At TFP Fertility, we believe everyone should have the chance of having a family. We're here to support you in your decision-making, providing you with all the facts so that making the right choice for you is as easy as possible.
for LGBTQIA+ Community Fertility Services
About
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Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
Shared parenthood
When thinking about starting or growing your family, it can feel a bit overwhelming when looking at the different options available and which is best for you.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Surrogacy
Finding an egg or sperm donor
At TFP Fertility, we believe everyone should have the chance of having a family. We’re here to support you in your decision-making, providing you with all the facts so that making the right choice for you is as easy as possible.
Surgical sperm retrieval
Fertility preservation
Conceiving naturally
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We will always help guide you on the fertility option that is right for you. The key things to note when considering IUI vs IVF are…
Is IUI right for me?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) could be an option if you’re pursuing solo parenthood or if you or your partner are wanting to get pregnanct and haven’t experienced any fertility issues. selected sperm directly into the uterus, allowing fertilisation to occur naturally. This simple procedure, also known as artificial insemination, involves placing a sample of specially
IUI
· IUI is less expensive than IVF because treatment is typically shorter, and less medication is used · IUI is a less invasive procedure than IVF because egg collection isn’t required · IUI has lower success rates than IVF, so more cycles may be necessary · We carry out scans to monitor follicle development, however, there is a small risk of a multiple pregnancy if more follicles develop before insemination occurs
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In vitro fertilisation (IVF) offers a path to parenthood for those facing fertility challenges. It’s also a fertilisation method used in surrogacy.
IVF
Here’s how it works:
Egg development: Medication stimulates the ovaries to increase the number of viable eggs, which are then retrieved. Fertilisation: Eggs are fertilised with sperm (from yourself, a known donor, or a sperm bank) in our lab. Embryo development: Fertilised eggs develop into embryos, with the most mature ones chosen for transfer.
Remaining embryos: Can be frozen for future IVF cycles if suitable. Embryo transfer: Selected embryos are transferred into the uterus for implantation.
shared parenthood Considering
Reciprocal IVF, also known as shared motherhood or shared parenthood, is an option for same-sex female couples and other LGBTQIA+ families. One partner donates eggs, which are fertilised with sperm from a donor, and then transferred to the other partner’s uterus.
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In IVF, eggs are fertilised in a lab by mixing them with sperm. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an add-on procedure that may be recommended when there are abnormalities with the sperm. It involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg, bypassing the need for the sperm to enter on its own and providing a better chances of fertilisation.
ICSI
Is ICSI right for me?
ICSI may be recommended by a fertility specialist if:
· You have a low sperm count · Your sperm don’t move normally or are abnormally shaped · You’re using sperm recovered via surgical sperm retrieval · Your sperm has high levels of DNA damage · You’ve gone through IVF previously and none or very few eggs were fertilised · You’re using donor eggs · You’re using frozen eggs or sperm
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sperm donor or egg donor Finding a We can help you find the right sperm or egg donor for your journey. We offer a wide selection of sperm and egg donors through our own banks and trusted partners across the UK and abroad. This allows you to find a match that reflects your preferences, whether you choose a known donor (someone you already know) or an anonymous donor from our rigorously screened program.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy involves a person other than yourselves to carrying and delivering your baby. You can build your family using your own sperm or eggs, in combination with donor sperm or donor eggs.
How does it work?
Your peace of mind is our priority
There are two main types of surrogacy: Partial surrogacy: The surrogate’s egg is fertilised with the intended parent’s sperm, making them the biological mother. This can be done via IUI, IVF or ICSI. Full surrogacy (gestational surrogacy): Donor eggs are used, so the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby. This always requires IVF or ICSI. Surrogacy always requires the sperm or eggs from at least one intended parent. The surrogate can be someone you know, or a surrogacy agency can help you find the right person.
All donors, known or anonymous, undergo thorough health screenings and background checks.
We also provide detailed information about each donor, including their ethnicity, height, weight, eye and hair colour. No matter your preference, we’ll support you throughout the process to ensure you find the right donor for your family-building journey.
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Fertility preservation
Thinking about having children after transitioning? If you’re planning to undergo reconstructive surgery, your fertility will be impacted. We offer options!
Surgical sperm retrieval
When a semen sample shows low or no sperm count, or if there are issues with natural ejaculation, surgical sperm retrieval offers a solution. This minimally invasive procedure involves collecting sperm directly from the testicles, bypassing problems with sperm production or delivery. Surgical sperm removal is a good option for trans women if you still have testes but have had a penectomy or can’t get an erection or ejaculate.
another point in time.
How does it work?
How does it work?
Fertility preservation means freezing your gametes (sperm or eggs) for use in a fertility treatment cycle at another point in time. We use an advanced method of freezing called vitrification which enables you to safely store genetic material for up to 55 years. We recommend that fertility preservation occurs before any gender affirming treatment. However, with hormone therapy it may still be possible. A fertility assessment will help us determine the best path for you.
At TFP Fertility, there are two sperm retrieval processes we use: •PESA (Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration) collects sperm directly from a long-coiled tube called the epididymis within the testicles •TESE (Testicular sperm extraction) collects sperm from a sample of testicular tissue Following the procedure, the sperm is then carefully frozen and later thawed for use in an ICSI treatment.
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Fertility options for
Whether you need treatment and what type of treatment will depend on: •Your fertility status •Whether you’ve undergone fertility preservation before gender-affirming surgeries (womb/ovary removal for trans men/non-binary individuals, or orchiectomy for trans women/non-binary individuals) •If you previously froze your gametes (your sperm or eggs) •Hormone therapy and Transgender men, non-binary people and transgender women
Conceiving naturally as a trans person
For some transpeople, natural conception is still an option. As a trans man or non-binary person, you may still be able to conceive naturally or with the help of IUI if you have retained your womb and ovaries. As a trans woman or non-binary person, you may still be able to conceive naturally if you have retained your testes. This can be achieved if you have a partner or co- parent that can produce their own eggs or sperm or with the help of an egg or sperm donor (either known or unknown). For support with natural conception, discuss your plans with one of our fertility specialists.
age are two factors that may lower your fertility. In this case, IVF may increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. A fertility assessment helps to understand your fertility status and which treatments are right for you.
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Ready to start your fertility journey? Where do I start?
You can get in touch via our website www.tfp-fertility.com
or you can give us a call on 0808 196 1942
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