How Much Is Reciprocal IVF?

Assisted reproductive technology has come a long way, allowing couples who are struggling to start a family the chance to do so. Over the years, ART treatments have made it easier for same-sex couples to have children of their own. 

Same-sex female partners are privileged to start a family through reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF). Reciprocal IVF is popular among many same-sex female couples because it allows both partners to participate in the process. 

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, also known as co-IVF or co-maternity,  is a fertility treatment option that enables same-sex females and trans-men couples to be intimately involved in the child creation process. Co-IVF allows both partners to participate either as an egg donor or gestational carrier. Reciprocal IVF has become increasingly popular in recent years showing promising success rates when compared to other forms of IVF therapy.

For co-IVF, one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy. This is attractive to many couples because it allows both people to be physically involved in the pregnancy.

How Does it Work?

Reciprocal IVF is just IVF with a twist. The process is similar to traditional IVF but the only difference is at the beginning. Reciprocal IVF can take several weeks or months depending on each individual’s unique circumstances. The entire process can be broken down into the following stages:

What role will each partner play?

Before beginning reciprocal IVF, 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 and different tests have to be done to know who can perform better in each role. If both partners are cleared medically, it comes down to the couple’s decision.

For couples who are still struggling with the decision, the healthcare professionals at Dallas IVF specialize in guiding couples through this journey, offering expert care tailored to each couple's needs while addressing financial considerations and available treatments.

Getting a sperm donor

Once the couple decides on their roles, they will need to choose a sperm donor. The sperm donor can be from a selection of friends and family or can be an anonymous donor. Depending on who you choose, the costs can escalate. Choosing a sperm donor from a sperm bank can increase your costs anywhere between $400–$2,000. Always confirm with your insurance provider if these costs are covered in your plan to know if you will have to pay them out of pocket.

Physical and mental evaluations

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

Retrieving the eggs

When the follicles containing the eggs are almost mature, the egg donor will receive a final hormone injection, 36 hours before extraction to help with the process. The eggs are extracted using a thin needle inserted into the ovary and under the guidance of an ultrasound, the IVF physician retrieves the eggs.

Fertilization

When the eggs are safely retrieved, they are fertilized using the donor sperm. If the retrieved eggs are many, some couples choose to fertilize only a portion of the eggs. The remaining eggs can be frozen before fertilization for future use or in case any complications arise during the IVF process.

After successful fertilization, the egg develops into an embryo and is allowed to develop for several more days outside the body before it is transferred into the second partner’s uterus.

Implantation

Different stages can happen at the same time. As eggs are being retrieved, the partner carrying the pregnancy is given hormonal injections and pills to prepare the uterus for the embryo transfer. This is quicker and less invasive than the egg retrieval process and does not require sedation or pain medication. A speculum and catheter are used to inject embryos directly into the uterus, and the entire process should take no more than 10 minutes in most cases.

Once implantation is done, an embryo binds to the lining of the uterus and pregnancy continues as it would with any other form of pregnancy.

What Is the Success Rate of IVF?

A 2023 analysis of reciprocal IVF treatments showed that the success rate of Co-IVF is higher than the success rate for IVF treatments overall. Some experts believe that the process is more successful for same-sex couples because they choose to undergo the procedure 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?

Reciprocal IVF can be an expensive affair and as already mentioned, the cost can be higher when you use donor sperm. To paint a picture, 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.  

Legal Considerations

Another factor to consider is the legal ramifications of co-IVF. 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. They will be able to explain the legal implications and requirements for parental rights as well as help define contracts for potential sperm donors.

Bottom Line

The decision to have a child, though easy for some can be difficult for others. What may work for one couple may not for another. Reciprocal IVF presents a special opportunity for same-sex couples to engage in the conception process, allowing them to be directly involved in the biological development of their child. However, besides the medical treatments, the process does come with significant costs and legal ramifications that should be taken into account before starting the process.