Have you and your partner been looking to start a family but unsure where to begin?
Manchester Fertility is one of the UK’s leading private fertility clinics that has supported the LGBTQ+ community for over three decades, offering personalised treatments to help same-sex couples achieve their dream of starting a family.
We understand that taking the first step in your fertility journey can be overwhelming: researching treatments, choosing the right clinic and not to mention selecting your sperm donor.
We are here to take you through the different treatments available at Manchester Fertility, how you would choose a sperm donor, and who would be supporting you on your path to parenthood.
So, what IVF treatment options are available for female same-sex couples?
IUI for same-sex couples with donor sperm
IUI(Intrauterine insemination) with donor sperm is a fertility option for female same-sex couples. It involves placing the prepared donor sperm sample within the woman’s uterus to encourage natural fertilisation during ovulation.
IUI with donor sperm, also known as donor insemination (DI), is often recommended when using frozen sperm and your fallopian tubes are clear for the sperm to reach the egg. However, if you have blocked fallopian tubes or unexplained fertility issues, IVF using donor sperm may be another option for you.
ICSI for same-sex couples with donor sperm
IVF using a sperm donor can also be an option for you and your partner. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is where your eggs will be collected and then fertilised with the donated sperm using a technique called ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). Our expert embryologists will prepare and wash the sperm, inject a single sperm into an egg, and then monitor over five days. The best resulting embryo will be chosen using time-lapse monitoring for your egg transfer.
Reciprocal IVF for same-sex couples with donor sperm
Reciprocal IVF , also known as shared motherhood allows you and your partner to be biologically involved in creating a baby. One partner’s eggs will be collected and fertilised in our laboratory; then, the chosen embryo will be transferred into your partner’s uterus to carry the pregnancy.
How do we choose the right IVF Treatment?
Once you have completed your initial fertility tests, our highly experienced specialists put in place a tailored treatment plan based on your results to give you and your partner the best chance of pregnancy. Every one of our patients is treated with the highest standard of care, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.
Choosing your sperm donor
Selecting your sperm donor is one of the exciting moments of your fertility journey. Our expert donation team are on hand to help you match your preferences and characteristics of your ideal sperm donor by giving you a selection of donors from our own sperm bank – Semovo.
We understand choosing your sperm donor can feel a lot of pressure, which is why we are always here to help, advise and support you to ensure you make the right decision for you.
Read more about choosing your sperm donor.
Who will support you?
Counselling is an essential step of your treatment journey with us. As you are using a sperm donor, it is our policy for you to undergo a counselling session with one of our experienced counsellors.
Our counsellors are highly trained in their field and are here to explain the implications of using a sperm donor. As well as listen impartially to any concerns or answer questions you may have about your treatment.
We want to reassure you that sessions are highly confidential and private with you, your partner and your fertility counsellor.
We have a passionate team who is experienced in helping same-sex couples achieve their dream of becoming parents. From doctors and embryologists, midwives and nurses, all supported by our patient teams, ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care and support at every stage of their fertility journey.
You can meet all our friendly faces here.
Patient stories
“After attending an open evening and receiving more information, we decided it was the perfect choice for us. We were talked through all the different processes of how we could create our family, and all of our questions were answered. The staff were so amazing and helpful every single step of the way.” Amy and Laura
“The staff at Manchester Fertility were all lovely; everything just felt normal and easy. What you think would be a daunting experience was, in fact, very relaxed, and we felt comfortable every step of the way. We now have our amazing daughter Thea and words cannot describe how in love with her we are, and she wouldn’t be here without Manchester Fertility.” Melissa and Danielle
Read more incredible patient stories here
Are you ready to take the first step of your fertility journey? We are here to answer any questions you may have about any of the same-sex treatment options available and our clinic.
Our friendly patient team are here to help you on 0161 300 2737. Or, you can book a free 1-2-1 discovery appointment – our New Patient Coordinators will give you all the information you’ll need in more detail to get started.
Last updated: 23rd June 2022
