Accessing necessary fertility treatment when you're in a same-sex relationship or if you’re single can be a complex process. Treatments like IUI and access to donor sperm, essential for you to become pregnant, are often hard to access through the NHS due to strict eligibility criteria and long waiting lists.
For same-sex female couples, the NHS stipulates that IUI treatment is only available if the couple has not become pregnant after up to 6 cycles of IUI using donor sperm from a licenced fertility unit or clinic.
At Manchester Fertility, we have all the resources you need to complete your family without the stress of waiting for treatment or struggling to source the perfect sperm donor. If you are in a female same-sex relationship and are considering IUI, take this opportunity to learn everything you need to know about IUI before starting your fertility journey.
What is IUI?
IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, is a fertility treatment where sperm is injected directly into your uterus. The sperm is injected under the guidance of a specialist fertility consultant at our state-of-the-art, purpose-built clinic. IUI allows the body's natural processes to take over once the sperm has been injected.
Could I have IUI treatment?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) can be performed with sperm from a partner, a known donor or an anonymous sperm donor, IUI is especially popular among the LGBTQ+ community, where donor sperm can assist female same-sex couples in completing their families.
IUI is also an appropriate treatment for single patients or patients assigned female at birth who want to conceive using donor sperm. IUI can also be effective in heterosexual partnerships, where partners cannot have vaginal intercourse due to a disability or illness, or in those with a condition which means they need specific help to achieve pregnancy safely.
IUI Treatment for the LGBTQ+ Community
Manchester Fertility is a leading fertility clinic with over 35 years of experience building families for people within the LGBT + community. With an established heritage and excellent success rates, we provide many fertility treatments and pathways for same-sex couples and singles, trans, non-binary people and heterosexual couples from across the UK.
Today we continue to grow our reputation as a clinic that understands the specific fertility needs of the LGBT + community, and, as one of the first clinics to offer IVF in the UK, we have an excellent track record and fantastic testimonials of how we have successfully assisted couples and singles build the families they dreamed of.
If you're a female couple looking to start your family through IUI treatment, we'd love to welcome you to Manchester Fertility. Our patient experience offers the right balance of compassion, medical advice, and legal guidance, no matter your circumstances.
Being a Manchester-based fertility clinic, we see a large number of LGBTQ+ patients who are looking for parenting treatment options and want to feel comfortable with a team who are confident in their ability to provide quality care.
Donor Sperm for IUI Treatment
At Manchester Fertility, we want you to be able to start your family when it is convenient for you. We understand that the need for donor sperm for fertility treatments is on the rise, with research from the HFEA indicating that children born in the UK with the help of donor eggs and sperm have risen by more than 64% since the 1990s.
We work hard to provide members of the LGBTQ+ community with direct access to a range of donor sperm profiles for treatment.
Not only are these donor profiles all UK-based and fully-screened for any health concerns or hereditary conditions, but they're often available for reservation if you'd like to have future treatments, ensuring the possibility of siblings having the same donor.
Is IUI my only option?
IUI is not the only option for LGBTQ+ patients, with many same-sex female patients now opting for reciprocal IVF (also known as shared motherhood) a method in which the egg from one partner is used to make the embryo for the treatment, then implanted into the uterus of their partner so that they can carry their child to term. Read more about the treatments and services we offer to the LGBTQ+ community on our blog.
How much does IUI cost?
At Manchester Fertility, we offer single-cycle and multicycle IUI packages, which can be enhanced using sperm from an anonymous donor provided by our partner sperm bank, Semovo, or sperm from a known donor to suit your needs. Browse our price list for our current treatment costs.
What are the legal implications of using donor sperm?
The HFEA encourages those using donor sperm to undergo treatment at a licensed UK-based fertility clinic. At regulated clinics, the donor is screened for infectious diseases, such as chlamydia and HIV, and is offered counselling and information about their rights and obligations.
Furthermore, sourcing a sperm donor through a clinic ensures that all the legal protections are in place. If you’re having treatment at a licensed fertility clinic in the UK, your donor will have no legal rights or responsibilities to children born with sperm, eggs or embryos. This means:
- They will have no legal obligation to any children conceived from their donation
- They won’t be named on the birth certificate
- They won’t have any rights over how the child will be brought up
- They won’t be required to support the child financially
Visit the HFEA website for more information on the legal implications of getting pregnant through sperm donation.
What support do you offer to LGBTQ+ patients?
We understand that fertility treatment can feel like an emotionally challenging journey for our patients, especially if you’re also trying to navigate creating your family as an LGBTQ+ person or same-sex couple. As one of the most advanced clinics in the UK, with a diverse LGBTQ+ patient base, Manchester Fertility is the perfect place to start a conversation about your treatment.
We provide continuous guidance and support throughout your fertility journey. Our expert counselling team is here to discuss any concerns or questions and help you through your treatment. Counselling sessions are available to all our Manchester Fertility patients, and we want to reassure you that confidentiality is always maintained between you and your fertility counsellor.
Once you’re a patient, you can also access our private Facebook Support Group, which is a great comfort for many of our patients, connecting them with others on a similar fertility journey.
If you are considering any of our available treatments and would like more advice or guidance, you can speak with a member of our team today at 0161 300 2737 or book a free 1-2-1 discovery appointment via our website.
Last updated: 2nd February 2024
