This type of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often utilized by same sex female (lesbian) or non binary couples. Reciprocal IVF means that the ovaries of one partner or both partners in the couple are stimulated using hormone medications for up to 2 weeks, to produce mature eggs which are then removed (retrieved) from the person’s body, without making any cuts or incisions on the person. These mature eggs are then combined with donor sperm, outside of the uterus, in the laboratory, to create fertilized embryos. The embryos are then inserted into one partner’s womb to develop into a pregnancy, or frozen for a future transfer (also known as embryo freezing or embryo banking).
With Reciprocal IVF, eggs from one partner can be used to create embryos that the other partner carries in a pregnancy. This way, both partners get to participate in the process of creating embryos for their family building journey and carrying the pregnancy that follows. Reciprocal IVF is also a great way for Transgender Male patients to have biological children, if they decide to pursue egg freezing or embryo creation before proceeding with Gender affirmation surgery but have a partner who also has a uterus.