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LGBTTQI+

Fertility Associates offers support and treatment options for LGBTTQI+ couples and individuals hoping to start a family.

Helpful tools

We are proud to be able to help LGBTTQI+ singles and couples in their journey towards parenthood with support and services tailored to their unique needs.

Approximately 10% of all fertility treatments involve the use of donor gametes or surrogacy. It's important to recognize that while the technical aspect is IUI or IVF using someone else's sperm, eggs, or embryos, there are social, ethical, and legal considerations that come into play.

Rest assured, we not only provide a high level of medical expertise but also guide you through the legal framework associated with treatments like gamete donation and surrogacy.

Our priority is ensuring a smooth and transparent journey for you and your growing family and to support you every step of the way.

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Same-sex female couples

  • In conjunction with their fertility specialist, same-sex female couples will decide on the most suitable treatment – either inseminations or IVF.
  • If both women wish to carry a child, or if one wants to provide the egg for the partner to carry the pregnancy, this can be discussed during an initial consultation.
  • Counselling is mandatory when donor gametes are involved, and during these sessions the use of a personal donor or a clinic donor will be explored. The counselling also covers legal aspects and topics such as telling the child and significant others.
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Same-sex male couples

  • At Fertility Associates we can help couples to become parents through egg donation and surrogacy.
  • Counselling is required when donor gametes are involved, and during these sessions the use of a personal donor or a clinic donor will be explored.
  • As for any surrogacy arrangement, individual and joint counselling with the surrogate and partner (if she has one) is mandatory. The counselling will also guide all parties through the legal aspects and topics such as telling the child and significant others.
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Donor eggs

In IVF with surrogacy, an amazing journey begins as a generous egg donor steps forward. Through the first part of the cycle, her donated eggs are carefully retrieved and fertilized with the intended father's sperm. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the 'gestational surrogate', who then carries the baby to term.

Another option is IUI surrogacy, also known as 'traditional surrogacy'. In this heartwarming approach, the surrogate herself becomes the egg donor, merging her selflessness with motherhood. While both routes can create beautiful families, the preference often leans towards gestational surrogacy. Why? With gestational surrogacy, the embryo shares no genetic link with the surrogate, providing additional peace of mind for all parties involved.

  • Donor eggs may be provided by a family member or friend; alternatively, we can help with recruiting a donor – advertisements are managed by our clinic, and once a donor is chosen by you we’ll screen and prepare the donor for treatment.
  • A woman’s age is the most important factor determining the quality and quantity of her eggs.

To find out more about how the Egg Donor Cycle works please view our Pathways booklet here.

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Surrogacy

  • All surrogacy in New Zealand requires approval by ECART, obtaining legal advice, and prior arrangements for adoption following the birth of the child.
  • In New Zealand all surrogacy is altruistic, and it’s mandatory that the commissioning individual or couple have an established relationship with their surrogate.
  • Surrogacy is a complex and lengthy process, and on average takes around two years. Fertility Associates has extensive experience helping people consider their options, and through the legal framework that is associated with treatments such as surrogacy.

Ready to start your fertility journey?

Book a free 15 minute phone consultation with one of our expert fertility nurses.

Book now

The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early

  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI