At Leicester Fertility Centre, we understand and value the unique needs and desires of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples when it comes to becoming parents. With over 30 years of experience, we have a broad range of treatments to offer, along with lots of advice and support. In this blog, we will discuss some of the options available at our centre to help LGBTQ+ families realise their dreams of having children.
Shared Motherhood
Shared motherhood, or what we refer to as ‘reciprocal IVF’, allows both partners in a same-sex female couple to experience the journey of motherhood. Through the IVF process, both women undergo scans and appointments to synchronise their fertility cycles. Once that’s all set, the partner who will be the biological mother will go through the IVF treatment process, which involves stimulation to create eggs for collection. These eggs are then fertilised using donor sperm in our laboratory.
Once the fertilised eggs begin to develop, they’re frozen and ready for transfer. The partner receiving the embryo will take medication to prepare the womb for the transfer at the best time in her fertility cycle. The best embryo is then transferred into the uterus, and any remaining embryos can be stored for future use. From there, it’s pretty much the same as any other IVF treatment, and around 16 days later, the birth mother will take a pregnancy test.
We’re right there with you every step of the way, guiding you through the process, making sure all necessary screenings and consents are completed. It’s important to note that this treatment may not be suitable for everyone and is currently only available to privately funded couples – we can talk about during your appointment.
Donor Sperm Insemination
For single individuals and same-sex female couples, we also offer donor sperm insemination. At Leicester Fertility Centre, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of sperm donors. You can choose donors based on physical characteristics like eye and hair colour and build, and even personality traits. All of our donors are thoroughly screened, live in the UK, and many are altruistic, motivated by the desire to help others.
We understand the importance of having ongoing counselling throughout this process, and there are additional consent forms required for this treatment. Our dedicated nurses will guide you through the cycle monitoring and insemination process. So please, never hesitate to ask any questions.
Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is a popular option for those who want to preserve their fertility for future use. At Leicester Fertility Centre, we offer services for both egg freezing and sperm freezing, providing men and women with the opportunity to freeze their reproductive cells for use later on.
Egg freezing involves a stimulation cycle similar to IVF treatment, followed by the collection and freezing of mature eggs. On the other hand, sperm cryopreservation is a non-invasive procedure where samples are collected and stored for future use.
We understand that this process brings with it a range of emotions and concerns, which is why our highly experienced counsellors are available to support and guide you through the emotional, psychological, and legal implications of cryopreservation.
Cryopreservation for transgender people
Our clinic also offers fertility preservation for individuals undergoing gender reassignment. Fertility might be the last thing on your mind and many transgender and non-binary individuals are eager to start hormone therapy or undergo surgery promptly.
It’s vital to note that certain medical treatments, like hormone therapy and surgery, can impact fertility. So, if you’re planning to make physical alterations to your body or have already begun the process, we encourage you to learn about the fertility preservation possibilities available to you. By saving your options now, you’re giving yourself the best chance for a biological family later.
Your unique circumstances matter to us, and we’re here to provide guidance to help you make the best decisions for your future. Feel free to book a consultation with our counselling team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, and legal implications of storage.
While the NHS currently doesn’t fund fertility preservation for social reasons, funding is available for patients undergoing cancer treatment or medical treatments that may impact their fertility.
Storage
If you ever decide that you no longer want your stored material to be kept by us, there is some legal paperwork you’ll need to fill out called a withdrawal of consent. You can find this paperwork on our website. Just make sure to use the same name and signature that you used when you first came to the clinic unless your identification details have changed. If you need any help or guidance with filling out the form, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our fantastic team is always ready to assist you.
Conclusion
At Leicester Fertility Centre, our main goal is to provide a wide range of fertility options and comprehensive support for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. We truly believe in tailoring our services to meet each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the exceptional care they deserve. If you’re ready to explore your fertility options or seeking further guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here for you every step of the way.