Fertility Options for Same Sex Couples

Jul 02, 2021

Fertility Options for Same Sex Couples

Jul 02, 2021

At Thérapie Fertility, we believe that everybody deserves the chance to become a parent. That is why we are committed to providing inclusive fertility services. At present we can only treat female same sex couples, but we do hope that as legislation progresses we will be able to expand on this.

What are my options?

At present, the main treatments for same sex female couples are IVF or IUI with donor sperm. We are also thrilled to be offering Reciprocal IVF, which is a unique treatment for female couples which allows both partners to be physically involved in the creation of their family.

IVF with Donor Sperm

The term In-vitro fertilisation or IVF, literally means fertilisation “in glass” and refers to the process where a person’s eggs are fertilised outside of the body in the laboratory. Using sperm, embryos are created which are then transferred back to the uterus a few days later, or frozen for use at a later date.

The first successful IVF baby was born in 1987 in Manchester, England. Since then, millions of babies have been born through IVF and ICSI treatment.

IVF is an option for those wishing to become pregnant with the assistance of donor sperm. IVF is specifically recommended for those with absent, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes and so if IUI is not an option, then IVF with donor sperm might be the right path for you.

IUI with Donor Sperm

IUI or Intrauterine Insemination works by putting sperm directly into your uterus around the time you’re ovulating, helping the sperm get closer to your egg.

The main difference between IUI and IVF is that with IUI, the fertilisation of the egg takes place internally and not in a fertility laboratory. It is minimally invasive and the most affordable form of assisted reproduction available.

IUI can be used for those with functioning fallopian tubes who wish to become pregnant using donor sperm.

Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF, also known as shared motherhood is an increasingly popular option at Thérapie Fertility. Reciprocal IVF is a unique treatment for same sex female couples or couples where one or both partners are trans males. One partner will donate eggs and the other will become pregnant. It affords LGBTQ+ couples the opportunity to share the physical experience of pregnancy.

Using Donor Sperm

There are many reasons why a person or a couple may need to use donor sperm on their journey to parenthood. Donor sperm can be used by same-sex couples for IUI and IVF as well as Reciprocal IVF.

We work with European Sperm Bank in order to provide our patients with the highest standard of sperm available. Our unique patient portal allows you to order your sperm directly from the bank, giving you the lowest possible prices and the most amount of control over the selection process.

Here are some frequently asked questions about using donor sperm

Are sperm donors anonymous?

As of May 2020 all sperm donors must be ‘identifiable’. This means that you do not have any information about them and vice versa. However, they have consented to their data being stored on a national registry and any children conceived through their donation will have access to their details once they reach adulthood.

Will there be a high number of children born through my donor?

Our collaboration with ESB provides patients with ‘pregnancy slots’. This gives you the certainty that no more than 3 families will be created in Ireland with any one donor through European Sperm Bank.

Will I still feel connected to my child if I’m not genetically related?

Absolutely yes. Most people say that the moment they see their donor conceived child, they never even think about the genetics again. They are immediately in love with them and they realise that being a parent is about so much more than just genetics. However all of our patients using donor gametes are required to have implications counselling with a therapist, and this is something which you can explore.