How Much Is Reciprocal IVF?

The decision to have a child, though easy for some, can be difficult for others, and for a long time, same-sex female couples were limited in their options for creating a family of their own. With assisted reproductive technology, same-sex couples can do so, and not only that, but they can both participate in the process. Reciprocal in vitro fertilization has enabled lesbian couples to be involved in the whole process from beginning to end. 

Key Takeaways

• Reciprocal in vitro fertilization allows same-sex couples to both participate in a pregnancy - one by donating the egg and the other by carrying the pregnancy to term.
• Reciprocal IVF is a safe, effective form of assisted reproductive technology and is likely more consistently successful than traditional IVF.
• Reciprocal IVF, and all forms of IVF, can be expensive compared to other forms of ART. Whether the costs are worthwhile comes down to each couple’s needs and wants from a pregnancy.

What Is Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF, or co-IVF,  is a fertility treatment option that enables same-sex females to participate in the childbearing process. Each partner can choose to be either an egg donor or a gestational carrier. In simple terms, one partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy. Reciprocal IVF has become increasingly popular in recent years, showing promising success rates when compared to other forms of IVF therapy.

How Does Reciprocal IVF Work?

Reciprocal IVF works just like traditional IVF, the only difference being that both partners are female, and either can donate an egg. Similarly, reciprocal IVF can take several weeks or months, depending on each individual’s unique circumstances.

Before the process begins, there are some legal considerations and documents that the couple will have to agree on with the clinic. Fertility laws can be complicated, especially when both partners do not contribute genetic material. These laws vary by state, and one should consult with an attorney who specializes in family or reproductive law before deciding on reciprocal IVF. 

Identifying Roles

Before starting the process, the couple must decide who will be the egg donor and who will carry the pregnancy. Though the decision can be clear for some couples, for others, it is not. For couples who are still struggling with the decision, the healthcare professionals at NOVA IVF specialize in guiding couples through this journey, offering expert care tailored to each couple's needs while addressing financial considerations and available treatments. They will conduct some tests to see what role each partner can perform. However, the choice still boils down to the couple. 

Choosing a Sperm Donor

The next process in reciprocal IVF is to choose a sperm donor. The sperm donor can be from a selection of friends and family or can be an anonymous donor. Choosing someone you know can be cheaper, but it will require you to sign contracts that agree on the sperm donor’s role in the child’s life. 

Many couples choose to go with a donor from a reputable sperm bank This is because the choice is anonymous, and they can select what they like. However, choosing a sperm donor from a sperm bank can increase your IVF costs by anywhere between $400–$2,000. This can be a significant cost if your insurance provider doesn't cover them in your plan. 

Physical and Mental Evaluations

If not already done, the couple will go through various tests to check if they are ready for the process. The partner providing the eggs will go through a transvaginal ultrasound to check the ovaries and antral follicle count (AFC) and a blood test panel to analyze hormonal levels, including Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). 

The gestational carrier will also go through blood tests to check their blood type and Rh factor, screening for STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and hepatitis, as well as a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Their family and medical history will also be reviewed.

Once the tests are done, the IVF specialist will then decide on the right treatment protocol for the couple. The donor partner (the one offering the eggs) will then be given medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. 

Retrieving the eggs

Before retrieving the eggs, the clinic will ensure that the follicles containing the eggs are almost mature. 36 hours before retrieval, the egg donor will receive a final hormone injection to fast-track the process. Egg retrieval is done using a thin needle that is inserted into the ovary and under the guidance of an ultrasound. The egg donor will be put under general anesthesia, and the whole procedure takes between 15 to 45 minutes. After, the donor will be taken for recovery for at least an hour. 

Fertilization

When the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized using the donor sperm. Usually, the sperm is already prepared or “washed” to separate healthy sperm from semen and only remain with the viable sperm. 

If the retrieved eggs are many, some couples choose to only fertilize some of the eggs. The remaining eggs can be frozen for future use. After successful fertilization, the embryo is allowed to develop for several more days outside the body before it is transferred into the gestational partner’s uterus.

Implantation

While the eggs are being retrieved, the gestational partner is given hormonal injections and pills to prepare the uterus for the embryo transfer. When they are ready, implantation is done with a speculum and catheter, and the embryo(s) is directly injected into the uterus. This process typically takes around 20 minutes.

What Is the Success Rate of Co-IVF?

The success rate for Co-IVF is higher than that of traditional IVF, and some studies back this up.  This is because same-sex couples choose to undergo IVF not necessarily because of infertility but due to the nature of their relationship. On the other hand, many heterosexual couples choose IVF as a way to navigate infertility and other health conditions that might impact their ability to conceive naturally.

Does Insurance Pay for Reciprocal IVF?

Some insurance plans do pay for reciprocal IVF. If not, the cost can skyrocket. The initial cycle of IVF can cost $20,000, while each subsequent round of IVF can cost between $3,000-$5,000. These costs cover everything from hormone injections and pre-procedure medication to egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures to legal fees and donor sperm fees. 

Some insurance providers cover the whole IVF process, while some only cover part of it. Before beginning the process, confirm with your provider what is covered so you are well prepared financially for the process.  

Bottom Line

With advances in technology, like reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF), same-sex female partners are privileged to start a family. This IVF is popular among many same-sex female couples because it allows both partners to participate in the process. However, the process comes with significant costs and legal ramifications that should be taken into account before starting the process.