{"id":8957,"date":"2019-07-29T18:37:02","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T17:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pamap.accessfertility.com\/ie\/2019\/07\/29\/ivf-lgbt-couples-options\/"},"modified":"2025-05-14T16:22:32","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T15:22:32","slug":"fertility-options-for-same-sex-couples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accessfertility.com\/ie\/fertility-options-for-same-sex-couples\/","title":{"rendered":"Fertility options for same sex couples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Everyone who wants to start a family should have that option, including LGBQT+ families. Access Fertility proudly supports same sex couples with our accessible and affordable IVF treatment options<\/a>. If you are in an LGBTQ+ relationship and require IVF to achieve your dreams of having a baby, then we can help. You may also be able to get a refund if your treatment is not successful. Find out more about the fertility options for same sex couples that we offer below, as well as the alternatives outside our programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fertility options for same sex couples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

IVF<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is where the eggs are collected and the donor sperm is assessed and the high-quality sperm is then mixed with the eggs, outside of the body, in the lab. Once fertilisation has taken place, the highest quality embryo(s) are replaced back into the uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access Fertility’s plans provide multiple cycles<\/a> and refund options<\/a> for IVF, ICSI and donor egg treatment<\/a>. Same sex couples are welcome to use all our programmes, and the IVF Refund and Multi-Cycle programmes are now compatible with Shared Motherhood at some of our clinics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more<\/a> about the same sex couples choosing Access Fertility to help achieve their dream of having a baby. Alternatively, you can watch some of our patient videos<\/a>, where Angela and Claire share their story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IUI<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a type of fertility treatment commonly used by lesbian couples. IUI uses the body\u2019s natural processes so it is less invasive than IVF, but, unfortunately, is not as successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In IUI, donor sperm is assessed then the non-mobile, poor quality sperm removed. The best quality sperm are then injected directly into the woman\u2019s uterus where fertilisation then hopefully takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It uses the body\u2019s own natural processes so fewer drugs are required compared to IVF, and you can choose to have IUI with or without fertility drugs. However the success rates are lower than that of IVF as there is less control over fertilisation. Unfortunately, because of those lower success rates, Access Fertility programmes do not cover IUI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about the difference between artificial insemination and IVF in our blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrogacy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is the main treatment option for male couples wanting a family. You can either mix a partner\u2019s sperm with the surrogate\u2019s eggs, or with donated eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This option involves finding a surrogate who is willing and able to carry to the baby for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrogacy may also be appropriate for women who have a medical condition that makes it impossible or dangerous for them to get pregnant and give birth. It can also be used by single people wanting a baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access Fertility does not currently offer any programmes for couples wishing to pursue surrogacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to consider:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Which type of treatment package you would prefer (IUI, IVF etc)?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You will need to speak to a clinic to find out which is best for you. It may depend on your initial screening test results and any relevant history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which clinic?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Do your research and make sure you get on well with the staff and have a good feeling about the clinic you choose. Location is often a key factor in choosing a clinic due to the number of appointments you have to attend, as well as clinic success rates. More information on choosing a clinic can be found on the HFEA website<\/a>. You can also use our clinic finder<\/a>, to discover the leading IVF clinics that Access Fertility partners with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making sure you are as healthy as possible before you start treatment. Read our previous blog<\/a> about surviving the IVF process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How you will fund your programme \u2013 find out more about Access Fertility packages<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With Access Fertility packages you can save up to 30% compared with pay as you go options at the clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n