At Boston IVF, we believe that loving families come in many forms.
For over 30 years, our fertility center has recognized freedom in parenting - regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.
Our LGBTQ Fertility Program speaks to this commitment, offering a comprehensive array of family-building options for gay men in a supportive and empowering environment.
OUR HISTORY: AT A GLANCE
In 1998, our fertility network proudly became the first in New England to provide IVF for a male couple. We have achieved other notable "firsts" - including the first donor egg pregnancy in New England, the first IVF/ ICSI baby, and the first birth in Massachusetts to result from a frozen egg.
A TEAM APPROACH
Along with a Boston IVF physician, our Third Party Reproductive Team will be by your side every step of the way. They'll serve as the main contact for all donor-related matters, provide guidance, and ensure you are confident in your care.
FERTILITY 101: KEY QUESTIONS
It's completely normal to have many questions when taking your first steps to parenthood.
With that being said, before we delve into the options available to gay men at our fertility center, let's first address three important questions we often receive from patients who are at the beginning stages of their journey:
Who will donate the eggs?
Through our partnership with one of the nation's largest egg banks, we offer patients a convenient online resource for obtaining frozen eggs. All frozen egg bank donors have been medically pre-screened, completed their egg retrieval, had their eggs frozen, and are ready to be selected. We also work with known egg donors and agencies, who supply fresh eggs to our patients.
Whose sperm will be used?
A semen analysis will be performed to verify sperm health. The sperm of one or both intended parents can be used.
Who will carry the baby?
In some instances, an individual or couple may ask a willing friend or family member to act as their gestational carrier. Often, patients rely on outside agencies to search for a suitable carrier.
Our fertility team will refer you to reputable agencies that screen potential gestational carriers, guide you through communication with candidates, and coordinate screening appointments and monitoring as you continue through this important process.
Today, there are several traditional and cutting-edge techniques that will enable you to experience the joy of parenting.
Our team of fertility experts and third-party team members look forward to discussing the option that best fits your parenting goals.
TREATMENT PROCESS
- meet with a Boston IVF fertility specialist
- meet with your Boston IVF Third-Party Reproduction team
- arrange for a semen analysis for one or both partners
- decide on an egg donor (known or anonymous)
- choose a gestational carrier
- enlist an attorney that specializes in third-party reproduction
- begin an IVF cycle, which combines donor eggs and your (and/or your partners) sperm in our lab to create an embryo that will be traferred to your gestational carrier
YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION
Our fertility experts will take the time to conduct an in-depth evaluation and develop a customized treatment plan that best fits your needs.
SEMEN ANALYSIS TESTING
This important test is one of the first steps in your IVF process. Typically, the sperm of one or both intended parents will be used.
SELECTING AN EGG DONOR
Through our partnership with one of the nation's largest egg banks, we offer patients a convenient online resource for obtaining frozen eggs. All frozen egg bank donors have been medically pre-screened, completed their egg retrieval, had their eggs frozen, and are ready to be selected. We also work closely with agencies that offer fresh donor eggs.
SELECTING A GESTATIONAL CARRIER
In some instances, an individual or couple may ask a willing friend or family member to act as their gestational carrier. Often, patients rely on outside agencies to search for a suitable carrier.
Boston IVF works with many reputable agencies throughout the country that represent women who have generously decided to carry a baby for soon-to-be parents. Our team will guide you through communication with agencies and potential candidates, help coordinate screening appointments, and monitor the entire process.
GENETIC TESTING
An increasingly important IVF option is determining whether or not the embryos you use have the correct number of chromosomes, prior to implantation.
Chromosomal abnormalities negatively impact the chance of a successful pregnancy. Preimplantation Genetic testing at Boston IVF increases pregnancy success and the chance of a healthy baby.
