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Fertility Guide for lesbian couples
LGBTQ+ family expertise to help you have a baby together.
Treatment options for lesbian couples
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Sperm will be inserted into your uterus at the time you naturally ovulate in the hope that pregnancy occurs. This option offers a more natural approach to fertility treatment, however, success rates may vary depending on factors such as the recipient's age, fertility status, and the quality of the donor sperm.
Stimulated Cycle Donor Sperm Insemination
If you have an irregular menstrual cycle or ovulation issues, we can use fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs before performing insemination. This process increases the chances of conception by providing more opportunities for sperm to fertilise an egg.
Shared Motherhood
Shared motherhood, also known as Partner or Reciprocal IVF, allows both partners to be biologically involved in the creation and birth of your baby. It is the same process as IVF but both partners share the journey - one partner provides the eggs to create the embryo, while the other partner carries the embryo (fertilised with donor or known donor sperm), experiences the pregnancy, and gives birth.
IVF with Donor Sperm
In our laboratory, we will use donor sperm to fertilise our patients eggs. The best embryo with the highest potential for pregnancy will be selected for transfer back into the patient's uterus. We can store your remaining embryos for future treatment.
IVF with Donor Eggs & Donor Sperm
For couples at a later stage in life or those unable to use their own eggs for any reason, ‘double donation’ is a wonderful option. This process involves using both donor eggs and donor sperm, offering a path to experience the joys of pregnancy and parenthood. It provides an opportunity for genetic involvement by allowing you to select donors who resonate with you.
Egg and sperm donations can be from a known or anonymous donor.
Treatment with UK donor sperm
Our expert fertility specialists are here to help you conceive safely and successfully using donor sperm from our trusted Semovo sperm bank. All our sperm donors are based in the UK, HFEA registered, and fully identifiable to your child in the future, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
We also offer the option to reserve donor sperm for siblings in the future, allowing you to plan and grow your family with confidence and continuity.
Our donor sperm bank
How much does fertility treatment cost?
As our specialist fertility consultants will tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs, your treatment may cost more than this. Rest assured, no matter your circumstances, you will always be offered complete transparency on your treatment and all the advice you need to make informed decisions for your fertility journey.
You can find more details of our IVF treatment packages, including additional costs your treatment may incur, see below or on our latest price list.
Curious about financing options?
You can choose to fund your treatment yourself, through a treatment package, or 0% interest funding which gives you fixed-cost peace of mind. Learn more about funding your fertility treatment with our trusted partner, Access Fertility.
Single Cycle IUI Treatment using Donor Sperm
Our Single Cycle IUI Treatment using Donor Sperm package costs £2,450 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Donor sperm
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan – to confirm success of a cycle
- Follow-up consultation - following third IUI procedure
Additional tests as required:
- Pre-treatment blood tests
- Monitoring blood tests and scans during cycle
- Monitoring scan
Multi Cycle IUI Treatment using Donor Sperm
Our IUI Multi Cycle Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Package is £4,900 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Donor sperm
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan – to confirm success of a cycle
- Follow-up consultation - following third IUI procedure
Additional tests as required:
- Pre-treatment blood tests
- Monitoring blood tests and scans during cycle
- Monitoring scan
Single Cycle IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor
Our Single Cycle IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor package costs £1,795 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan or follow-up (after third IUI), dependent on cycle outcome
Additional charges may apply when using a known sperm donor or based on individual treatment plans. A full breakdown of potential costs can be found on page 34 of our latest price list.
Multi Cycle Package IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor
Our Multi Cycle IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor package costs £3,605 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan or follow-up (after third IUI) dependent on cycle outcome
Additional charges may apply when using a known sperm donor or based on individual treatment plans. A full breakdown of potential costs can be found on page 35 of our latest price list.
IVF or ICSI using Donor Sperm
Our IVF/ICSI using Donor Sperm treatment package costs £7,300. There are a number of features that enhance this treatment package, including:
- Access to online consents platform
- Access to patient support app
- Electronic Witnessing
- Cycle planning
- Prep appointment for injection teaching
- Monitoring bloods tests during your cycle
- Monitoring scans during your cycle
- Sedative for egg collection
- Ultrasound guided egg collection
- Sperm preparation and insemination of eggs
- EmbryoGlue
- Advanced Embryology: embryo culture up to blastocyst stage
- Embryoscope to monitor embryo development - fertilisation to transfer
- Embryo transfer/Embryo freeze - if all of your embryos are frozen and a replacement does not take place in your treatment cycle, your first frozen embryo transfer will not incur a charge
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Embryo freezing and storage for 1 year
- Pregnancy scan or follow up consultation, dependant on cycle outcome
- Donor Sperm
- Preparation of donor sperm for ICSI
- Insemination of eggs with donor sperm
Additional costs in all ICSI cycles:
- Cost of medication (per cycle)
- Annual storage of embryo/s following first year
Additional costs if applicable:
- Semen Freeze (1 sample)
- Semen Freeze (additional samples)
- Blood tests in preparation for commencing treatment
- Additional medication week 7 to 12 of pregnancy
- Private prescription fee
- Frozen Embryo Transfer in a natural cycle
- Frozen Embryo Transfer in a hormone regulated cycle
- MAGENTATM AI Technology
Additional charges may apply when using a sperm donor or based on individual treatment plans. A full breakdown of potential costs can be found on page 21 of our latest price list.
Reciprocal IVF or Shared Motherhood
Our Reciprocal IVF treatment package costs £9,495. There are a number of features that enhance this treatment package, including:
- Access to online consents platform
- Access to patient support app
- Electronic Witnessing
- Cycle planning
- Donor Sperm
- Prep appointment for injection teaching
- Monitoring bloods tests during your cycle
- Monitoring scans during your cycle, for both partners
- Sedative for egg collection
- Ultrasound guided egg collection
- Donor sperm preparation and insemination of eggs
- EmbryoGlue
- Advanced Embryology: embryo culture up to blastocyst stage
- Embryoscope to monitor embryo development - fertilisation to transfer
- Embryo transfer/Embryo freeze - if all of your embryos are frozen and a replacement does not take place in your treatment cycle, your first frozen embryo transfer will not incur a charge
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Embryo freezing and storage for 1 year
- Pregnancy scan or follow up consultation after a failed cycle
Additional costs in all Reciprocal IVF cycles:
- Blood tests in preparation for commencing treatment
- Cost of medication (per cycle) - Donating Partner
- Annual storage of embryo/s following first year
Additional costs if applicable:
- Enhance screening for donating partner
- Additional medication week 7 to 12 of pregnancy
- Private prescription fee
- ICSI on the day of egg collection if advised by our medical team
- Frozen Embryo Transfer in a natural cycle
- Frozen Embryo Transfer in a hormone regulated cycle
- MAGENTATMAI Technology
Additional charges may apply when having reciprocal IVF treatment or based on individual treatment plans. A full breakdown of potential costs can be found on page 26 of our latest price list.
IVF or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
We will perform comprehensive fertility tests at the start of your journey, which assess key things such as ovarian reserve and hormone levels. This will help us to identify which type of treatment is best for you.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) | Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) |
|---|---|
| Genetic Connection: IVF allows the female partner to contribute her eggs for fertilisation, providing a genetic connection to the child. | Simplicity: IUI is a simple and less invasive procedure compared to IVF. |
| Flexibility in Egg Selection: Lesbian couples can choose between either partner's eggs, allowing them to opt for the healthiest and best quality eggs. | Suitability: IUI may be suitable for lesbian couples who don't have infertility issues. |
| Success Rates: IVF generally has higher success rates compared to IUI. | Success Rates: Success rates for IUI are generally lower than IVF, but insemination can still be successful for many couples. |
| Cost: IVF typically requires additional procedures which is reflected in the cost. | Cost: Donor sperm IUI is generally less expensive than IVF since it involves fewer steps and procedures. |
Get in touch today
Ready to have your family with us? It is so easy to self-refer or book a free 1-2-1 Discovery Consultation with our New Patient Coordinators.
Patient Stories
“We can’t thank Manchester Fertility enough for making our dreams come true.”
Celia & Steve, January 2020
“Words can not express how incredibly grateful I am to all of you for making my dreams of becoming a mother come true.”
Jean-Louise, October 2017
“We would like to thank everyone at Manchester Fertility for their help, professionalism, care and support during our fertility journey. Whilst trying to conceive has been difficult, all the staff …”
Siobhan and Jack, February 2025
“A massive thank you for everything that you did to help us have our little boy.”
Natalie & Jessica, December 2017
““Manchester Fertility has made our dreams come true. Thank you so much for giving us our beautiful baby girl Ivy, born via IVF/ICSI at Manchester Fertility. It really felt like …”
Yvonne and Martin, March 2023
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
We are a trusted clinic renowned for our dedication to the LGBTQ+ community. We offer a safe, welcoming space where you can embark on your journey to parenthood with confidence and comfort. Our friendly, compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel understood and respected. Our range of inclusive treatments is crafted to suit your personal preferences and budget, making it easier than ever to create the family you’ve always wanted.
Treatment options include:
Choosing the right clinic for you
When selecting a clinic, choose one that truly aligns with your needs and preferences. Here are key factors to consider:
- An inclusive clinic that supports your needs
- Expertise that offers the highest standard of care
- Transparent pricing and funding options
- Cutting-edge reproductive laboratory technology
- Personalised treatment plans to suit you
Support for female couples
Andrology Team
Our dedicated Donation Team will help you choose your ideal sperm donor and co-ordinate all the different stages of your treatment. We get to know you really well, so we can give you the support you need.
Midwifery support
Our compassionate and skilled midwives offer invaluable support to fertility patients by providing compassionate care, education, and advice throughout the treatment process. They address the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of fertility care and will always put your needs first.
Counselling
Counselling is included in treatment, and it is mandatory if you are using donor sperm. Our friendly, BICA registered counsellors will talk you through all the implications, including how to tell your child in future about their unique family origins and what they can know about their sperm donor.
Partner Resources
We work with partner organisations to provide resources for LGBTQ+ patients on their fertility journey. LGBT Mummies aim to support LGBTQ+ people globally on the path to parenthood. You can access lots of free resources, the Manchester Fertility partner profile, as well as link to further support avenues on their website, plus they have informative social channels on Facebook and Instagram.
LGBT Mummies
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get an appointment with Manchester Fertility?
You do not need a referral for an appointment with us. You can self-refer straight away.
The process of self-referring is easy, simply visit our get started page and book an appointment with a specialist at your convience.
How do we find the best fertility clinic for us?
Firstly, visit the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s website (HFEA) for a list of registered clinics local to you. Then why not contact each of the fertility clinics you're interested in and ask for brochures or information or visit the clinic’s website. Another great source of information is to check out our reviews and testimonials, and don’t hesitate to ask for a clinic tour. At Manchester Fertility you can book in for an informal, free 'one-to-one' appointment so that you can come and visit us, our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.
How much does IVF or fertility treatment cost?
IVF costs vary depending on which clinic you choose. You will need to pay for the initial consultation, any pre-treatment tests or scans, and then for the actual treatment itself and any necessary medications. Our IVF package costs from £4,550* , for details about what’s included in the package, you can consult our pricing page.
I’m in a same-sex relationship and we would like to have a family. Can you help us?
Yes, we welcome a huge number of same-sex couples through our doors for pregnancy help, whether you need treatment with donor sperm or donor eggs.
For information about the fertility treatments, we offer to help you, visit our donor bank page.
I already have a child but I am having problems getting pregnant again. Is there something wrong with me?
Secondary infertility – the inability to have a second or third child despite having a successful pregnancy before – is not uncommon. But you may be worrying over nothing. Remember, infertility isn’t defined until you have been having regular, unprotected intercourse for up to two years without falling pregnant, so it could just be that this time it’s taking longer than before to conceive. Your age could also be a factor, remember that fertility starts to decline from age 30 onwards and even more so from age 35. But if you think you need fertility help, don’t hesitate to see your GP or contact us,
Can I get IVF treatment on the NHS?
The provision of IVF treatment varies across the country, and often depends on local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) policies.
ICBs may have additional criteria you need to meet before you can have IVF on the NHS, such as:
- not having any children already, from both your current and any previous relationships
- being a healthy weight
- not smoking
- falling into a certain age range (for example, some ICBs only fund treatment for women under 35)
Ask your GP or contact your local integrated care board (ICB) to find out whether NHS-funded IVF treatment is available in your area.
I want to get pregnant but I’m over 40 years of age, can you help me conceive?
Yes. However, you need to consider the fact that live birth rates for older women in their mid-40s, who wish to use their own eggs to conceive, is generally extremely low. Your options will include ovarian stimulation, and intrauterine insemination or IVF. Dependent upon your individual case, you may need to consider using donor eggs to get pregnant. For more details, call us on 0161 300 2737. You can also read ourGuide for Women over 40.
What hours are you open?
Being flexible with our opening times is vital for our patients at Manchester Fertility. We always aim to see you at times convenient to you. Our current opening times are shown on our contact page. You will always see the most appropriate staff member for your needs.