Family Building Options

Same Sex Female

Greenwich Fertility is proud to make parenthood a reality for lesbian couples.  Couples interested in family building should schedule a physician consultation to discuss treatment options which require involvement of a sperm donor and, depending on treatment, may require the use of an egg donor or a gestational carrier.  The team at Greenwich Fertility works with you to ensure that you are comfortable and educated every step of the way. 

Finding a sperm donor is one of the first steps in the journey.  Couples have several options including using a known donor (family member or friend), anonymous donor or identity release donor, which gives your child the option to contact the donor after turning 18 years of age.

There are several treatment options employing donor sperm:

1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI, otherwise known as artificial insemination is a process whereby sperm is placed into a woman’s reproductive tract with a small catheter.  This short, non-invasive procedure happens in the office.  Depending on indications, a woman may choose to undergo a “natural cycle” insemination during which her own cycle will be monitored and a washed, concentrated sperm sample is placed into the uterus at the time of ovulation.  If more aggressive treatment is necessary, oral or injectable medications may be recommended in conjunction with an IUI.
2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is one of the most efficient routes to pregnancy. Injectable medications are used to recruit several eggs which, at time of maturity, are harvested through a procedure known as an egg retrieval.  Genetic screening of embryos either for a specific genetic disease or for the proper number of chromosomes through a procedure known as PGD or PGS is possible as part of the IVF process.
3. Reciprocal IVF: With reciprocal in vitro fertilization, one woman donates her eggs to her partner, and her partner carries the pregnancy. For female couples, this is a way that both can participate in the process of bringing a child into their home. 

Learn more about your options for finding a sperm donor.

If a couple prefers to work with a gestational carrier, our dedicated “GC” coordinator will help connect you with reputable agencies who will preliminarily find and screen a potential carrier.  Our physicians and psychologist will screen the carrier for medical, reproductive and psychological health as well as infectious diseases.  

If a donor egg is needed or recommended, our team will assist in finding you the most appropriate option either through an agency or an egg bank.  Some couples may choose to use known donors.  Egg donors are screened for medical and reproductive health, genetic diseases, psychological health and infectious disease.