LGBT Fertility Treatment: Family Options for Same-sex Couples & Singles

28th July 2017 in Advice

This information was correct at the time of publishing. It may not reflect our current practices, prices or regulations.

LGBT fertility treatment

At Manchester Fertility we’re experts in helping the LGBT community to build their families.

We offer a comprehensive range of fertility treatments for both male and female same-sex partners and single men and women, supported by our compassionate and caring clinic team that has in-depth understanding of the unique needs of our LGBT patients.

As one of the only fertility clinics in the UK to have our own dedicated donor sperm and donor egg programmes, we have no waiting list for donor eggs and donor sperm to help you conceive.

All our sperm and egg donors are UK-based healthy and fertile men and women, who are screened in line with the HFEA’s strict regulations and are identifiable to any child you have.

Female same-sex couples and single women: Treatment with donor sperm

There’s no need to rely on unregulated sperm sources or attempt ‘at home’ insemination if you want to have baby.

At Manchester Fertility our expert fertility specialists can help you conceive now with no waiting list, using safe donor sperm from our Semovo donor sperm bank.

Your treatment options include:

  • Donor sperm insemination: Sperm from your chosen sperm donor will be inserted into your uterus at the time of ovulation, in the hope that pregnancy occurs. Because insemination closely mimics natural conception, it’s not unusual to need a course of inseminations to conceive. 
  • IVF with donor sperm:  IVF with donor sperm involves maturing and collecting your eggs, and then fertilising those eggs in our laboratory with donor sperm. The best embryo with the highest potential for pregnancy will be selected for transfer, and you’ll be able to take a pregnancy test two weeks later. Any good quality remaining embryos can be stored by us for future family building. If you wish to donate eggs as part of your IVF cycle, you can donate eggs to our Manchester Donors egg donor programme to benefit from egg-sharing and reduced rate IVF with donor sperm.
  • Partner/Reciprocal IVF:Reciprocal IVF – sometimes referred to as ‘shared motherhood’ - is a popular choice for same-sex couples as it allows both of you to be physically involved in the creation and birth of your baby. It’s the same process as IVF but uses the eggs of one of you to create the embryo, whilst the other partner has the embryo transfer, carries the baby and gives birth.

 Male same-sex couples and single men: Treatment with donor eggs & surrogacy

Finding an egg donor is one of the biggest concerns for male couples and single men who want a family. At Manchester Fertility we have UK donor eggs ready now through our Manchester Donors programme, to help you create your family through surrogacy.

Treatment options for male same-sex couples and single men include:

  • Surrogacy with donor eggs: Known as gestational or ‘host’ surrogacy, donor eggs from your choice of egg donor are fertilised with your sperm. The best embryo is transferred to your surrogate, who carries the baby and gives birth for you. Your surrogate isn’t biologically related to your baby. 
  • Straight surrogacy: If your surrogate is happy to use her own eggs to help you conceive, she’ll undergo IVF with us and her eggs will be fertilised with your sperm. You and your surrogate are the genetic parents of your baby.

Finding a surrogate

You need to be in the process of finding – or have found – a surrogate when you come to us for treatment. Organisations such as COTS – Childlessness Overcome Through Surrogacy - may be able to help.

Using a known sperm or egg donor or surrogate

It’s not unusual for our same-sex patients to find their own sperm donors, egg donors or surrogates, typically a friend or family member who is willing to help.

Conceiving with the help of someone you know is called known donation. We’re highly experienced in helping our patients and their known donors and surrogates through the treatment process, ensuring it’s a positive and informed experience for everyone involved.

Start your journey to a family with Manchester Fertility

Speak to our friendly Patient Advisors on 0161 300 2737 for an informal chat about your treatment options, or self-refer here to get started. You can also browse our guides for same-sex female couples, single women and same-sex male couples, and read the success stories of the many LGBT patients we’ve helped.

Last updated: 20th January 2020