The LGBTQ+ family building process
We are proud of PNWF’s long history of supporting our LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, we founded the Northwest’s first dedicated center for LGBTQ+ family building, and our physicians have published extensive research on LGBTQ+ fertility.
At Pacific Northwest Fertility, we believe anyone who wants to be a parent can become one. You deserve a medical team that understands your unique fertility needs. We tailor each treatment plan to the specific needs of the patient.
Our Center of Excellence in LGBTQ+ Fertility
Pacific Northwest Fertility’s Center for LGBTQ+ Fertility was cofounded in 2021 by Dr. Stephanie Rothenberg and Dr. Darcy Broughton. Dr. Rothenberg is recognized as a leader in the field for transgender fertility preservation. Dr. Broughton was motivated to pursue training in fertility medicine with the goal of helping LGBTQ+ patients on the path to parenthood, and has published studies on IVF outcomes in nonbinary patients.
Our Center for LGBTQ+ Fertility is one of our four Centers of Excellence, which represent areas of deep focus and investment within our practice in order to bring our patients unmatched care and the latest advancements in each specialty.
How LGBTQ+ family building works
Family building is a deeply personal process for every couple and individual who walks through our doors. Our doctors have extensive experience working with same-sex couples, transgender and non-binary patients, and LGBTQ+ singles who dream of parenthood. Your treatment plan will begin with a consultation where you can discuss your unique needs and goals with your doctor and collaboratively create a path forward.
Lesbian and
For lesbian and same-sex female (assigned female at birth) couples who have no medical history of infertility, we often recommend a diagnostic evaluation of each partner as the first step to achieve success quickly and make the process more cost-efficient. These tests often include bloodwork to determine egg quantity and quality, genetic carrier screening, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes, and a diagnostic ultrasound.
After testing is complete, your physician will discuss possible paths to pregnancy. These can include intrauterine insemination (IUI) in a natural cycle (without hormones), intrauterine insemination with hormones, and IVF. Shared IVF (also called reciprocal IVF), in which one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy, is also an option. These procedures can be tailored to your unique needs. Donor sperm can be used from a known source, such as a friend or family member, or from an anonymous source from one of Pacific Northwest Fertility’s trusted sperm banks. Your team will be there every step of the way to support you in making the best decision for your family.
Gay and
For gay and same-sex male (assigned male at birth) couples starting or expanding their families involves donor eggs and a gestational carrier commonly referred to as a surrogate. The first step will be a diagnostic evaluation including semen analysis, genetic carrier screening and infectious disease testing. Once you’re ready to select an egg donor and surrogate, we will assign you a nurse that will help guide you through this process. The donated eggs will be combined with your sperm in our lab via IVF to develop an embryo which will then be placed in your surrogate’s uterus.
Family building for transgender and non-binary people
Pacific Northwest Fertility has worked with many transgender and non-binary patients to help them achieve their dreams of parenthood through egg, sperm, and embryo freezing. We recommend scheduling a consultation with us before pursuing gender-affirming care if possible, but regardless of where you are in your journey, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your fertility options and create a plan that works for you. You may have many options, from using your own stored eggs or sperm to exploring donors and surrogacy.
LBGTQ+ Family Building Success with Pacific Northwest Fertility
Our network has built more LGBTQ+ families around the world than any other fertility group.
Paying for your fertility treatment
Though coverage for fertility care varies widely by insurance plan, the good news is that you have options. We are committed to guiding you through your insurance benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and other financing options every step of the way. With Pacific Northwest Fertility you will never be in the dark about cost.
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Deciding between IVF and IUI will depend on the results of your fertility testing and the decisions that you make with your care team. We suggest booking a consultation to begin testing and the process of determining which treatment is right for you.
Finding a gestational carrier is a deeply personal process and we will be with you every step of the way. We partner with trusted surrogacy agencies and are also able to work with your known surrogate (sometimes called a compassionate carrier) should you choose to go that route.
Couples and individuals seeking a sperm donor all have very different criteria, from health, to physical appearance, to personality. Pacific Northwest Fertility has partnered with trusted sperm banks so that we can support your process every step of the way. Some patients also work with known donors, such as family and friends, which we equally welcome as part of your fertility treatment plan.
Pacific Northwest Fertility is home to an extremely successful and comprehensive donor egg program, which includes SIMPLIFY Donor Egg Bank as well as our fresh donor egg program. Our donors are carefully screened and meet the highest standards for physical, genetic, and mental health. You also have the option of working with a directed egg donor, such as a friend or relative.