Growing families are full of diverse personalities with evolving terms. Like anything with the human language, it can be as simple or as complex as you make it. When you’re planning a family, here are some things that you’ll need to remember.
A Growing Vocabulary
A surrogate for gays can be straight or gay. When in doubt, umbrella terminology based on LBGT principles are a good example of being respectful when you’re unsure. All patients are treated equally, and planning a family is always an exciting addition!
1. Reproductive Endocrinologist
Endocrinology explores the treatment of hormone-related issues. The complexity of the reproductive system makes this doctor the main point of contact.
2. IUI
Intrauterine Insemination helps facilitate the delivery of the sperm to the fallopian tube. This is done by placing the sperm directly into the uterus. IUI is an option when there is a moderate deficit in the semen analysis.
3. IVF
In Vitro Fertilization is a very involved process that helps the ovaries produce extra eggs through a simulated superovulation. When combined with sperm in the laboratory, it creates embryos to be transferred to the uterus.
4. PGT-A
This is known as Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. In short, it tests the number of chromosomes in an embryo. This process is key to determine the likelihood of a full-term and healthy pregnancy.
5. PGT-M
Like PGT-A, this is a test for the embryos, but this time they are looking for single gene defects. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases can prevent the passing on of specific diseases to a future child.
6. Sperm Donor
A sperm donor can be known or anonymous. When using a sperm bank, they will usually have a donor match tool to find specific traits. Selecting the right donor takes time, so there is no rush when going through potential matches.
7. Egg Donor
An egg donor donates eggs to help with a pregnancy. This can also be anonymous, or with a full identity. Egg donors go through multiple screenings and tests to ensure that they are in good physical and mental health.
8. Intended Parent
These are the person(s) that will be legally responsible for raising the child. The paperwork involved is a vital part of the parenting process to avoid complications at birth. There should be no guesswork involved with parental responsibilities before or after the birth of the child.
9. Surrogate
The person that carries the pregnancy to term is called the surrogate. Surrogate has been replaced with the term Gestational Carrier, which works better with modern family terminology.
10. Reciprocal IVF
For LGBTQ+ couples, Reciprocal IVF is a great way for two women to physically participate in the pregnancy. The only outside source needed is a donor sperm chosen by both parents. One partner goes through the egg retrieval process while the other prepares for implantation.
Learning is Powerful
LGBT has slowly transformed into LGBTQ+. For a growing family that embraces the culture, this will become one of many new things to learn. Become familiar with the family planning vocabulary, and everything else will take care of itself.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska