&w=384&q=75)
Fertility options for gay couples and individuals
We’ve helped many gay and same-sex partners and individuals to become parents. Every family and fertility journey are unique, and we’re here to help you find the path that’s right for you.
Our fertility options for male couples and individuals, co-parents and poly families include surrogacy, egg donors, sperm retrieval and IVF, supported by LGBTQ+ fertility counselling throughout.
&w=1920&q=75)
Fertility options for gay couples or same-sex partners
For gay couples and individuals, co-parents and poly families who want to become parents, there are options beyond adoption.
We're here to help you on your pathway to parenthood and we’ll support you every step of the way.
Before you start treatment, a fertility assessment can help us understand which options are best for you.
Here are the treatments we currently have for gay or male partners or those with sperm.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is an option for male partners and individuals, unless you decide to co-parent with someone who can give birth.
Surrogacy is where someone agrees to carry a child that you’ll become the legal parent using a parental order.
In some cases, the surrogate may wish to use an egg donor instead of their own eggs. This is called gestational surrogacy.
A surrogate can use your sperm so that you have a biological connection to the baby. It's used in one of these treatments:
Intrauterine sperm injection (IUI) (if the surrogate is using their eggs)
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
The surrogate can be someone you know, or a surrogacy agency can help you find the right person for you.
&w=3840&q=100)
IVF for surrogacy
IVF for gay couples and individuals typically means an egg donor or surrogate having IVF using one of the partners’ sperm.
If using donor eggs, IVF or ICSI treatment can be used to create an embryo for surrogacy.
ICSI is an additional step during an IVF cycle that may be recommended when there are male fertility challenges to help increase the chances of successful fertilisation.
Our initial fertility consultation will help you find the right path for you.
Semen analysis
A semen analysis will be carried out to look at the health of your sperm.
You will be required to provide a semen sample which will be used to check:
Sperm density – the number of sperm in your sample
Sperm motility – how well your sperm swims
Sperm morphology – the size and shape of your sperm
This is done as part of a fertility assessment. It can help decide whether to use IUI, IVF, or ICSI on your pathway to parenthood.
&w=3840&q=100)
Sperm fertility treatments
Many male couples and individuals, co-parents and poly families go ahead with surrogacy by producing their own sperm sample, which is then used in IUI or IVF.
Sometimes, the intended male or non-binary parent may have fertility challenges, such as being unable to ejaculate or having a low sperm count.
In this case, there are treatments to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
These include:
The sperm can be used along with IVF or IUI to help your surrogate become pregnant.
Finding an egg donor
We can help you find an egg donor for gestational surrogacy.
The surrogacy process is similar but uses the donor's egg instead of the surrogate's egg.
This is a good option when the surrogate does not wish to be biologically connected to the child.
Surrogacy can be done with donor eggs or donor sperm, but not both.
This means that if your surrogate wants to use someone else’s eggs, then you’ll need to use either your or your partner’s sperm.
All our donors meet strict qualifying criteria to give the best chance of success.
We also carry out a complete health screening to protect your surrogate and future child.
To help you choose your ideal match, we'll give you as much information about your donor as possible.
You can also use an egg from a donor you know, such as a friend, relative or co-parent.
The eggs will still need to be medically screened to keep everyone safe.
&w=3840&q=100)
&w=3840&q=75)
What other people say about our fertility care
“We absolutely love being parents and owe it all to our surrogate, egg donor and the amazing care we received at TFP Fertility UK.” – Jon & Dan
Support and more resources
There can be a lot to think about when exploring fertility treatment as an LGBTQ+ person. Find support resources dedicated to you.
&w=3840&q=75)
Counselling and support groups
More support for navigating the practical or emotional side of fertility treatment.
&w=3840&q=75)
Legal and funding FAQs
More on legal parenthood, using a surrogate, and funding options.
&w=3840&q=75)
Home insemination
Everything you need to know about home insemination, including the legal and medical risks.
&w=3840&q=75)
Speak to us today
It’s important to us to give you the most personalised and compassionate fertility care in a safe and inclusive space.
Any questions or feedback? Or want to discuss your fertility treatment options, or book an appointment?
Fill out our quick contact form and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.