Reciprocal IVF: A Special Way for Lesbian Couples to Share the Journey

For many lesbian couples, the desire to build a family comes with both excitement and big decisions. One of the most meaningful options available today is reciprocal IVF, a fertility treatment that allows both partners to participate biologically in the pregnancy. At Washington Fertility Center, we’re proud to support couples through this unique and affirming path to parenthood.

What is Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF—sometimes called co-IVF or shared motherhood—is a fertility process where one partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy. This approach not only makes it possible for both partners to have a biological connection to the child, but also allows them to share the physical and emotional experience of building a family.

Here’s how it works:

1. The partner who will provide the eggs undergoes ovarian stimulation.
2. The eggs are then retrieved and fertilized with donor sperm in vitro (in the lab).
3. The resulting viable embryos are transferred into the uterus of the other partner, who will carry the pregnancy.

Although the medical steps are similar to traditional IVF, the shared involvement brings an added layer of meaning and closeness for many couples.

Why Couples Choose This Path
The appeal of reciprocal IVF goes beyond biology. For many couples, the process symbolizes equality, unity, and mutual investment in the journey to parenthood. With both partners actively involved, the experience can deepen the emotional connection between them and with the baby. It can also offer a sense of balance, especially when both partners want a tangible role in the process. Rather than one partner being solely in the spotlight, reciprocal IVF creates a shared experience from the very beginning.

Things to Consider When Choosing Reciprocal IVF
Of course, reciprocal IVF involves careful planning and preparation. Both partners will undergo fertility evaluations, and together they’ll need to decide who will provide the eggs and who will carry the pregnancy. These choices often depend on a range of factors, including age, hormone levels, overall health, and personal preferences. For example, one partner may have a stronger ovarian reserve and be better suited to provide eggs, while the other feels a deep desire to carry the pregnancy. In other cases, a partner may wish to be a biological parent but prefers not to experience pregnancy, or vice versa. The beauty of reciprocal IVF lies in its flexibility—it allows couples to make choices that reflect both their medical needs and their emotional desires.

Compassionate, Inclusive Care
At Washington Fertility Center, we understand that every family-building journey is deeply personal. Our team is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive space for LGBTQ+ patients, and we’re honored to help couples navigate reciprocal IVF with compassion, transparency, and expertise. If you're considering this path, Washington Fertility Center is here to help you take the next step.