October is LGBT History Month, a time to recognize those who fought for the rights of today’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Many members of this community also seek to grow their families by becoming parents. Find out about reproductive assistance options recommended by fertility doctors for LGBT people.

Donor Sperm IVF

Fertility doctors have diverse options for LGBT people. With donor sperm in vitro fertilization, or IVF, sperm is obtained from a male donor. The woman who will carry the child takes medication to spur production of eggs, which are then harvested and fertilized with the donor sperm in a lab. The embryo is then transplanted into the woman’s uterus. 

Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF for lesbian couples involve harvesting the eggs from one partner and inseminating the eggs with donor sperm. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the other partner who will carry the pregnancy.

Donor Egg IVF

Options for gay male couples include donor egg IVF, which relies on a female egg donor. She may take fertility medications to increase the number of eggs available. Again, these are harvested and fertilized with either donor sperm or one of the partner’s sperm. The resulting embryo can be transferred to a surrogate, a woman who carries and births the child. This latter approach is known as gestational surrogacy IVF.

Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute is proud to serve the LGBT community of Honolulu, HI, with modern assisted reproductive technologies. This fertility clinic offers donor egg and sperm in vitro fertilization, as well as gestational surrogacy IVF. Their fertility doctors are known for the compassion and understanding they show their patients. Find out more about their services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people online. For an appointment, call (808) 946-2226.