Shared Motherhood

Reciprocal IVF is a popular fertility treatment option for lesbian couples, helping more couples than ever before to start their very own family.

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Shared Motherhood IVF

Shared Parenthood, also known as Shared Motherhood, Reciprocal IVF or Co-Maternity, allows both partners to be intimately involved in creating a family. Shared Motherhood IVF involves one partner undergoing stimulation and egg collection before the other partner carries the embryo for the remainder of the pregnancy. This relatively new and inclusive way of undertaking IVF allows both partners to be physically and emotionally involved throughout the journey towards parenthood.

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How Does Reciprocal IVF Work?

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Consultation

An initial consultation allows you to initiate your co-maternity journey. In this 60-minute appointment, you will discuss your medical history and goals with a consultant of your choice, who will also tell you more about the fertility treatment options available and answer your questions.

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Blood tests and investigations

Your consultant will recommend some tests and fertility investigations to ensure you are ready for treatment. For someone receiving donated sperm, this will typically include an ovarian reserve test and a 3D HyCoSy to check both your eggs and fallopian tubes. Our doctors can also recommend any additional tests should it be appropriate, for example, for those who have had unsuccessful treatment in the past.

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Finding your donor

Our andrology team will work with you to explain your options and assist in finding the right donor for you. You can use either a “known” or an “anonymous” donor. Your chosen donor will then undergo tests before providing a sperm sample for your treatment. When the time is right, this sperm will be combined with your eggs to create an embryo ready for storage or transfer.

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Implications Counselling

For anyone undergoing fertility treatment using donated sperm, Implications Counselling is a mandatory part of the process. Our specialist fertility counsellors will help you to understand the things to consider when using donated sperm.

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Follow up consultation

Once your test results are back you will meet with your consultant to discuss the results. Your consultant will also confirm a treatment plan during this meeting, based on your results.

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Agree on your treatment plan

Before progressing with any medication or treatment, you must agree to the treatment plan and estimated reciprocal IVF costs that our Patient Liaison Team will provide you with.

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Nurse consultation

This meeting with one of our specialised fertility nurses marks the start of your reciprocal IVF treatment. Your nurse will explain the different treatment steps, discuss how and when to take medication, and answer any other questions you might have.

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Stimulation

Most patients will undergo a course of medication and monitoring, which will help ensure the best possible results. During this period, you will have regular scans and blood tests to ensure your body is responding correctly, and your medication will be changed accordingly to ensure the best possible results.

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Egg collection

Having monitored your blood and scan results closely throughout stimulation, your consultant will decide the optimal time to collect your eggs. Egg collection usually happens vaginally, under deep sedation in our theatre. Eggs can also be collected abdominally in certain circumstances. Once collected, healthy eggs are taken to our laboratory to be combined with sperm and fertilised.

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Embryo development

Once fertilised, embryos typically develop for five days before transfer or freezing. During this time, our embryologists closely monitor how the embryo develops, indicating the quality of the embryo. Our embryologists are in constant contact with you to update you on your embryo’s development.

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Embryo transfer

Your consultant and embryologist will help you to decide which embryo is the best to transfer for the highest possible chance of a healthy and successful pregnancy. Using a small, flexible tube, the chosen embryo will be implanted into the womb to continue its nine months of development as a completely natural pregnancy.

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Pregnancy test

Two weeks after your embryo transfer, you will take an at-home pregnancy test, which will confirm the results of your shared motherhood IVF treatment. Whatever the outcome, our team of consultants, nurses, and counsellors will be on hand to support you in your next steps.

Our Outstanding Success Rates

Fresh IVF Live Birth Rates, Per Embryo Transferred 2021

Live Birth Rate Per Embryo Transferred in over 44s

2022

69.6%

Live Birth Rate per embryo transferred all ages average

2022

55.8%

Live Birth Rates Per Embryo Transferred by age group

2022

Complete List

Frequently Asked Questions

The process of IVF

How long does IVF take?

A cycle of IVF usually takes around six weeks, although this is dependent on each individual and often governed by menstrual cycles. We always intend to work for the best possible results rather than the quickest cycle.

Is IVF suitable for everyone?

IVF is suitable for people with a wide range of fertility issues and is one of the most commonly used and successful treatments.

Can you use donated sperm or eggs for IVF?

Yes, you can use donated eggs or sperm (sometimes referred to as “gametes”) in IVF. Our team can help find donated eggs or sperm for use in IVF.

Can you pause during the IVF process?

Yes; one of the nice things about IVF is that you can “pause” at certain points in the process. This can be helpful for those who have other commitments. Speak to your consultant for more information on how to schedule your treatment.

How much does Reciprocal IVF cost?

Shared Parenthood is typically more expensive than other treatments, as both partners are involved and will require tests and medications. You can see our example costs on our pricing page, or speak with a member of our finance team. All costs will be detailed in your treatment plan prior to starting treatment itself.

How to prepare for IVF

How should I prepare for IVF?

As part of your co-maternity treatment plan, your consultant will prescribe medication that will help prepare your body for IVF. Our nurses will also help explain the lifestyle changes which could help maximise your chances of success.

Is there anything I should avoid prior to IVF?

It’s important to keep your body healthy and relaxed prior to any treatment type. Avoiding stress, smoking, and excess alcohol before your treatment can help prepare your body for IVF. You might also start taking folic acid.

What should I do after reciprocal IVF?

After reciprocal IVF treatment, you should continue to avoid excess stress. A healthy diet and regular light exercise will help to keep your body strong after IVF while you wait for your pregnancy test results. Your consultant may also prescribe medication to continue to take in the early stages of your pregnancy.

Risks of Shared Motherhood

Go to the HFEA website
Shared motherhood is generally a very safe treatment. However, there are some risks which you should take into account. These risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), surgical complications, clots, multiple births (twins or triplets), and ectopic pregnancy. During your consultation, your specialist will discuss these risks and how we avoid them. You can also learn more about the risks associated with all fertility treatments available in the UK on the HFEA website.

Book a consultation

Talk to our specialist
Booking an initial consultation is the first step you should take in your shared motherhood IVF journey. Meet with a fertility consultant of your choosing to discuss your treatment goals. Our consultants are well-practised in understanding clients’ medical and fertility histories. They can talk you through the reciprocal IVF cost, procedure, and any other questions or concerns you may have.

You may also be interested in attending one of our online open evenings to learn more.
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From our patients

Read More Stories

Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on

CRGH are extremely professional and welcoming. Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on. We went through IVF with ICSI treatment plan and they are transparent with their costs, help you every step of the way and we’re very excited to say that we’re expecting our first baby thanks to the treatment at CRGH.

August 2023