Family Building for LGBTQ+ Couples

At Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas, we are committed to helping LGBTQ+ patients achieve parenthood. We offer a suite of egg and sperm donation and gestational carrier resources designed for same-sex and transgender couples and individuals.

Options for LGBTQ+ Couples

Donor Sperm

Donor sperm can be obtained from someone you know the patient knows or from an anonymous donor (a sperm bank). Certified sperm banks require candidates to screen for genetic conditions, infectious diseases, and more. RSC does not own or operate a sperm bank; however, our amazing third-party clinical team will provide guidance in the selection process.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is when sperm is placed directly into a the uterus during ovulation. This simple procedure is done in the office using a small catheter that passes through the cervix and into the uterus. Read more about IUI here.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is the process where eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a highly specialized lab. Once fertilized, the embryo is transferred back into the uterus.. Read more about IVF here.

Reciprocal IVF

In reciprocal IVF, partner A donates her their eggs, which are fertilized and then implanted into partner B’s uterus. This option allows both partners to be intimately connected to the baby.

Donor Eggs

Couples seeking to build their families can use fresh or frozen donor eggs — either from someone they know (such as a friend or family member) or through an anonymous donor. The selected egg is fertilized in a specialized lab, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus of a gestational carrier who will carry the pregnancy. Read more about Donor Eggs here..

Gestational Carrier

A gestational carrier is an individual who becomes pregnant and carries a baby for someone else. The baby is not biologically related to them—instead, an embryo is created using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors (called IVF or in vitro fertilization) and then placed into their uterus through a medical procedure known as an embryo transfer.

A gestational carrier helps another person or couple have a child when they are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. Read more about gestational carriers here.

Options for the Transgender Community

Hormone therapy can cause temporary and sometimes permanent changes to the ovaries and testicles. Planning ahead is important for transitioning males and females.

Cryopreservation

Before transitioning, trans men can freeze their eggs and trans women can freeze their sperm to be used at a later time. Read more about cryopreservation here.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

When ready, transgender couples can use IVF to fertilize and implant the embryo into the uterus. If needed, donor egg and/or sperm can be provided as part of this process. Read more about IVF here.