Reciprocal IVF in Las Vegas: Build Your Family Together
If you are a female couple and want both partners to participate in the pregnancy, Reciprocal IVF — also known as shared maternity, co-maternity IVF, shared IVF, or the ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) — makes that possible. One partner provides the eggs; the other carries the pregnancy.
Our Nevada fertility clinic offers a comprehensive Reciprocal IVF program alongside other family-building options for lesbian couples, including IUI and ITI with donor sperm. Your doctor will help you understand all of your options so you can make the choice that feels right for your family.
What is reciprocal IVF or shared maternity?
Reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an LGBTQ fertility treatment cycle that involves both female partners. One woman (the genetic parent) takes fertility medications and undergoes an egg retrieval procedure. Her partner (the birth parent) prepares her uterus and carries the pregnancy.
Before starting, you’ll have some important decisions to make together: who will provide the eggs, who will carry the pregnancy, and whether you’ll use a known sperm donor or an anonymous donor from a sperm bank. Through fertility testing, our specialists will evaluate both partners’ ovarian reserve and uterine health to help guide decisions that give you the best chance of success.
What is the reciprocal IVF process step-by-step?
Co-maternity IVF at our Nevada fertility clinic is the same process with all IVF cycles. At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we typically divide the Reciprocal IVF cycle into two phases. This approach leads to higher success rates, allows time for genetic testing, and avoids the need to perfectly synchronize both partners’ cycles.
Phase 1: Ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and fertilization
Every IVF cycle begins with ovatian stimulation. The partner providing eggs takes medications to stimulate the development of multiple follicles. We monitor growth with regular transvaginal ultrasounds to determine when eggs are ready for retrieval.
Egg retrieval is a brief outpatient procedure performed under mild sedation — you will be comfortable and unaware during the procedure. Mild cramping similar to a menstrual period is normal afterward, and most patients return to normal activities the next day.
Our embryologists then fertilize the retrieved eggs using ICSI with donor sperm in our laboratory. The resulting embryos are frozen while the second phase is prepared.
Phase 2: Uterine preparation and embryo transfer
The partner carrying the pregnancy takes estrogen and progesterone to prepare her uterine lining for the embryo. We monitor her with regular testing to confirm when she is ready for the transfer.
The embryo transfer itself is a quick, comfortable procedure that does not require anesthesia. Using a thin, flexible catheter, our doctor gently places the embryo into the uterus — similar in feel to a routine exam. The patient rests briefly at the clinic before going home.
Reciprocal IVF success rates
Generally, reciprocal IVF success rates are excellent and higher than those of other treatment options including intrauterine insemination (IUI) or intratubal insemination (ITI). The most important factor in predicting Reciprocal IVF treatment success is the age of the partner providing the eggs. Egg quality naturally declines over time, but the birth parent’s uterus maintains an excellent capacity to carry a pregnancy for much longer.
During your consultation, our Las Vegas fertility specialists will analyze your test results and design a personalized plan that gives you the best chance of success. We believe in transparency — we’ll give you honest, clear expectations based on your specific situation, not general averages.
Start your beautiful journey to motherhood
At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we’re proud to offer top-tier care for all family types and orientations including LGBTQ+ couples. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation and take the next step toward building your family.
