LGBTQ Family Building – A Quick Guide to Possibilities
Every individual deserves a chance to start a family with their loved ones. Gone are the days when it was an impossible dream for LGBTQ individuals and couples. With the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), a door to vast opportunities has been opened.
There are more ways than ever for an LGBTQ couple and individual to enjoy the bliss of parenthood. It involves a different set of treatments for gay and lesbian couples. But, there is nothing to be scared of; it will lead you to fall in love with them before they turn from a dream into a reality.
Before worrying about any obstacles, here are a few essential tips to start your family.
1. Meet with a Specialist
To date, even after countless miracles of science, it surprises LGBTQ couples and individuals to know about the possibility of biological parenthood. However, it is not easy and cannot occur overnight or with home remedies.
Therefore, LGBTQ individuals and couples need to consult a fertility specialist. A specialist in the field can guide you regarding your best options, refer you to the necessary steps and understand your concerns.
If you are concerned about the tests, here is a list that fertility doctors commonly go through.
a. Sperm Quality
b. Fallopian Tubes
c. Uterus
d. Ovaries
e. Genetic Testing
f. Infectious Diseases
After these tests have been conducted, your fertility expert can guide you in considering your fertility options.
2. Consider Your Fertility Options
Reaching out to a fertility expert early can increase your chances of starting a family and exploring LGBTQ fertility options. Unlike heterosexual couples who turn to fertility experts after running out of options, LGBTQ couples are ready to take on the challenge of parenthood immediately.
The initial tests and screening mentioned earlier can help your fertility expert tell you about your options and the possibility of the desired outcomes.
Here are a few miraculous options that are being used worldwide for LGBTQ parenthood.
a. Donor Sperm Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
In the case of IUI, donor sperm insemination is conducted using an egg ovulated during the natural cycle. It is an ideal option for LGBTQ aspirants that are young and have regular menstrual cycles. As the aspirants get older, their eggs have lesser quality; hence, this process is not ideal for older couples.
b. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is one of the most successful treatments for LGBTQ couples. It stimulates the ovaries to mature, and then an egg is extracted vaginally. Following this, it is fertilized with sperm. Afterward, the fertilized eggs are grown into embryos and placed at the top of the uterus resulting in a successful pregnancy.
c. Egg Donors
A known or anonymous egg donor can help create an embryo with either of the male parents’ sperm. An embryo is then carried by a woman willing to carry the pregnancy and deliver the baby for LGBTQ couples.
3. Prioritize Your Health
Some fertility treatments may induce discomfort. If you feel so, you can consult your fertility doctor regarding the use of Medical Cannabis Products.
Becoming a parent may be one of the biggest dreams for every person. However, compromising your health in the way is never a good option.
