Partner Assisted Reproduction at Boston IVF: Building Your Family—Together

Two hearts, one plan

For many couples in which both partners have ovaries or a uterus, the dream is to both play an active role in bringing a child into the world. Partner Assisted Reproduction (PAR) makes that possible. Also called reciprocal IVF or co‑IVF, PAR invites both partners into the process—one provides the eggs; the other carries the pregnancy—so your path to parenthood reflects your values, your timing, and your story.

At Boston IVF, we’ve walked alongside LGBTQ+ individuals and couples for decades, offering inclusive, patient‑centered care and a full spectrum of options for family building.

What Partner Assisted Reproduction actually involves

Ovarian stimulation & egg retrieval: One partner takes medications for ~8–12 days (varies by plan), then eggs are retrieved by your physician.
Fertilization & embryo creation: Eggs are fertilized in our lab with donor sperm (from a bank or a known/directed donor) to create embryos.
Embryo transfer: A resulting embryo is transferred into the other partner’s uterus to carry the pregnancy.

This approach centers both partners—one as genetic parent, the other as gestational parent—and can be timed as a fresh (same‑cycle) transfer or done in two coordinated cycles (freeze embryos, transfer later), depending on what best fits your bodies, schedules, and goals. Your Boston IVF team will help you choose the safest, most streamlined path.

Who considers PAR—and why

PAR can be a beautiful option if:

One partner wishes to be the genetic parent but prefers not to carry (or has medical reasons not to).
Both partners want meaningful, embodied participation in pregnancy.
You’re seeking an option that aligns with your timeline, identity, and family vision—with clinical support tailored to both partners.

Boston IVF offers the guidance, clinical expertise, and community resources to make PAR feel clear and affirming from day one.

How we help you decide who goes first

A thoughtful plan begins with a comprehensive consultation and fertility assessment. We’ll review medical histories, clarify goals, and order the right tests to understand ovarian reserve, uterine health, and overall readiness. We encourage both partners who may contribute eggs or carry to be evaluated.

Because age and egg quality strongly influence IVF outcomes, your team will discuss how timing affects today’s cycle—and your future family plans. Together, we’ll map a sequence (who provides eggs first, who carries first) that fits your vision and preserves options for later pregnancies. If it makes sense for your plan, we may also discuss fertility preservation (freezing eggs or embryos) so you can protect flexibility for future children.

Choosing donor sperm: known vs. banked

You can use donor sperm from an accredited bank or a known/directed donor (friend or relative). Our team will walk you through screening and FDA‑required testing for known donors, as well as how to select and purchase vials from reputable banks (and how many to consider if you’re planning for siblings).

What to expect at your first visit

Your first Boston IVF appointment is all about understanding and planning. You’ll meet your reproductive endocrinologist, your nurse, and your financial coordinator, who can help you navigate coverage requirements, estimate out‑of‑pocket costs, and explore options that align with your benefits.

From there, we’ll co‑create a plan: timelines, testing, donor selection, legal considerations for known donors, and a cycle strategy that respects work schedules and life events. You’ll leave with a clear next step—and a team behind you.

Why Boston IVF for PAR

Inclusive, experienced care: Our program embraces all identities and family structures, with clinicians who specialize in LGBTQ+ family building—and resources curated just for you.
A complete care ecosystem: From donor selection guidance to legal/psych screening for third party pathways, we offer coordinated support so nothing falls through the cracks.
Personalized, data‑informed planning: Your plan reflects both partners’ health profiles, your preferences, and best‑practice medicine—grounded in Boston IVF’s decades of experience.

Common questions we’ll talk through together

Can we both carry at different times?
Yes. Many couples plan for one partner to carry now and the other in the future. We’ll align that plan with age‑related considerations and discuss whether to freeze eggs or embryos now to preserve options for later.

Is PAR the only option for us?
Not at all. Depending on your goals, we may discuss IUI with donor sperm, conventional IVF, or other third party options. We’ll help you compare pathways so you can choose what feels right.

How do we choose a donor?
We’ll review known vs. banked donors, health and genetic screening, and how many vials to purchase—especially if you’d like genetically related siblings later.

What about insurance and costs?
Coverage varies. Your financial coordinator will explain your benefits and requirements, and help build a plan that balances timing, medical needs, and cost.