What Is Reciprocal IVF [& Is It Right for You]?

If you’re interested in pursuing reciprocal IVF, gaining insight into it is key to making the right decisions for yourself and your partner. Reciprocal IVF is a big time and financial investment, so you want to ensure you’re both thoroughly prepared for it.

Here’s everything you need to know about what reciprocal IVF is and how it works. Use this guide to take your next steps with confidence and ease.

What Is Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF—also known as co-maternity, partner IVF, or ROPE (Recipient of Partner Eggs) —is a fertility treatment option for lesbian or trans-men couples. It provides the opportunity for both partners to be involved in the conception process.  

Reciprocal IVF is a variation of in vitro fertilization—partner A undergoes the necessary testing to retrieve their eggs for fertilization, and partner B has the fertilized embryo placed in their uterus to carry and give birth to the baby. This means partner A is genetically related to the child, while partner B is biologically connected with the child via pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

In the past, same-sex couples were limited to standard IVF, where only one person could be bonded with the child. Though creating a child by combining two eggs is still not yet possible, reciprocal IVF is a great option, as both parents play an intimate role in the conception and development of their baby.

How Long Does Reciprocal IVF Take?

One full reciprocal IVF cycle takes approximately nine to 12 weeks. This includes:  

• Synchronization of both partners’ menstrual cycles (approximately 4 weeks)
• Stimulation of Partner A for egg retrieval (10-12 Days)
• Egg retrieval (typically one day)
• Fertilization and embryo development (approximately5 days)
• Embryo transfer (one day for the transfer and 9-14 days to wait and determine if pregnancy has been achieved)
  

If you get pregnant after the 9 to 14 days, prenatal care begins.

If you or your partner does not get pregnant, don’t worry—you can keep trying. Reciprocal IVF is a complex procedure; there are several variables that must be ideal for the procedure to be successful.

Therefore, IVF often requires more than one cycle—33 percent of women have a baby after their first cycle, while 54 to 77 percent  Need additional cycles.How Much Does Reciprocal IVF Cost?

On average, one cycle of reciprocal IVF is approximately $10,000-$15,000. The exact price depends on your insurance coverage, health condition, and the treatment center that facilitates your IVF.

In addition, there are medication costs. Reciprocal IVF medication (prescription medications that help improve your chances of IVF) can range from $7,000-$10,000. This can vary depending on your unique needs and circumstances.

The total cost of one IVF cycle can be broken down into three areas:

• Pre-treatment workups: These IVF prep costs can include  fertility consultation, blood work, ultrasound, medications, and follow-up blood work.
• IVF procedure: Embryo costs include egg retrieval, anesthesia, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ISCI), embryo biopsy, NexCCS genetic testing, and embryo freezing, as well as the cost associated with the placement of the embryo in the uterus.
• Medications: Medications can be a huge cost in the IVF cycle
• Possibly additional cycles: Most additional cycles are less expensive than the original, but still need to be a part of your overall budget estimates
  
  
  

For the full breakdown of these reciprocal IVF finances, read our guide on how much IVF costs.

Though the cost of reciprocal IVF may seem intimidating, rest assured, there are providers, such as Future Family, that offer affordable financing options. Be sure to look into these options to map out a stress-free family-building experience.

How Do You Know If Reciprocal IVF Is Right for You?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to reciprocal IVF. Every individual, partnership, and family is unique. Not to mention, reciprocal IVF involves a lot of time and financial commitment.

If you are interested in reciprocal IVF, we recommend seeking the guidance of a fertility coach. With expertise and compassion, a fertility coach can answer any questions you may have and can walk you through your options.

Lean on Future Family for Your Financing Needs

Building a family shouldn’t be prohibitively expensive. Future Family aims to remove the barriers of costs, complexity, and convenience in creating the family of your dreams. Our $100MM financing fund allows us to proudly offer IVF plans beginning at $350. Learn more about our plans today.