Female Same-Sex Couples
Starting or growing your family is a joyful step. At Bourn Hall, we’re here to make the process simple and full of possibilities. If you and your partner are exploring in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for lesbian couples or other fertility options, you’ll find a range of tailored treatments designed with your needs in mind.
From your first conversation with us, you’ll be welcomed into a caring environment where your choices are respected and your journey is guided by experienced specialists. Whether you’d like to use donor sperm, consider intrauterine insemination (IUI), or begin IVF, we’ll help you understand every option and feel confident in the decisions you make together.
Starting your fertility journey
Preparation for Treatment
This is a straightforward blood test that measures the level of a hormone called AMH. The result gives us an idea of your ovarian reserve, which means the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. While the test cannot confirm fertility, it can provide helpful insight into your reproductive health.
This is a straightforward blood test that measures the level of a hormone called AMH. The result gives us an idea of your ovarian reserve, which means the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. While the test cannot confirm fertility, it can provide helpful insight into your reproductive health.
This internal scan gives us a detailed picture of your reproductive organs. It helps us check the womb, ovaries and, in some cases, the fallopian tubes. The scan can also show how many follicles (tiny sacs) are in your ovaries. Each follicle has the potential to develop into an egg, so this information helps estimate your ovarian reserve. This can be additional information to your AMH, towards understanding your egg stores.
The test measures antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme the thyroid gland uses to produce thyroid hormones. Elevated TPO antibodies may indicate that the immune system is attacking the thyroid.
The TSH test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates how much thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) the thyroid gland produces. TSH is the primary screening test for thyroid function. It helps identify whether the thyroid is:
* Underactive (hypothyroidism)
* Overactive (hyperthyroidism)
* Functioning normally (euthyroid)
+ 60 minute consultant consultation – Tailored advice about fertility options that are appropriate to you with one of our highly specialised experienced fertility doctors, delivered either in person or virtually
| Assessment type | Assessment method | Prep for Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Semen analysis | Microscopic analysis of semen samples | |
| AMH Blood test | Assessment of your ovarian reserve | |
| TSH Blood test | Assessment of your thyroid stimulating hormone | |
| Anti TPO blood test | Measures antibodies against thyroid peroxidase | |
| Free 30-minute nutrition consultation | Appointment with nutritionist | |
| Free 60-minute nutrition consultation | Appointment with nutritionist | |
| Pelvic scan | Trans-vaginal ultrasound scan | |
| Fertility Consultation | Consult with fertility specialist | |
| Personalised doctor-written report | Analysis by fertility specialist | |
| £715 |
Fertility treatments
For many female same-sex couples, using a donor is part of the path to parenthood. Sperm can come from either a known donor or an altruistic donor (a donor you will not know, but your future child will have the right to know when they’re 18).
Our team will support you in exploring both options. If you prefer an altruistic donor, we can help you find a suitable match through our own carefully regulated sperm bank or our trusted network of partner banks.
At Bourn Hall, we offer a range of fertility treatments that can be tailored to your needs. Whether you are beginning with IUI or considering IVF, we’ll guide you through each step, so you feel informed and supported along the way.
IVF with Donor Sperm
A process where an egg is fertilised using donated sperm, offering a path to parenthood for those who cannot use their own sperm due to fertility challenges or personal circumstances.
Reciprocal IVF (Shared Motherhood)
This process would involve both partners undergoing scans, appointments and a stimulation process, with one partner going through the IVF process to produce eggs.
IVF with Donor Embryos
A treatment involving the creation and use of embryos from frozen eggs and sperm, providing future opportunities for pregnancy and family building through advanced reproductive technology.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A process where a previously frozen embryo, created through IVF, is thawed and transferred to the womb, offering another chance at pregnancy without undergoing a full IVF cycle.
Private IVF treatment
A treatment where eggs are fertilised by sperm in a lab, then transferred to the womb, offering hope to individuals or couples facing difficulties conceiving naturally.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Sometimes conventional IVF needs a helping hand. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a lab technique that may be appropriate for you, if your sperm needs a bit of extra help to achieve successful fertilisation.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
A fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the womb during ovulation, helping to increase the likelihood of sperm reaching and fertilising an egg.
IUI with Donor Sperm
A treatment where donated sperm is carefully placed into the womb during ovulation, supporting individuals or couples unable to conceive with their own sperm.
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)
A screening method used during IVF to check embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, helping to select the healthiest embryos for transfer, enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Treatments Using a Donor
Assisted reproductive treatments that involve the use of donated sperm, eggs, or embryos to help individuals or couples achieve pregnancy when using their own may not be possible.
Specialist services
Donor Programme
Having IVF treatment with donor eggs or sperm at one of our East of England clinics could
Endometriosis clinic
Bourn Hall has developed a tailored service to address the unique needs of those women with endometriosis
Fertility Health and Wellbeing
For most people, fertility health and wellbeing will never be an issue. Around 80% of people trying
Recurrent miscarriage clinic
Investigating and overcoming early pregnancy loss after natural conception or after fertility treatment.
Fertility preservation options
Fertility preservation can give you and your partner flexibility for the future. Options such as egg or embryo freezing allow you to keep choices open, whether you plan to start your family soon or later on.
Egg freezing
A process where eggs are collected and preserved through freezing, allowing individuals to store healthy eggs for future use, offering flexibility and reassurance for those wishing to delay pregnancy.
Embryo freezing
A process where embryos, created through IVF, are frozen and stored, allowing couples or individuals the chance to use them for future attempts at pregnancy when the timing feels right.
Reciprocal IVF gives both partners the chance to be directly involved in creating and carrying your baby. One partner provides the eggs, while the other carries the pregnancy, making it a truly shared experience.
How reciprocal IVF works
Both partners take part in the process, beginning with scans, blood tests and appointments to check reproductive health. One partner has eggs collected and fertilised with donor sperm.
Then, the embryo is placed into the womb of the other partner, who carries the pregnancy.
If you’re unsure who will provide the eggs and who will carry the pregnancy, we can arrange tests for both of you to help you decide.
Our reciprocal IVF options
At Bourn Hall, we offer several reciprocal IVF pathways, allowing both partners to be closely involved in building your family.
- Reciprocal IVF – one partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy
- Reciprocal IVF with egg-sharing – one partner provides eggs for your treatment and donates some to help others who are trying to conceive
- Reciprocal IVF with both partners egg-sharing – both partners share their eggs, and each has the opportunity to carry a pregnancy
- Dual donation – one partner provides eggs for treatment, and the partner who carries the pregnancy also donates eggs to support others starting their family
The reciprocal IVF option for you will be confirmed by our supportive donor team.
Shared motherhood is a more complex treatment than IUI or standard IVF, and costs typically start from £13,500, which includes donor sperm. After your consultation, we’ll provide a personalised treatment plan and a clear breakdown of costs.
For some couples, egg-sharing can help reduce the cost of treatment while also supporting other people who need donated eggs to start their own family.
If one partner donates eggs through the egg-sharing programme, there is an initial fee of £1,500 to cover preparation, consultation and screening.
- Donor sperm costs also apply, including reservation, storage and usage fees
- A partner transfer fee of £1,300 applies if one partner is receiving the embryo transfer as part of a shared motherhood
- If both partners decide to egg-share, the same process and costs apply to each of you
Choosing to donate eggs to other patients can also mean that part of your treatment cost is reduced. All other elements of your treatment are included at no extra charge, and this covers up to one embryo transfer. If you need any further frozen embryo transfers, these would be charged at our normal FET package rate.
We’ll explain exactly how this works and what support is available during your consultation.
We understand that shared motherhood involves many decisions – both emotional and practical. Our team will guide you through each stage, explain all costs clearly and make sure you feel supported from the very first appointment.
Every family story is unique, and we’re proud to support female same-sex couples in creating theirs. We understand the decisions you may face when starting treatment, and we’ll be by your side with expert guidance and compassionate care.
Here’s how we support you on your journey:
- A welcoming clinic where every couple is respected and supported
- Tailored pathways, including fertility testing, IUI, IVF and shared motherhood
- Access to a regulated donor programme with carefully screened donors
- Specialists who explain your options clearly and support your decisions
- A compassionate team offering both emotional and medical care
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
Schedule a Discovery call to find out which tests and treatments are right for you.
Fertility funding partners we work with:
We’re incredibly proud of our success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2025
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 64% (58% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 50% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
Patient reviews
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
Support at every stage
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our fertility milestones
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Upcoming fertility events
Join our experts at a range of events including support groups, webinars and open evenings.
Learn more about the options available to you, from fertility tests to treatments, and find answers to any questions you might have.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.
The cost depends on the treatment that’s right for you. Our fees and funding page and fee calculator can give you an idea, and our Patient Services team is here to talk it through with you.
Yes. There are clear legal steps to make sure you’re both recognised as parents, and we will guide you through the process.
Yes. It’s a well-established treatment, and we follow strict medical protocols to keep you and your baby safe.