Thanks to in vitro fertilization (IVF), countless people in the greater Lubbock, TX area have been able to experience the joys of pregnancy and parenthood. Dr. Janelle Dorsett and the entire team here at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine are committed to our patients and their goals of building a family.

For same-sex couples, IVF and other assisted-reproduction procedures have allowed them to have biological children and share in the process of pregnancy. Reciprocal IVF, for instance, has helped same-sex female couples build a deep maternal bond to their baby.

About Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF is a process that allows lesbian couples to share in the pregnancy of a child together. In basic terms, one woman’s eggs is fertilized. The fertilized egg is placed in her partner’s uterus to be carried to term.

In essence, the process is similar to the use of an egg donor, donor sperm, and a gestational carrier, except for female partners who want to build a family together.

The Reciprocal IVF Procedure

The reciprocal IVF procedure works like this.

First, fertility drugs are used to sync up the cycles of both women. Timing will be crucial for success. One partner’s eggs are harvested and fertilized in a lab using a donor’s sperm. The couple can pick the donor sperm based on a number of factors, including physical characteristics, education level, career, and so forth.

When the fertilized egg has developed into an embryo a few days later, it will be transferred to the partner’s uterus where it will implant and can be carried to term.

During your visit to our Lubbock fertility center, we can discuss the procedure with you in greater detail and determine if you and your partner are good candidates.

General Success Rates of Reciprocal IVF

The success rates for reciprocal IVF can vary. These success rates on IVF from The American Pregnancy Association reveal the importance of a woman’s age when it comes to the process:

• Women under age 35 - 41 to 43 percent
• Women age 35 to 37 - 33 to 36 percent
• Women age 38 to 40 - 23 to 27 percent
• Women over 40 - 13 to 18 percent

Reciprocal IVF Cycle Failure

Even if there is a high chance of success between two young and healthy partners, there is a possibility that an IVF cycle will fail. In such cases, we can attempt another cycle and see what happens. May couples who have undergone IVF have faced a failed cycle or a few failed cycles before achieving success.

Factors Affecting the Success Rates of Reciprocal IVF

In addition to the age of both partners, additional factors that may affect the success of reciprocal IVF include:

• The quality of the donor sperm
• Medical conditions affecting either partner’s reproductive health
• General fitness and weight
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Stress and anxiety
• Diet and nutrition

Ways of Boosting the Effectiveness of Reciprocal IVF

Given the various factors that can affect the success of reciprocal IVF, it’s important that our Lubbock fertility treatment team carefully consider the health and wellness of each partner. We can adjust dosages of fertility drugs and even recommend other treatments that may be more ideal for you.

Our goal is to help you build your family, we will always be here to listen and offer our honest insight.

Learn More About Family Building Options

For more information about reciprocal IVF and other options for same-sex family building, be sure to contact our team of fertility specialists. Dr. Dorsett and her team can be reached by phone at (806) 788-1212.