{"title":"Inclusive Fertility Treatment: Reproductive Options for LGBTQ+ Families.","authors":"Esther Wu, Danielle Strom, Robert A Roman","doi":"10.1097/OGX.0000000000001600","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>As access to and research in LGBTQ+ family building continue to expand, clinicians must be familiar with the evolving literature to effectively counsel patients regarding reproductive options. Unique considerations in this population include selection of donor gametes, comparative efficacy of fertility treatments, use of third-party reproduction, and appropriate timing of cessation and resumption of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). National organizations, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), have published guidance addressing the distinct needs of LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing family building.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To review available family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals and their partners in the United States, with a focus on fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology (ART), and to highlight barriers to care encountered by this population.</p><p><strong>Evidence acquisition: </strong>A narrative review of obstetrics and gynecology- and LGBTQ-focused research articles and clinical practice guidelines was conducted. Literature searches using relevant keywords related to LGBTQ+ individuals, same-sex couples, transgender and gender-diverse populations, and family building were performed in PubMed and limited to English-language publications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multiple fertility and ART options exist for LGBTQ+ individuals desiring a genetic connection with their children. Same-sex female couples may pursue donor intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or reciprocal IVF, with pregnancy outcomes comparable to or exceeding those of heterosexual counterparts. Same-sex male couples commonly pursue gestational surrogacy using donor oocytes and a gestational carrier. Transgender and gender-diverse individuals may utilize similar fertility treatments, including IUI, IVF, fertility preservation, and third-party reproduction, with additional considerations related to GAHT.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>LGBTQ+ individuals have a broad range of family-building options. Increasing clinician familiarity with these pathways is essential to provide informed counseling, mitigate barriers to care, and facilitate timely referral to fertility specialists.</p>","PeriodicalId":19409,"journal":{"name":"Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey","volume":"81 10","pages":"505-511"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7000,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1097/OGX.0000000000001600","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/10/7 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Importance: As access to and research in LGBTQ+ family building continue to expand, clinicians must be familiar with the evolving literature to effectively counsel patients regarding reproductive options. Unique considerations in this population include selection of donor gametes, comparative efficacy of fertility treatments, use of third-party reproduction, and appropriate timing of cessation and resumption of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). National organizations, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), have published guidance addressing the distinct needs of LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing family building.
Objective: To review available family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals and their partners in the United States, with a focus on fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology (ART), and to highlight barriers to care encountered by this population.
Evidence acquisition: A narrative review of obstetrics and gynecology- and LGBTQ-focused research articles and clinical practice guidelines was conducted. Literature searches using relevant keywords related to LGBTQ+ individuals, same-sex couples, transgender and gender-diverse populations, and family building were performed in PubMed and limited to English-language publications.
Results: Multiple fertility and ART options exist for LGBTQ+ individuals desiring a genetic connection with their children. Same-sex female couples may pursue donor intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or reciprocal IVF, with pregnancy outcomes comparable to or exceeding those of heterosexual counterparts. Same-sex male couples commonly pursue gestational surrogacy using donor oocytes and a gestational carrier. Transgender and gender-diverse individuals may utilize similar fertility treatments, including IUI, IVF, fertility preservation, and third-party reproduction, with additional considerations related to GAHT.
Conclusions and relevance: LGBTQ+ individuals have a broad range of family-building options. Increasing clinician familiarity with these pathways is essential to provide informed counseling, mitigate barriers to care, and facilitate timely referral to fertility specialists.
期刊介绍:
Each monthly issue of Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey presents summaries of the most timely and clinically relevant research being published worldwide. These concise, easy-to-read summaries provide expert insight into how to apply the latest research to patient care. The accompanying editorial commentary puts the studies into perspective and supplies authoritative guidance. The result is a valuable, time-saving resource for busy clinicians.