In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that assists with conception by fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body. Reciprocal IVF (RIVF) is a specialized form of IVF that allows both partners in a relationship to participate biologically in the creation of their child.
Understanding Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF, also known as co-maternity or shared motherhood, is an assisted reproductive technology where one partner provides the egg for fertilization, and the other partner carries the pregnancy. The partner contributing the egg is considered the genetic parent, while the partner carrying the pregnancy is the gestational parent. This differs from traditional IVF, where typically one individual provides both the egg and the uterus for pregnancy.
The fundamental concept behind reciprocal IVF involves the retrieval of eggs from one partner, followed by their fertilization with donor sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the second partner. This allows for a shared biological experience, as one partner contributes the genetic material and the other provides the gestational environment.
Candidates for Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF is primarily chosen by same-sex female couples who wish to both participate in the biological process of having a child. The decision of who provides the egg and who carries the pregnancy often depends on medical evaluations, including ovarian reserve assessments and uterine health, as well as personal preferences.
Transgender male couples who retain functional female reproductive organs may also be candidates for reciprocal IVF. This includes individuals who may have frozen their eggs prior to gender-affirming treatments. The shared involvement in conception and gestation is a significant motivator for these couples, providing a pathway to parenthood where both partners play distinct roles.
The Reciprocal IVF Journey
The reciprocal IVF journey begins with comprehensive medical evaluations for both partners to assess their reproductive health. This includes checking ovarian reserve for the egg-providing partner and evaluating the uterine environment for the gestational carrier. Following these evaluations, a sperm donor is selected, which can be either anonymous or known, with sperm banks often used for anonymous donations to mitigate legal complexities.
The egg-providing partner then undergoes ovarian stimulation, a process involving hormone medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This phase is carefully monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds to track follicle development. Once the follicles reach an optimal size, an egg retrieval procedure is performed, typically under sedation, to collect the eggs from the ovaries.
After retrieval, the eggs are fertilized with the chosen donor sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then monitored for several days as they develop. Embryo development is crucial, with embryologists observing their growth and quality before selecting the most viable embryo for transfer. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may also be utilized at this stage to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions, which can improve implantation success rates.
Concurrently, the gestational carrier partner prepares her uterus for embryo transfer through a regimen of hormonal medications. These medications help thicken the uterine lining. Once the uterus is prepared and the embryo is ready, it is carefully transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus using a thin catheter, a procedure that usually does not require anesthesia. Following the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is typically performed about nine to fourteen days later to confirm if implantation was successful. If pregnancy is confirmed, the gestational carrier continues with prenatal care.
Key Considerations for Reciprocal IVF
The emotional significance of reciprocal IVF allows both partners to establish a direct biological and physical connection to their child. One partner contributes their genetic material, while the other experiences pregnancy and childbirth, fostering a deep shared experience of parenthood.
Understanding the distinct roles of each partner is important. The egg provider undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, while the gestational carrier prepares for and undergoes embryo transfer and pregnancy.
Legal considerations are a significant aspect of reciprocal IVF, as parental rights can vary by jurisdiction. While the birth parent is typically recognized as a legal parent, the genetic parent may need to take additional legal steps, such as adoption, to secure their parental rights. Consulting with a family law attorney specializing in reproductive law is advisable to ensure both partners’ legal parenthood is established.
Choosing a fertility clinic with expertise in reciprocal IVF is also crucial. Clinics experienced in this specialized treatment can offer tailored guidance and support throughout the process. While specific costs are not universally fixed, the financial aspects of reciprocal IVF are a factor, as it involves medical procedures for two individuals and often includes donor sperm. Psychological support can also be beneficial, helping couples navigate the emotional complexities and challenges that may arise during their journey to parenthood.