Reciprocal IVF is a special way for same-sex female couples to have a baby. One partner gives her eggs, and the other partner carries the baby. It uses the normal IVF steps like taking eggs, mixing them with donor sperm, and putting the embryo into the womb. This method helps both the partners to share a connection to their child. If you are planning to grow your family then it’s important to know about Reciprocal IVF.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi and her team have helped many couples become parents with treatments like Reciprocal IVF. In this blog, we will share all the information you need about this method, how it works, who can do it, success rates, and more. We will also give some tips which will help you.
What is Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is a fertility treatment that lets same-sex female couples share the journey of having a baby. In this process, one partner’s eggs are collected and fertilized with donor sperm. Then, the embryo is placed into the other partner’s uterus, so she can carry the pregnancy.
This way, one partner is the biological mother (giving the egg) and the other is the birth mother (carrying the baby). It makes the reciprocal journey a beautiful shared experience for them. Same-sex IVF is a great option for couples who want to both be physically involved in creating their family.
How Reciprocal IVF Works?
Reciprocal IVF is also called ‘Co-Maternity’ or ‘Shared Motherhood’. It is a beautiful way for same-sex female couples to share the experience of having a baby. In this process, one partner donates her eggs and the other carries the pregnancy. It’s a journey where both partners are closely involved in creating and growing their child. Here’s how it works:
Reciprocal IVF Process
- Fertility Tests: Both partners undergo basic fertility tests like blood tests and ultrasounds to check their hormone levels, egg quality, and overall reproductive health. This helps the doctor to plan the best treatment for them.
- Egg Retrieval: One partner takes fertility medicines for about 10–12 days to help her eggs grow. Once the eggs are ready then they are collected through a short and safe procedure under light sedation.
- Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are combined with donor sperm in a laboratory. The sperm fertilizes the eggs, and the embryos start to grow. The best quality embryos are selected for the next step.
- Embryo Transfer: One healthy embryo is gently placed into the uterus of the other partner, who has been taking medicines to prepare her body for pregnancy.
- Pregnancy: If the embryo successfully implants then the pregnancy takes place. The partner carrying the baby will then have regular checkups to monitor the health and growth of the baby.
Who is Eligible for Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is a great choice for same-sex female couples who both want to be part of the baby’s journey. It works best when one partner has healthy eggs and the other partner is able to carry a pregnancy.
You might be a good fit for Reciprocal IVF if:
- You are a same-sex female couple and want to share motherhood.
- One partner has healthy ovaries and can produce good-quality eggs.
- The other partner has a healthy uterus and can safely carry a pregnancy.
- You are ready to use donor sperm, which is needed for fertilization.
- You want a strong emotional and biological connection where both partners are involved.
Note: Doctors will check the health of both partners before starting. This will help them make sure the process is safe and gives the best chance for a healthy pregnancy.
Reciprocal IVF Success Rates
The success rates of Reciprocal IVF are quite good and are similar to regular IVF. It mostly depends on the age of the partner giving the eggs and the overall health of both partners.
- Younger eggs mean higher success. Women under 35 usually have better egg quality which can lead to higher pregnancy chances.
- A healthy uterus is important. The partner who is carrying the baby should have a healthy uterus for a smooth pregnancy.
- It’s important to eat healthy, stay active, and avoid smoking or alcohol to improve success.
- Clinic experience matters so choose an experienced doctor and clinic to increase your chances.
On average, the success rate can be between 50% to 70% per attempt. However, it can vary for each couple and their journey.
Benefits of Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF allows one partner to provide the egg while the other carries the baby. It helps both the partners to be an important part of the process. This method creates a strong bond and gives both partners a deep emotional connection with their child.
Here are some benefits of Reciprocal IVF:
- Shared Motherhood: Both partners are directly involved in creating and nurturing the baby.
- Stronger Bond: It helps build a deep connection between both partners and the baby.
- Personal Connection: Each partner feels more connected to the pregnancy and parenting journey.
- Flexibility: Partners can switch roles in future IVF cycles if they want.
- Legal Benefits: It may help both partners be legally recognized as parents, depending on the country’s laws.
Reciprocal IVF Who Will The Baby Look Like?
In Reciprocal IVF, the baby’s looks will mostly come from the partner who gives the egg. This is because the egg carries the genes (DNA) that decide things like eye color, hair color, and other features. The partner who carries the baby will not pass her genes to the baby. However, her body will still play a big role by providing a healthy environment for the baby to grow.
Conclusion
Reciprocal IVF is a beautiful way for same-sex female couples to both be involved in the creation of their child. It allows one partner to provide the egg while the other carries the pregnancy. It helps to strengthen the emotional bond between the couple and also gives each partner a deep connection to the baby.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi makes sure you get the right support and advice you need. In this blog, we’ve shared everything you need to know about Reciprocal IVF. So, it’s important to make the best choices and start your journey to a happy future with your baby. You can also contact Dr. Rita Bakshi Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist at RISAA IVF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is reciprocal IVF legal in India?
Yes, reciprocal IVF is legal in India for same-sex female couples. The process may involve legal procedures to ensure both partners have legal parentage of the child.
Do reciprocal IVF babies look like both parents?
Yes, in reciprocal IVF, one partner provides the egg, and the other carries the pregnancy. Therefore, the baby will share physical traits with the egg donor, while the birth mother will influence the pregnancy environment.
Are there any risks involved with reciprocal IVF?
As with any IVF process, there are some risks involved, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and complications related to the pregnancy. A good clinic and proper medical supervision can minimize these risks.
Can both partners legally be recognized as the child’s parents?
In India, legal recognition of both parents depends on local laws, but in many cases, both partners can be legally recognized as the child’s parents through proper legal arrangements.