This remarkable process allows both partners to actively participate in creating life – one providing the egg, the other carrying the pregnancy – fostering an intimate and biological connection to their child.

At Main Line Fertility, we celebrate the diversity of family-building journeys and are honored to support LGBTQ+ families in their path to parenthood. Reciprocal IVF is more than a medical process; it’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds, share experiences, and create a family rooted in love, intention, and partnership.

What is reciprocal IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a highly effective assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves fertilizing eggs obtained from the ovaries, obtaining a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus of the person who plans to carry the pregnancy.

Reciprocal IFV is a form of IVF that has become increasingly popular within the LGBTQ+ community. The process involves fertilizing the egg cell from one partner and then transferring the embryo to the uterus of a different partner, allowing them both to participate in the pregnancy in a biologically shared way, with one providing the genetic material and the other carrying the pregnancy.

Who is reciprocal IVF right for?

Reciprocal IVF can be a great choice for families where two of the prospective parents have ovaries and a uterus and would like a biological connection to their child. Any family where at least one partner is creating viable egg cells and another is able to gestate a pregnancy can utilize reciprocal IVF.

What is the reciprocal IVF process like?

At Main Line Fertility, we want you to know exactly what to expect from every part of your journey with us. Each of us knows personally how hard it can be to venture into the world of family-building; we will make sure that you know exactly how long things will take, how much it will cost, and what the rates of success are.

One IVF cycle takes about six to eight weeks from start to finish. Here are the steps you can expect:

  • First, you and your partner(s) will meet with your physician for fertility testing and a personalized discussion of your fertility health and family planning goals. Together, you will decide if IVF is the right choice for you and create a personalized treatment plan.

  • Over a period of 9-12 days, we will stimulate your ovaries with self-administered injections. These injections utilize a thin needle (similar to what a diabetic might use for insulin shots) and are given subcutaneously, which means below the skin (as opposed to in the muscle). You will also have approximately five to seven early morning monitoring appointments to assess whether the injections are working.

  • Once the monitoring shows that the egg maturing process has worked, you will come to our on-site surgery center where your doctor will gently guide a needle attached to a catheter through your vaginal wall to collect your eggs. The painless procedure will take 10-20 minutes and you will be under twilight anesthesia. Most patients don’t even remember the procedure, and you may bring a partner or friend with you if you’d like. There are no stitches or scars and many patients return to work the following day.

  • In our state-of-the-art laboratory, our highly experienced embryologists will oversee the process of the sperm fertilizing the egg. Some patients will benefit from the use of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and/or XYMOT sperm separation device during this step of the process.

  • Over a 3 to 7-day process, our embryologists oversee the growth of your embryo(s). Some patients will benefit from non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) after this step of the process.

  • During embryo transfer your doctor will insert a speculum into the patient’s vagina and then, using an ultrasound for accuracy, the doctor will then pass a catheter through the cervix and into the womb. The embryos are then passed through the tube during this short, pain-free procedure.

  • Fertility care can be expensive and for many patients, the cost of treatment can be a significant hurdle. The actual cost of fertility treatment is based on a number of factors including your fertility goals, treatment plan, insurance coverage, and prescription benefits.

    At Main Line Fertility, we offer financing, an IVF refund program, discount programs, and clinical research trial opportunities to make care accessible for more patients. Please contact us to schedule a fertility health consult and discuss IVF costs for your specific needs.

  • When it comes to any fertility process, there are so many variables at play (age, hormone levels, other medical considerations) so we can’t say exactly how long it will take for any one person to conceive. But when it comes to IVF, there are some specific things we know:

    • On average, a single IVF cycle has between a 28-48% chance of resulting in successful pregnancy and live birth (compared to up to 20% per cycle with IUI).
    • It is generally recommended that families trying to conceive plan for three to four IVF cycles, and you should know that chances of a successful pregnancy and birth continue to increase with multiple cycles.
    • With egg and embryo freezing, multiple IVF cycles can be completed with a single egg extraction.

    Learn More About Multiple IVF Packages

  • One aspect of reciprocal IVF that is most appealing is that it allows a deep level of partner inclusion and teamwork. Sharing the responsibility of creating and growing their child can be ideal for some families.

    Partners are ideal support people before, during, and after any medical procedure. Let your partner know what kind of support you need – physical, emotional, or otherwise – so they can give you the support you need.

    Partners can also do a lot of the logistical and emotional labor involved in a conception process. They can call to book appointments, pick up prescriptions, ensure sperm is transported safely, and more! Fertility processes go well when both partners feel equally engaged and invested. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, to offer help to your partner, and to ask for what you need (regardless of whether you’re the person conceiving or not).

  • Main Line Fertility is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ aspiring parents in Philadelphia through a personalized and inclusive approach to family building. Our reciprocal IVF process allows couples to share the experience of creating their family, and our expert team ensures transparency and support at every step.

  • Reciprocal IVF typically involves several key steps. First, one partner undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce eggs, which are then retrieved. Next, the retrieved eggs are fertilized in the lab using sperm from a known or unknown donor. Finally, the resulting embryos are transferred to the other partner's uterus for implantation. Main Line Fertility offers regular monitoring and support throughout the entire process to ensure the best possible outcomes.

  • Reciprocal IVF is suitable for any family where at least one partner can produce viable eggs and the other can carry a pregnancy. Key factors for a successful experience include strong emotional support, open communication, and a shared commitment to the parenting journey.

  • Main Line Fertility is highly regarded for its reciprocal IVF program in the Philadelphia area, thanks to our personalized care and commitment to patient success. Our experienced fertility specialists provide comprehensive support in an inclusive environment, ensuring that couples feel informed and comfortable. Additionally, we utilize advanced technologies to optimize outcomes, making it a top choice for LGBTQ+ families.

  • Main Line Fertility offers personalized reciprocal IVF care for patients in Center City, tailoring treatment to each couple's unique medical histories, preferences, and emotional needs. We emphasize individualized treatment plans, incorporating customized medication protocols and comprehensive monitoring. We're committed to providing support throughout the entire fertility journey, ensuring that both partners feel heard and supported at every step.

Schedule a Consult for Reciprocal IVF in the Philadelphia Area

The fertility specialists of Main Line Fertility are proud to offer a wide range of fertility care services in Pennsylvania to meet every patient’s need, including comprehensive LGBTQ+ fertility treatments such as reciprocal IVF. Connect with Main Line Fertility today to schedule a consultation by filling out our online form or contact us directly at one of our fertility clinics in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, West Chester, Havertown, Reading, or Fort Washington, PA.

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