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Discover the type of third party reproduction that might be best for you

Discover the type of third party reproduction that might be best for youOur Nashville fertility doctors help patients determine the type of third party reproduction that can help them welcome babies into their families. Third party reproduction involves intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the support of a third party, such as an egg donor, sperm donor or gestational surrogate.

Everyone from gay and lesbian couples to single individuals and women or men with extensive fertility challenges often experience success when utilizing this type of fertility care.

Various circumstances inform the type of third party reproduction a patient requires

The type of third party reproduction a patient needs depends on factors related to their reproductive anatomy and health. Our clinic provides quality support and education when helping patients determine if they’re a candidate for type of fertility care.

Who needs an egg donor. Candidates for an egg donor include women with premature menopause, diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian failure, or a history of miscarriage or IVF failures. Donor egg fertility care can also be an ideal option for women who have a poor response to ovulation medications, who are carriers of an inheritable genetic condition, or who were born without ovaries.

Single men and gay couples also require donor eggs to create a family through third party reproduction.

Who needs a sperm donor. Men with severe sperm issues, in addition to single women and lesbian couples, require a sperm donor when trying to have a baby through IVF or IUI.

Who needs a surrogate. Women with uterine issues, preexisting health conditions, or challenges with previous pregnancies could require the help of a gestational surrogate. Women with no uterus, same-sex male couples and single men also need this type of fertility care.

To determine the type of third party reproduction a patient might need, the Nashville fertility doctors at our clinic use tests such as bloodwork, ultrasound and semen analysis. After reviewing the results, they support patients in building a treatment plan.

Learn more about the three types of third party reproduction

Egg donation, sperm donation and gestational surrogacy are the third party reproduction options that help many patients fulfill the dream of parenthood. After a patient decides to move forward with one or more types of third party reproduction, we walk them through each step of this exciting process.

Egg donation. Building a family with donor eggs begins with the selection of a donor who undergoes extensive physical, genetic and psychological testing. The donor will then take medications that cause multiple eggs to mature.

When the eggs are an ideal size, the doctor retrieves them and sends them to the IVF lab, where an embryologist fertilizes them with sperm from a hopeful father or sperm donor. Next, the doctor transfers a resulting embryo into the uterus of the female patient or surrogate, who takes medications to support embryo implantation and pregnancy.

Sperm donation. Using donor sperm also begins with the selection of a donor who receives comprehensive testing before donating. A specialist also tests the donor sperm to confirm its quality and ensure it provides the best possible chance of success.

Donor sperm can be used in IVF, or can be “washed” in our IVF lab for use in IUI. In this procedure, the sperm is transferred directly into the hopeful mother’s uterus at the time of ovulation.

Gestational surrogacy. After securing a surrogate through a reputable surrogacy agency, the patient can begin the IVF process utilizing their own genetic material, or donor eggs or sperm. Before the doctor transfers an embryo into the surrogate’s uterus, the surrogate takes medication to prepare the lining of her uterus, and continues to take medication for several weeks afterward to support a developing pregnancy.

The Nashville fertility doctors at our clinic strive to make this journey to parenthood as simple and effective as possible.

Contact us for more information about our fertility care services.

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