The Fertility Center | Blog

Fertility Options For LGBT Female Couples

By Dr. Jesús Alberto Félix Atondo

Pride month is here and at The Fertility Center we support every type of family, be it traditional, single-parent families, and of course, LGBTQ+; starting one is a beautiful decision, especially when a couple goes into it with dedication, love, and patience.
 
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There are many fertility options for LGBT female couples. So today, we will explore some of the most effective methods and how they may fit your situation. Our team at The Fertility Center hopes this information will give you the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your family.

 

 

Lesbian Pregnancy Options – LGBT Fertility In Tijuana

  • Intrauterine Insemination – How Does it Work?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination that involves depositing the sperm directly into the uterus. The patient is subjected to mild ovarian stimulation; the sperm swims towards the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. There is the possibility of using donated semen for lesbian couples. IUI is one of the least complex methods and one of the first that same-sex female couples turn to when looking for fertility treatment options.

  • In Vitro Fertilization – How Does It Work?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproduction procedure where, unlike intrauterine insemination (where fertilization takes place directly in the woman’s reproductive system), fertilization takes place outside the woman’s body, in a laboratory, with sperm from a donor. As a result of fertilization, the best quality embryo is selected and transferred to the uterus so that the mother can achieve pregnancy.

 

You May Also Like: Difference Between IUI And IVF

 

  • Donor eggs

Egg donation, also known as ovodonation, is a technique in which one woman (donor) delivers the eggs to another (recipient) in order for the second to have a child. This donation can be altruistic by a friend, relative or sister to maintain the physical and genetic characteristics of the family or it can be by an unknown person. This treatment is usually recommended for women with ovarian problems, patients with genetic diseases or over-40 year old women who wish to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization. 

  • ROPA Method 

The ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from the Partner) method allows same-sex female couples to create life, with both participating in the process. The procedure consists of an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) treatment where one woman contributes with her oocytes, and the other contributes with her uterus to carry pregnancy. Unlike the traditional IVF – where a single person leads the entire process – in the ROPA method, both women participate.

 

In What Cases Is The ROPA Method Recommended?

Same-sex female couples that want to achieve pregnancy to form a family and become participants in the process, either by own choice or by other medical reasons such as:

  • Risk of hereditary transmission of any disease.
  • Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities.
  • Failure of previous fertility treatments.
  • Absence of own oocytes.
  • Severe ovarian dysfunction.

ROPA Method Procedure

  1. Pharmacological Treatment. The woman that contributes with her oocytes will undergo the same process as an IVF Treatment. In the first step, she will have an ovarian stimulation to obtain oocytes. The patient will be followed up during the procedure by having a blood test. Once follicles have reached an appropriate size, mature eggs are retrieved.
  2. Sperm preparation. The cryopreserved sperm from an anonymous donor is prepared inside the lab to select the best sperm cells for fertilization. Then, sperm and oocytes are joined in an incubator that provides optimal fertilization conditions. 
  3. Fertilization and embryo transfer. Once the oocytes and the sperm are ready, they are fertilized and kept in observation in the lab until the day of transfer. While fertilization occurs, the woman who receives the embryo starts treatment to prepare her uterus, thus increasing the success rate. The preparation of the endometrium requires estrogens and progesterone to obtain endometrial thickness. Once the mother’s uterus is ready for implantation, we will select the best embryo to be implanted in the uterine cavity. The embryo transfer is quick and painless and does not require recovery time.
  4. Final test. A test will be performed to confirm pregnancy.

 

The Fertility Center, A Safe Space For The LGBT Community

At The Fertility Center, we will treat you with respect. Since we are a space where we support all types of families, you can be sure that no one will discriminate against you or make assumptions about being part of the LGBT community. Any personal information will be treated confidentially.

LGBT female couples have many fertility options available. We are here to help you find the best path for your family. We understand that making these decisions can be difficult, but with our guidance and support, we hope you will find the right solution for you. If you are trying to conceive, please contact us to schedule an appointment so we can help you to achieve your dream!

 
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Dr. Jesús Alberto Félix Atondo

Gynecology, Obstetrics and Biology of Human Reproduction Surgeon at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, specialist Biologist of Human Reproduction by the Mexican Institute of Infertility.

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