Female couples (intended mothers)
A common plan is donor-sperm IUI or IVF using one partner's eggs, with that partner carrying. Reciprocal IVF — one partner provides the eggs, the other carries the pregnancy — is chosen by families who want both parents biologically involved in the pregnancy. Either partner can also be the source of eggs for future siblings, which is why a shared plan is often mapped out from the beginning.
Male couples (intended fathers)
Family building typically involves an egg donor and a gestational carrier. The two roles are handled by different people under separate legal agreements. Sperm from one or both partners may be used across embryos so that siblings can share both fathers.
Single parents by choice
Single patients pursuing pregnancy can use donor sperm with IUI or IVF; those who cannot carry may work with an egg donor and a gestational carrier. Fertility preservation before starting is common when a patient wants to leave options open for future siblings.
Transgender and nonbinary patients
Fertility preservation before hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery is time-sensitive — once medical or surgical transition is under way, some options are no longer available or become considerably harder. Sperm banking, egg or embryo cryopreservation, and, in select cases, ovarian tissue cryopreservation are all part of the conversation. Care is coordinated with your endocrinologist and, when relevant, your surgical team so the reproductive plan fits your transition timeline.
Donors and gestational carriers
Egg and sperm donors are screened for medical, genetic, and psychosocial factors following professional-society standards. Gestational carriers are matched through experienced agencies and undergo medical and psychosocial screening before a cycle. Legal counsel — independent for each party — is standard practice, and consents are signed before any medical steps begin.
Cost and coverage conversations
LGBTQ+ family building often involves multiple parties (donors, carriers, legal representation) and can span several cycles. A financial consultation is part of the process so you can plan around insurance coverage, employer benefits, and any grants or loan programs your family qualifies for.
From the podcast
Family-building stories from The Fertile Life.
October 13, 2022
Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly, The Points Guy, Shares His Fertility Journey to Parenthood
Brian Kelly joins Dr. Ghadir to talk through his path to fatherhood with an egg donor and a surrogate.
Listen to the episodeDecember 16, 2021
Tom Daley
Tom Daley Talks Fatherhood, Knitting and Life
A conversation with Tom Daley on fatherhood, and how family life fits alongside everything else.
Listen to the episodeSeptember 16, 2021
Lance Bass & Michael Turchin
NSYNC's Lance Bass and Husband Michael Turchin Discuss Their Journey to Parenthood
Lance Bass and Michael Turchin share their path to parenthood through IVF and surrogacy.
Listen to the episode