The LGBTQ+ Family Building Process
At Utah Fertility Center, we believe anyone who wants to be a parent can become one. You deserve a medical team that understands your unique fertility needs. We tailor each treatment plan to the specific needs of the patient.
How LGBTQ+ family building works
Family building is a deeply personal process from every couple and individual who walks through our doors. Our doctors have extensive experience working with same-sex couples, transgender and non-binary patients, and LGBTQ+ singles who dream of parenthood. Your treatment plan will begin with a consultation where you can discuss your unique needs and goals with your doctor and collaboratively create a path forward.
Same-Sex Female and Lesbian couples
For lesbian and same-sex female (assigned female at birth) couples who have no medical history of infertility, we often recommend a diagnostic evaluation of each partner as the first step to achieve success quickly and make the process more cost-efficient. These tests often include bloodwork to determine egg quantity and quality, genetic carrier screening, a hysterosalpingogram to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes, and a diagnostic ultrasound.
After testing is complete, your physician will discuss possible paths to pregnancy. These can include intrauterine insemination (IUI) in a natural cycle (without hormones), intrauterine insemination with hormones, and IVF. Shared IVF (also called reciprocal IVF), in which one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy, is also an option. These procedures can be tailored to your unique needs. Donor sperm can be acquired from one of Utah Fertility Center’s trusted sperm banks. Your team will be there every step of the way to support you in making the best decision for your family.
Gay and same-sex male couples
For gay and same-sex male (assigned male at birth) couples starting or expanding their families involves donor eggs and a gestational carrier, commonly referred to as a surrogate. The first step will be a diagnostic evaluation including semen analysis, genetic carrier screening and infectious disease testing. Once you’re ready to select an egg donor and surrogate, we will assign you a nurse that will help guide you through this process. The donated eggs will be combined with your sperm in our lab via IVF to develop an embryo which will then be placed in your surrogate’s uterus. Utah Fertility Center has its own exceptional in-house donor egg program, and we also work with known donors such as friends and family.
Family building for transgender and non-binary people
Utah Fertility Center has worked with many transgender and non-binary patients to help them achieve their dreams of parenthood through egg, sperm, and embryo freezing. We recommend scheduling a consultation with us before pursuing gender-affirming care if possible, but regardless of where you are in your journey, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your fertility options and create a plan that works for you. You may have many options, from using your own stored eggs or sperm to exploring donors and surrogacy.
LBGTQ+ Family Building Success with Utah Fertility Center
98% of patients agreed that Utah Fertility Center felt inclusive and accepting.
Paying for your fertility treatment
Though coverage for fertility care varies widely by insurance plan, the good news is that you have options. We are committed to guiding you through your insurance benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and other financing options every step of the way. With Utah Fertility Center you will never be in the dark about cost. To check your benefits before an initial consultation, you may want to reach out to your insurance company to see what your plan may cover.