To celebrate Pride Month, we asked Dr Israel Carmona from Beacon CARE Fertility to explain the fertility options that are available to the community.
In the ever-evolving landscape of reproductive medicine, the Clinic stands proudly as a pioneer in offering a wide range of fertility treatment options tailored to meet the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m A Lesbian. What Fertility Options Are Available To Me?
Each individual’s needs are unique, so our first step is to assess your specific goals and work together to develop a personalised treatment plan.
Depending on your situation, we may recommend one of the following options: 1. Artificial Insemination (IUI), 2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), or 3. Reciprocal IVF. Below is a brief overview of each of those treatment options. Fertility preservation methods such as Egg Freezing or Embryo Freezing can also be explored if you’re not ready to start your family right away.
1. Artificial Insemination (IUI): This is a minimally invasive procedure where donor sperm is placed directly into the woman’s womb during the most fertile phase of her cycle. This method assists the sperm in reaching and fertilising the egg. Generally speaking, IUI is a more affordable option than IVF, but the success rates are lower.
2. IVF: During this process, the ovaries are stimulated and mature eggs are collected during a simple “egg collection” procedure. These eggs are then fertilised by donor sperm in the laboratory to create embryos. A resulting embryo will then be transferred to the womb (this procedure is called an “embryo transfer”).
3. Reciprocal IVF (Shared Motherhood)
Reciprocal IVF, also known as Shared Motherhood or Co-Maternity, offers a unique opportunity for same-sex female couples. It allows one partner to contribute genetically while the other partner carries and gives birth to the baby. The process involves collecting eggs from one partner, fertilising them with donated sperm, and transferring one of the resulting embryos to the other partner.
We are very proud that Beacon CARE Fertility was the first clinic in Ireland to offer this groundbreaking treatment to same-sex female couples.
Choosing a sperm donor is a very personal decision, and our patients can count on us to provide a lot of support during this process. Our Clinic uses the European Sperm Bank which is synonymous with high-quality sperm.
I’m a Gay Man. What Fertility Options Are Available To Me?
At this time, we are unfortunately limited to the services we can offer gay men and same-sex male couples, due to current surrogacy restrictions in Ireland. We firmly believe that family is for everyone, and we are closely monitoring developments regarding the proposed Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Bill.
In the meantime, we can offer Semen Analysis and investigations to gay men, which they can provide to a clinic of their choice in countries where surrogacy is allowed.
What Fertility Options Are Available To the Trans Community?
We are proud to provide a range of fertility options specifically tailored to the Trans Community. As each individual’s circumstances and needs are unique, your Consultant will be able to guide you about the best approach for your journey. Some treatment options may include:
- Fertility Preservation: Individuals can opt for fertility preservation techniques before undergoing gender-affirming treatments such as hormone therapy or surgeries. These techniques may include freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos, depending on the individual’s reproductive goals.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Following gender-affirming treatment, an individual can explore assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or IUI, depending on their specific circumstances. These approaches allow for the possibility of biological parenthood.
We are proud of our long history of creating a warm and inclusive environment for everyone seeking our fertility assistance. We believe in a science-based approach to treatment and our experienced team is here to provide compassionate care, guidance, and expertise every step of the way “ concludes Dr Israel.
