Family Building Options

Intrauterine insemination is a minimally invasive procedure where sperm is placed directly into a uterus. Many people choose sperm from an anonymous donor; there are a number of sperm banks across the country where patients can choose a donor based on physical characteristics, family history, academic achievements, and many other criteria. Here at NRM we also will assist with directed sperm donation as well. Schedule a consultation to discuss what option best fits your needs!

IVF involves using medication to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple eggs. The goal is to develop a large number of eggs, then retrieve them and inseminate them with donor sperm to produce embryos, which can then be implanted into the uterus.

• Reciprocal IVF is another option for couples where both partners who have a uterus AND/OR ovaries can participate in the process of building their family.

• One partner goes through mediated stimulation of the ovaries, and undergoes egg retrieval.

• The other partner goes on medication to prepare the uterus for embryo implantation, and will carry the pregnancy.

• One option for individuals or couples who want to build their family is the use of donor eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm. An embryo is then implanted into a prepared uterus.

• Please see our donor egg section here at our website for more information on this wonderful program!

• One option for individuals or couples who want to build their family is the use of donor eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm. An embryo is then implanted into the prepared uterus of a gestational carrier.

• We have a team of professionals including assistance from surrogacy agencies, attorneys, and counselors to help you navigate this process.

Pre-transition fertility preservation is available here at NRM should an individual like to discuss with our team of experts. Fertility preservation ideally would be discussed prior to undergoing any medical or surgical transition therapies but there are also options for this discussion after starting medical transition as well.

Options differ depending on the direction of transition, the assigned sex of the current/future partner, and stage in the transition process.

Sperm/Gametes

• Banking a frozen sperm sample prior to starting treatment is ideal.

• If hormonal treatment has already begun, it is possible to assess sperm to see if there is any available sperm to freeze VS discussing temporarily stopping treatment in order to allow sperm production to resume. Sperm can then be collected and frozen for banking.

Eggs/Oocytes

• Freezing eggs to be stored and used in a future IVF procedure is an option for preservation of fertility.

• A patient can undergo egg retrieval and have the eggs fertilized by sperm. Embryos can then be cryopreserved, or implanted into a uterus.

• Patients who have not undergone surgical transition and still have a uterus can also choose to carry a pregnancy prior to transition if they are willing to stop HRT treatment effects during that period.