LGBTQIA+ Family Building Options

Coastal Fertility Specialists is proud to help all individuals have a family, regardless of their sexual orientation. We are committed to helping LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual+ ) couples create families with a wide range of options to create the family of their dreams.

Couples will have an initial consultation with one of our physicians to discuss their medical history, fertility testing, family building options and financial planning. Whether it is selecting a sperm donor or sperm bank, arranging for egg donation, finding a gestational carrier, or discussing adoption, Coastal Fertility Specialists is committed to supporting couples through the entire process. There are many ways to create a loving family, and it is important to find the option that is best for you.

Common fertility solutions for LGBTQIA+ couples include IUI, IVF, Donor Egg and Gestational Surrogacy. For more information, contact us!

For lesbian couples with no apparent fertility issues, one option is performing an intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm during the woman’s own natural menstrual cycle. This is a very natural and inexpensive approach giving pregnancy rates relatively equivalent to natural intercourse.

If a fertility issue does exist, we have the option of using fertility medication in conjunction with an IUI. This is also a relatively inexpensive treatment with a high likelihood of achieving a pregnancy. These types of treatments allow for a genetic link to the baby for the carrying mother. While an appropriate option for some couples, other couples may desire options where both partners can be medically involved in the pregnancy. Our advanced reproductive technologies now allow for the use of one partner’s eggs to create the pregnancy and the other partner to carry the pregnancy in her uterus. If required, egg donation or using a gestational carrier is also an option.

For gay couples with no apparent fertility issues, egg donation combined with the use of a gestational carrier is the primary option. For a shared experience, both partners can provide sperm, allowing for a shared opportunity at genetic linkage to the baby.

As reproductive medical technology progresses, it is important to have a knowledgeable team behind you when navigating these new and exciting opportunities. At Coastal Fertility Specialists, we have an experienced reproductive team, including physicians, nurse coordinators, counselors, and reproductive lawyers that work together to help you achieve the family of your dreams.

To learn more about the process and options we offer for LGBTQIA+ family building, you can watch Dr. Riestenberg’s Facebook Live video below.