Now that you and your partner are ready for the next step into family life, you may want to try to find fertility doctors and clinics. Look for recommendations, do your research, and study success rates. Finding the right people and facilities to get you started on this journey is necessary for your physical and mental well-being.
Before going to the first consultation, you might have already chosen whose eggs to use, and who will carry the pregnancy. Still, the best thing to do is allow the medical professionals to check both of you so they can discuss all aspects of your fertility. Likewise, enable fertility doctors to clarify your options and the risks.
The Primary Treatment Options
There are two options for same-sex female couples. Before these treatments, the one who will provide the eggs may need to take medications. This is necessary to enhance egg production. Normally, a woman produces only one egg a month, but these drugs tell the ovaries to make more. Constant monitoring is then required for the process to begin. Look online for clinics, such as Hull & East Riding Fertility, to get answers to questions you might have.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
The first is a simple procedure called intrauterine insemination. This is a type of artificial insemination. Donor sperm is “washed” and concentrated. It is placed directly into the uterus while the ovaries naturally launch eggs to be fertilized.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
The second alternative is in vitro fertilization, a medical procedure where donor sperm fertilizes the egg in a lab setting. However, before this can happen, one has to go through ovarian stimulation. Then, surgically, the eggs are retrieved while you are sedated. Insemination is done on the same day.
After the fertilization of the egg, the embryo is monitored carefully. This then determines when it can be moved to the uterus. Transfer can be fresh, or ask the doctor about the frozen embryo transfer process, too.
Suppose a partner wants her eggs used but will not carry the pregnancy. In that case, she needs to go through the surgical egg retrieval process. As soon as they mature, the inseminated eggs will then be put in the uterus of the partner, who will carry and give birth to the baby.
The Treatment Process
After you decide which partner will carry the pregnancy, she will proceed with a fertility workup. This includes blood work to test hormone levels and to know the health of the uterus and fallopian tubes. You can choose a sperm donor then to accomplish the pregnancy if all is good.
When it comes to IVF, which calls for one partner as the egg donor and the other as the carrier, both will need the workup and medicines. If you are unable to produce eggs, you may also consider egg donation from family members.
Most couples prefer sperm donation from family or a good friend. You might therefore ask your doctor what the procedure is for donating sperm. The sperm might need to be screened and quarantined before being processed.
The Takeaway
Starting the fertility treatments as a couple will take hard work and will require steady support from each other. Take time to look for the very best facility and experts to get you through this exciting journey. Learn and try to understand what will happen throughout the process to prepare both of you in mind, body, and spirit.
