At Blue Sky Fertility we know that there’s more than one way to make a baby and for many LGBTQ+ couples, reciprocal IVF makes the journey even more meaningful.
Reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a way for same sex female couples to both play a biological role in the creation of their future children.
Riley Bailie, NP is one of our providers who leads initial fertility consultations and regroup appointments. Riley is passionate about meeting each patient where they are and guiding them through whatever form of fertility treatment they feel is right for their family-building journey.
What is Reciprocal IVF?
In the simplest terms, reciprocal IVF is when one partner provides the egg and the other partner carries the pregnancy. This is different from intrauterine insemination (IUI), a common family-building option for same-sex female couples. In IUI, sperm is placed directly into one partner’s uterus around the time of ovulation. With this method, one partner serves as both the egg source and the carrier of the pregnancy.
Reciprocal IVF uses the same medical techniques as standard IVF but offers something deeply personal: the opportunity for both partners to be biologically involved in the creation of their child.
One partner first undergoes an egg retrieval to provide the egg that pregnancy will result form, then the other partner undergoes a frozen embryo transfer and is able to carry the pregnancy and deliver the baby.
Couples often describe reciprocal IVF as an especially emotional and intimate experience. Patients often say they feel a unique and powerful connection from both playing a physical role in the reciprocal IVF process. For many, this process deepens their bond and allows both partners to feel equally involved from the very beginning.
However, this in no way discounts the incredibly valuable emotional support provided by a partner during the IUI process.
Who Might Choose Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is a great option for same-sex female couples who feel strongly that they want to biologically share the family building experience. It might be ideal for couples who:
- Feel strongly about sharing the physical burden of fertility treatments.
- Both are medically eligible for their respective roles.
- Want to preserve the future fertility even if not ready to start a family together right now.
- Want the ability to do genetic testing of embryos or screen for certain diseases before transfer.
One partner may not be the best egg source or the most ideal carrier, but reciprocal IVF still gives them the ability to be involved in whatever way they can be.
That said, reciprocal IVF isn’t the right choice for everyone. And that is perfectly okay. Every journey to parenthood is unique and should reflect the desires, goals, and health of each couple.
At Blue Sky Fertility, we believe in listening closely to our patients and offering recommendations based on their individual needs. We do not practice a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Step-by-Step Process
Understanding the steps involved can help couples feel more confident about whether reciprocal IVF is right for their family plan.
1. Initial Consultation
Your provider will review each partner’s medical history, talk through shared goals, and spend time understanding your hopes for the journey ahead.
2. Testing and Evaluation
Baseline labs, hormone testing, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tools are used to assess the fertility health of both partners. This helps your team determine the best clinical approach.
3. Choosing a Sperm Donor
Based on lab work, we will guide you through how to review the profiles of potential donors to ensure you are picking someone who is a safe match for you. We can also provide information about different sperm banks we recommend and work with frequently.
4. Stimulation & Egg Retrieval (Partner A)
The egg-providing partner begins a cycle of hormone stimulation, followed by a minimally invasive egg retrieval procedure performed in the clinic.
5. Fertilization and Embryo Development
The retrieved eggs are fertilized with the selected donor sperm in the lab, and embryos are monitored and grown for several days.
6. Embryo Transfer (Partner B)
A few months after embryos have been created, 1-2 embryos are selected and transferred into the uterus of the carrying partner. This is a quick, in-office procedure.
7. Pregnancy Test and Early Monitoring
Roughly 10-14 days later, a blood test is used to confirm pregnancy. If successful, you care team will continue monitoring until the pregnancy is ready to transition to an OB.
Things to Consider
Reciprocal IVF requires that both partners undergo medical testing. The health and safety of both partners is our top priority. We only move forward when we believe this treatment is the right fit for both individuals.
We strongly recommend that couples considering reciprocal IVF consult a family lawyer, especially regarding parentage rights. Laws can vary by state, and it’s important that both parents are protected and legally recognized as parents.
Fertility treatment can bring up a wide range of emotions; excitement, stress, uncertainty, and joy. We encourage couples to seek emotional support and counseling as part of their care. Blue Sky Fertility can provide referrals to therapists who specialize in family-building and reproductive journeys.
Reciprocal IVF can involve costs related to medications, procedures, donor sperm, and embryo storage. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see what coverage may apply, and our financial representatives are here to help you navigate the options.
We Support Your Choice
At Blue Sky Fertility, we proudly serve LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. We’re honored to be part of your family-building journey and deeply respect the courage, love, and intentionality that go into choosing this path.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to take the next step, our team is here to support you with compassion and expertise. This is a safe place to ask questions, feel heard, and receive the fertility care that’s right for you.
We’re here to help you build a family that is a little bit of each of you.
Riley began her undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas before returning to Kansas City to complete her BSN at Graceland University, graduating in December 2019. She started her nursing career at The University of Kansas Health System in Urology and Gynecologic Oncology. In June 2023, Riley joined Blue Sky Fertility as a pre/post-procedural nurse while finishing her MSN at the University of Missouri, which she completed in December 2023. She became a full-time nurse practitioner at BSF in July 2024. Riley loves the strong sense of teamwork at BSF, the friendships she’s built, and the patients she gets to care for each day. She’s always called fertility her “dream job” and feels lucky to do such meaningful work.
