Building Families: Fertility Options for 2SLGBTQQIA+Individuals and Couples

At Mount Sinai Fertility, we are proud to support you on your family building journey to parenthood. Advances in reproductive technology have created a wide range of options for building a family. Whether you’re starting to explore possibilities or ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Options Tailored to Your Needs

Every family-building journey is unique. Below, we outline some of the most common options available to 2SLGBTQQIA+patients:

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):

This procedure places sperm directly into a uterus at the optimal time in the cycle. It’s a less invasive, more cost-effective treatment often chosen by people who have a uterus or people who need fertility support. Donor sperm can be used for the IUI process.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):

IVF involves fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body and provides a range of family-building options, including:

• Addressing fertility needs: IVF can support individuals and families experiencing challenges with fertility by offering flexibility in their family-building journey. It may involve the use of donor sperm, donor eggs, or both.
• Gestational carriers (Surrogacy): For individuals who cannot or do not wish to carry a pregnancy, IVF can be used with a gestational carrier. This often involves an egg donor and a gestational carrier, making parenthood accessible for those without a uterus or who do not wish to become pregnant themselves.
• Preservation for transgender individuals: Transgender and non-binary individuals may choose to reserve their eggs and sperm prior to beginning their medical transition, or at any point while taking hormones allowing them to use IVF to build their family when they are ready.
• Reciprocal IVF (RIVF): In RIVF, one partner provides the egg, which is fertilized through IVF, while the other partner carries the pregnancy.

Gestational Carriers:

A gestational carrier can be an option for individuals who cannot or do not wish to carry a pregnancy. Our team supports patients in navigating the medical and emotional aspects of this journey, while also helping with referrals to legal and ethical surrogacy services.

Fertility Preservation:

Fertility preservation allows individuals to freeze eggs, sperm or embryos for future use, offering options for biogenetic family building. For transgender individuals, preserving fertility before surgery or before or during gender-affirming hormones can help maintain this possibility. It is also beneficial for those undergoing medical treatments which may affect fertility or wish to delay parenting for personal or medical reasons.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Laws surrounding parental rights, surrogacy, and donor agreements vary, making legal advice an essential part of the process. Financial planning is equally important, as fertility treatments can be a significant investment.

Reach out today

We are committed to providing compassionate, inclusive care tailored to your unique needs. To learn more visit www.mountsinaifertility.com