IUI for lesbian couples: where to do it and success rates

In recent years, we have seen how the concept of family has evolved. Single women and same-sex couples are clear examples of these new family models.

Same-sex couples can fulfil their dream of becoming mothers thanks to the usual assisted reproduction techniques, artificial insemination (AI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In both cases, sperm donation is essential.

In addition, there is a treatment exclusively for lesbian couples known as the ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from the Partner), which is becoming increasingly popular in Spain. This technique allows both women to actively participate in the process: one of them provides the eggs and the other carries out the gestation.

Below, Dr. Marta Zermiani explains everything you need to know about artificial insemination for same-sex couples in Spain: from where to carry it out, the step-by-step procedure, the time it takes and the cost of this assisted reproduction treatment.

equipo Vida fertility Dra Marta Zermiani

Table of contents

1. What is IUI for lesbian couples of women and what does it consist of?
2. Anonymous sperm donor selection in Spain
3. Process of IUI for lesbian couples in Spain
4. Steps in the donor artificial insemination (DAI) process:
5. Which of the two women is chosen for insemination? IUI for lesbian couples
6. Success rates of donor artificial insemination
7. Frequently asked questions about artificial insemination for IUI for lesbian couples

What is IUI for lesbian couples of women and what does it consist of?

Artificial insemination (AI) is the simplest and most accessible method of assisted reproduction for female couples to fulfil their desire to become mothers.

In this treatment, one of the women begins insemination using sperm from an anonymous donor, carefully selected through a sperm bank that follows strict medical and legal protocols.

Anonymous sperm donor selection in Spain

In Spain, sperm donation is strictly anonymous, which means that it is not possible to know the identity of the donor either for the intended parents or for the donor himself.

At Vida Fertility, sperm donor selection is done through accredited sperm banks, which meet the highest medical and legal standards.

The donor selection process is carried out under a rigorous medical control that includes genetic testing, analysis of infectious diseases and review of family history to rule out the transmission of hereditary pathologies.

Legally, the sperm donor will not have any type of link, right or responsibility for the child born from the treatment. It will be the female couple who will appear as the only legal mothers of the baby from the moment of its birth, thus guaranteeing full legal and emotional security for the families who choose this path.

Process of IUI for lesbian couples in Spain

The process of donor artificial insemination (DAI) is very similar to that of conjugal artificial insemination (CAI), where the sperm used comes from the couple.

The main difference between the two lies in the origin of the sperm: while in AIH the sperm is provided by the male partner and processed in the laboratory, in DAI the sperm comes from a donor bank, where it has been previously frozen for at least six months. This period of cryopreservation is essential to rule out the presence of infections such as HIV and to ensure the safety of the treatment.

Steps in the donor artificial insemination (DAI) process:

Controlled ovarian stimulation

The woman’s ovaries are stimulated to mature one or two eggs and the process is carefully monitored. Subsequently, ovulation is induced to schedule insemination at the optimal time, coinciding with the release of the egg. If the woman has a regular ovulation, AI can be performed in a natural cycle, i.e. without hormonal medication.

Thawing and preparation of the sperm

The semen sample from the donor bank is thawed in the laboratory. Specialists check the quality of the spermatozoa to ensure that they have survived adequately. A semen analysis is then performed to assess sperm count and sperm motility, selecting the best sample for insemination.

Intrauterine artificial insemination

El semen preparado se introduce en el útero de la mujer a través de una fina cánula. Este procedimiento es rápido, indoloro y no requiere anestesia. La paciente puede continuar con su rutina diaria inmediatamente después.

The prepared semen is introduced into the woman’s uterus through a fine cannula. This procedure is quick, painless and does not require anaesthesia. The patient can continue with her daily routine immediately afterwards.

This method is safe, effective and one of the easiest options for couples or single women to fulfil their dream of becoming mothers.

If you want to know more about artificial insemination you can read this article.

Which of the two women is chosen for insemination? IUI for lesbian couples

The choice of which of the two women will be inseminated should be the result of a complete analysis process, in which doctors and patients work together to make the best decision:

Ovarian reserve analysis

Ovarian reserve is analysed by means of hormonal tests, such as antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and an ultrasound of antral follicle count. These indicators show the quantity and quality of eggs available. Generally, the woman with the best ovarian reserve is prioritised, as this increases the chances of successful treatment.

Age

Age is a key factor in fertility. If one of the women is older than 38, the medical team is likely to recommend that the other woman be the one to undergo insemination, as the quality of the eggs decreases after this age and the risk of complications increases.

Health and medical history

Each woman’s medical history is evaluated to rule out problems that could affect the success of the treatment, such as gynaecological diseases (endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc polycystic ovarian syndrome.), uterine pathologies, metabolic problems or family history of hereditary diseases.

Genetic compatibility

It is possible to carry out a genetic compatibility test. If a mutation is detected, it is essential to choose the woman with the highest genetic compatibility with the sperm donor in order to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.

Personal desires and expectations

While medical factors are key, it is also important to listen to the couple. At times, one of the women may express a greater desire to carry the pregnancy or a special connection to the process. These preferences are taken into account when making the final decision together.

At Vida Fertility, our team takes care of all the necessary tests to guarantee a safe and personalised treatment.

Ask us about your case

Success rates of donor artificial insemination

With donor sperm: 45

Frequently asked questions about artificial insemination for IUI for lesbian couples

Options for gay women to become mothers

A key aspect in all available techniques is the selection of the sperm donor.

According to the provisions of Law 14/2006, the sperm donor is assigned trying to find the greatest possible similarity with the physical characteristics of the recipient woman. In addition, optionally and depending on the clinic, it is possible to make a selection of the donor based on genetic compatibility with the woman who provides the egg. To this end, a genetic compatibility test can be carried out on the woman beforehand, which minimises the risk of transmitting genetic diseases to the future baby.

Once the donor has been chosen, the treatment options are as follows:

Artificial Insemination with Donor (AID)

Artificial insemination with a donor can be carried out during the patient’s natural cycle or with the help of medication to stimulate ovulation. At the appropriate time, the donor sperm is introduced into the woman’s uterus. This method is recommended for women under 38 years of age.

Read all about artificial insemination with donor sperm here

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with donor sperm

In this case of IVF with donor sperm, the recipient woman receives ovarian stimulation to obtain several eggs, which are extracted by means of a vaginal puncture under sedation to avoid discomfort. The eggs are fertilised in the laboratory with the donor’s sperm, and the embryos develop to the blastocyst stage (five days of culture). Finally, one of the embryos is transferred into the recipient woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy.

In Vitro Fertilisation Process in Spain

ROPA Method

The Ropa Method allows both women in the couple to actively participate in the process of motherhood. One of them provides the eggs, while the other is in charge of carrying the pregnancy. IVF is performed with donor sperm and the embryos developed to the blastocyst stage are transferred to the pregnant woman’s uterus.

In this way, both participate in the process in a unique and shared way.

Proceso del Método Ropa en España

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ℹ️ The information published on Vida Fertility is reviewed by our fertility specialists and medical team, following up-to-date scientific criteria and evidence-based medicine. Our team is a member at scientific societies such as SEF, ESHRE and SEGO.