How Reciprocal IVF Works
Reciprocal IVF follows the same medical protocol as standard donor-egg IVF, with one key difference: both biological contributors are in the room, making decisions together.
- Partner A (egg provider): Undergoes ovarian stimulation (8–14 days of injectable medications), monitoring, and egg retrieval. Her eggs are fertilized with donor sperm.
- Donor sperm: Selected from a sperm bank — either a US-based bank that ships internationally or a Colombian bank with extensive donor profiles.
- Fertilization and embryo culture: Embryos are cultured in the lab for 5–7 days to reach blastocyst stage.
- Partner B (gestational carrier): Her uterine lining is prepared with estrogen and progesterone. The embryo is transferred, and she carries the pregnancy.
The result: one partner is the genetic mother, the other is the gestational mother. Both have a direct biological role in their child's existence.
Cost Comparison
| Component | US Cost | Colombia Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ovarian stimulation + retrieval (Partner A) | $12,000–$18,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Donor sperm (purchase + shipping) | $500–$1,500 | $300–$800 |
| ICSI fertilization | $1,500–$3,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Embryo culture to blastocyst | Included | Included |
| FET to Partner B | $4,000–$7,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Medications (both partners) | $3,000–$7,000 | $800–$2,500 |
| Total per cycle | $20,000–$35,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
Typical 2026 ranges. Actual costs depend on clinic, protocol, and individual factors.
Why Colombia for LGBTQ+ Fertility Treatment
Colombia's legal framework is among the most progressive in Latin America for LGBTQ+ rights and family building:
- Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2016 (Constitutional Court ruling SU-214/16).
- Adoption rights: Same-sex couples can adopt jointly.
- Fertility treatment access: No legal restrictions based on sexual orientation or marital status. Colombian fertility clinics routinely treat LGBTQ+ patients from around the world.
- Birth certificate recognition: Both parents can be listed on the birth certificate regardless of gender.
An inclusive medical culture
Unlike some destinations where LGBTQ+ fertility treatment exists in a legal gray zone, Colombia's framework is explicit and court-tested. Colombian fertility clinics actively welcome LGBTQ+ patients, with English-speaking coordinators experienced in guiding international same-sex couples through the process.
Logistics: How the Trip Works
Both partners travel together
For reciprocal IVF, both partners need to be present — Partner A for the egg retrieval, Partner B for the embryo transfer. The typical timeline:
- Option 1 — One trip (18–21 days): Both partners arrive together. Partner A starts stimulation, has retrieval around Day 12–14. Embryos are cultured. Partner B has transfer 5–7 days after retrieval. Rest 48–72 hours, then fly home.
- Option 2 — Two shorter trips: Partner A travels for stimulation and retrieval (10–14 days). Embryos are frozen. Both partners return for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) in a separate 5–7 day trip.
Consider freezing embryos
The two-trip approach often works better logistically. It's easier to coordinate schedules, reduces continuous time away from work, and frozen embryo transfers have success rates comparable to (and sometimes higher than) fresh transfers. Many clinics recommend a freeze-all approach regardless.
Donor Sperm Logistics
You have two primary options for donor sperm:
- US sperm bank (ship internationally): Banks like California Cryobank, Seattle Sperm Bank, and Fairfax Cryobank ship internationally. You select your donor from detailed profiles (photos, medical history, personality questionnaires). Shipping costs $300–$700 in addition to the vial purchase price.
- Colombian sperm bank: Local banks offer anonymous donors with detailed medical screening. Cost is typically lower ($300–$500 per vial vs. $500–$1,000+ in the US). Ethnic diversity is available but profiles may be less detailed than US banks.
Legal Considerations
If you're a US couple having a child through reciprocal IVF in Colombia, parentage is typically straightforward — the gestational partner gives birth, and both partners are recognized as parents under Colombian law. For the return to the US, the child born to a US citizen abroad is a US citizen. Consult a family law attorney in your home state to confirm any additional documentation needed (some states require a second-parent adoption even for married couples).
Start Your Family — Together
Reciprocal IVF lets both partners participate in creating your child. We'll connect you with LGBTQ+-inclusive clinics that make the process welcoming, affordable, and medically excellent.
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