June is Pride Month across the world and provides a much needed opportunity for reflection on both the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights as well as the challenges that still exist. It serves as a reminder of the importance of continued activism and advocacy to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
We turned to the team at Manchester Fertility and asked them how they support their LGBTQ+ patients on their paths to parenthood.
At Manchester Fertility, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to all individuals, regardless of gender, relationship status, or sexual orientation. With over 35 years of experience and an award-winning reputation, the clinic has demonstrated a commitment to supporting patients on their unique fertility journeys. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives the care and guidance they need to achieve their dreams of starting or growing their families. Such dedication to diversity and inclusivity is vital in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all patients.
Combining compassion, medical expertise, and legal guidance tailored to each individual’s circumstances is essential for providing comprehensive care in fertility treatment. Our commitment to offering such a holistic patient experience ensures that patients feel supported every step of the way on their fertility journeys.
By offering treatments that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as donor sperm insemination, shared motherhood, surrogacy, and egg or sperm freezing, Manchester Fertility is ensuring that all patients, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to the care they need to build their families.
Our involvement in events like Pride and The Modern Family Show, as well as partnerships with organisations like TwoDadsUK, My Surrogacy Journey, and LGBT Mummies, demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. These initiatives not only raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals seeking fertility treatment but also provide valuable resources and support to those in need.
By providing a safe and supportive environment where all patients feel respected and understood, Manchester Fertility is truly making a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ families.
LGBTQ + Treatments
We offer many treatments and services to support you wherever you are in your fertility journey.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with Donor Sperm
Shared Motherhood
Donor Insemination
Surrogacy
Egg and Sperm Freezing
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
IVF is a vital pathway for same-sex couples and individuals who may find traditional conception methods unfeasible in their quest to become parents. By blending genetic material from one partner with a donor egg or sperm, IVF offers a means for creating a family biologically linked to them.
This method embraces a flexible and inclusive approach to starting or growing modern families. Lesbian couples, for instance, can explore various options within IVF. Whether opting for traditional IVF, where one partner or a single individual undergoes treatment with donor sperm, or choosing Shared Motherhood, where one partner carries the pregnancy using an embryo created with donor sperm and the other partner’s egg, the process fosters a profound biological and emotional connection.
Similarly, gay couples can turn to surrogacy, wherein a surrogate carries an embryo created with donor eggs and one or both partners’ sperm. This avenue allows them to share in the wonders of parenthood using the wonders of artificial reproductive techniques.
Shared Motherhood
Shared Motherhood, also referred to as reciprocal IVF, emerges as a favoured method of assisted fertility among same-sex female couples and individuals who identify as non-binary or transgender but have yet to undergo medical transition. This approach enables both partners to actively participate in the journey of family creation.
Its increasing appeal stems from the opportunity it affords both partners to establish a biological connection with the child. Here, one partner serves as the egg donor, ensuring a genetic link to the child, while the other partner carries the pregnancy to term. Shared Motherhood follows the same procedures as traditional IVF, with the notable distinction of implanting the embryo into the partner’s uterus, fostering a deeper emotional and biological bond throughout the pregnancy.
Donor Sperm Insemination or IUI
For same-sex female couples or individuals in need of a sperm donor, exploring Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), also known as Donor Insemination, can be a promising option. This fertility treatment involves introducing donor sperm into the uterus around the time of ovulation, closely resembling natural conception.
There are several compelling reasons why IUI holds appeal for same-sex female couples:
It presents a more cost-effective alternative to traditional IVF or Shared Motherhood.
Unlike some other treatments, it typically doesn’t necessitate fertility medication to stimulate egg growth, thus offering a less invasive option.
The process is relatively swift, with a typical cycle lasting as short as four weeks, and a pregnancy test can be taken just two weeks later.
At Manchester Fertility, we offer access to traceable and health-screened UK sperm donors obtained from our own sperm donor bank, ensuring peace of mind for our patients.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is increasingly becoming a viable option for individuals who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. This includes but is not limited to, same-sex male couples and many queer or transgender individuals.
Through our collaborations with TwoDadsUK® and My Surrogacy Journey, we take pride in offering an enhanced treatment plan that provides access to valuable resources and advice from individuals who have firsthand experience with the surrogacy process.
As the designated Northern & Midlands Centre for Excellence for Surrogacy, we are equipped to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. Whether you already have embryos stored, require donor eggs for treatment, or need assistance in creating embryos for your surrogate to carry, we can customise a plan that best suits your situation. Explore further details about our surrogacy offerings on our dedicated surrogacy treatment page.
Egg & Sperm Freezing
Egg and sperm freezing involves the collection and preservation of an individual’s eggs or sperm for future use in fertility treatment. These gametes are frozen and stored until needed, at which point they are thawed for use in assisted reproduction procedures.
Many individuals whose gender identity differs from their assigned biological sex at birth may opt to freeze their eggs or sperm. This decision is often made in anticipation of undergoing gender-affirming treatments that could potentially impact their fertility. By freezing gametes beforehand, individuals can preserve the option of having a genetic connection to a child in the future, regardless of any changes to their reproductive capabilities.
While starting a family may not be an immediate priority, freezing gametes provides a proactive means of safeguarding fertility for future family planning endeavours.
If you’re contemplating starting a family or wish to preserve your fertility for future use, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team today at 0161 300 2737. Alternatively, you can schedule a complimentary 1-2-1 Discovery Appointment through our website to explore your options further.
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