Same-sex parenthood has increased in Canada, where the percentage of same-sex couples with children has risen from 8.6% in 2001 to 12.0% in 2016 – and their families are thriving. When same-sex couples choose to start families using their own DNA, they often need the support of a medical team – Fertility Specialist, Fertility Nurse, and Donor Services. This requires couples to do more research and act as their own advocates. We created a resource with key terminology that same-sex couples are likely to encounter.
Important Family Planning Terms for Same-Sex Couples
Reproductive Endocrinologist
A doctor who studies and treats hormonal challenges connected to the human reproductive system for both women and men.
Artificial Insemination (IUI)
A specialized technique that delivers sperm directly into the uterus using a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter).
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
The procedure involves fertilizing the embryo in a lab and implanting it into a woman to carry for 40 weeks until delivery.
PGT-A
Stands for Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies and is historically known as PGS or CCS, it is a diagnostic tool to tell your fertility doctor which embryos are likely to be chromosomally-normal and thus which to transfer.
PGT-M
Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic and Single Gene Defects (PGT-M) tests embryos created through IVF for individuals at an increased risk of having a child with a specific genetic disorder.
Sperm Donor
A man who donates his sperm for use in IUI or IVF.
Egg Donor
A woman (donor) who gives her eggs to another woman (recipient) to allow the recipient to have a baby.
Intended Parent
Individuals who enter into an agreement providing that the individuals will be the parents of a child born to a gestational mother by means of assisted reproduction, regardless of whether either individual has a genetic relationship with the child.
Surrogate
A woman who bears a child on behalf of another person or a couple, typically via IUI or IVF, and shares a genetic link to the intended parents.
Gestational Carrier
Is a woman who carries and delivers a child for another couple or individual (i.e. the intended parents) and does not have any biological connection to the child.
Reciprocal IVF
Is a technique allowing both women in a same-sex relationship to participate in a pregnancy. One woman supplies her eggs, retrieved and fertilized by donated sperm in IVF, with the resulting embryo(s) implanted into her partner for pregnancy as a gestational carrier.
If you are in a same-sex relationship and are planning to grow your family, the above information is a great place to start. For more, have your family doctor refer you to TRIO Fertility Mississauga, where you will find a medical team ready to support you on your journey.