LGBT Fertility Clinic
Whether you’re a lesbian couple or a single parent by choice, Bay IVF welcomes you with expert care, deep respect, and a customized path to parenthood.
Bay IVF offers a fully supportive, personalized Reciprocal IVF treatment where both members of a lesbian couple can participate — one as genetic mother, the other as birth mother.
We are proud of being one of the first Northern California fertility clinics to provide treatment for lesbian partners.
What Is Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is a heartfelt approach designed for two women who want to share the entire experience of family building.
- One partner provides her eggs (acting as the Genetic Mother)
- The other partner gestates the pregnancy (acting as the Birth Mother)
Your eggs are fertilized (typically with donor sperm) and embryos are transferred into your partner’s uterus — meaning you both participate in creation and carrying. This approach allows both partners to play integral roles in the journey.
Why Choose Reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is a heartfelt approach designed for two women who want to share the entire experience of family building.
- You both get to be directly involved — from egg creation to pregnancy.
- It strengthens your bond and lets you share milestones side by side.
- It’s ideal for lesbian couples, or for any scenario where one partner carries and the other contributes genetically.
- Bay IVF was among the first Northern California clinics to offer tailored reciprocal IVF treatment, with sensitivity to your unique goals and relationship.
Our Approach at Bay IVF — Personal, Comfortable, Clear
Warm, boutique care: Dr. Polansky and our small, dedicated team will guide you both — you’ll never feel like a number.
Inclusive environment: We honor your relationship, your roles, and your goals, and speak in language that reflects you.
Transparent process & costs: We walk you through both partners’ roles, labs, medications, retrieval, transfer, and support — no hidden surprises.
Flexible options: Whether you want simultaneous cycles or staggered steps, we tailor the protocol to your lives and health.
Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to be intimately involved in the process of creating and carrying the child.
What the Reciprocal IVF Process Looks Like
Ovarian stimulation
Genetic Mother’s personalized stimulation schedule begins with monitoring (blood work & ultrasounds) to optimize egg development.
Egg retrieval
A brief, outpatient procedure under sedation. Our team ensures comfort and safety.
Fertilization of eggs
Using donor sperm from a sperm bank, the evidence of fertilization can be seen the next day. The fertilized eggs are then transferred into a growth medium and cultured in our laboratory.
Culture of embryos
Your eggs are retrieved, combined with sperm (or ICSI is done when indicated)
Embryo cryopreservation
High-quality embryos are vitrified (cryopreserved).
Embryo storage in liquid nitrogen
After cryopreservation, the embryos are transferred to a liquid nitrogen storage chamber at our Clinic.
Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer
When you’re ready, one or two embryos will be thawed and transferred into the Birth Mother’s uterus (Frozen Embryo Transfer).
Below is an example of a Reciprocal IVF treatment cycle. Your individualized protocol may take less or more time to complete.
Considerations & Key Questions
As with any fertility treatment, there are important factors to consider.
- Medical readiness for both partners: Egg quality from the Genetic Mother and the Birth Mother’s uterine health both matter.
- Emotional/relational readiness: Reciprocal IVF is meaningful, and clear communication, shared understanding, and mutual support improve the journey.
- Costs & logistics: You will have both an egg-donor-like treatment cycle and a Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle. We’ll provide upfront cost estimates for both.
- Legal and parental rights: We’ll ensure you understand parentage, documentation, and any legal steps (especially when donor sperm is involved).
- Tailoring roles: Many couples ask, “Who will carry?” “Who will provide eggs?” We clarify options together without pressuring a “right” choice.
Why Bay IVF Is Right for You
- Boutique Bay Area location — personalized attention from start to finish.
- Experienced team in reciprocal IVF journeys for same-sex couples and partners alike.
- Transparent discussion of cost, timeline, visits, outcomes — so both of you feel confident.
- You’ll deal with people who see you, your relationship, and your family vision — not a “case”.
Bay IVF Success
At Bay IVF, over 60% of IVF cycles for patients under 35 lead to a live birth.
(Based on the 2024 SART data.)
Take Your Next Step
Your journey starts with a conversation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Call or text us at 📞 650 322 0500 to schedule your in-person or a complimentary video consultation as a couple with Dr. Polansky.
- We will review both partners’ fertility profiles and discuss reciprocal IVF suitability.
- Outline your roles, timeline, and cost estimate.
- Answer your questions in a safe, supportive, judgement-free space.
Let’s take the next step together and begin this journey as a team.
Prerequisites for Reciprocal IVF
Only a few treatment prerequisites are required before your treatment begins. They assess the egg and sperm quality and ensure that embryos can be accurately placed in a healthy uterus.
Genetic Mother’s age
The probability of a successful IVF treatment becomes exceedingly low by age 44. You must be 43 and 11 months or younger at the time your IVF treatment begins. Patients who are 44 and older should strongly consider Donor Egg IVF as the most effective treatment option to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Genetic Mother’s weight
Your BMI must be no greater than 31 for an adequate ovarian response and safety during the egg retrieval procedure. If your BMI is higher, please follow the IVF Diet and Lifestyle (PDF) recommendations as closely as possible. By doing so, you can achieve weight loss at an optimal rate, which could significantly improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Pathogen testing (both Genetic Mother and Birth Mother)
This testing is required by the State of California. You and your partner (if applicable) must be tested for Hepatitis B-Surface Antigen, Hepatitis C-Antibody, HIV I&II, and RPR.
Ovarian Reserve Assay – ORA (Genetic Mother)
ORA assesses the likelihood of producing normal-quality eggs. It involves measuring Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen, E2), and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood levels.
These test results are used to optimize ovarian stimulation.
Antral Follicle Count (Genetic Mother)
The number of antral follicles (small fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries seen on ultrasound) in unstimulated ovaries is related to the quality of the eggs. Ideally, there should be approximately 20 antral follicles in both ovaries combined.
Uterine measurement and saline ultrasound (Birth Mother)
It is important to determine the length of the uterus in order to ensure the correct placement of embryos.
A saline ultrasound is utilized to rule out the presence of intrauterine polyps or fibroids.
Genetic Mother’s genetic testing (optional)
All prospective parents should consider genetic screening for hundreds of the most common genetic diseases. Please inform us during your initial appointment at Bay IVF if you would like to have your blood sample sent for genetic screening.
IVF diet and lifestyle
Environmental factors have a significant impact on reproductive health. Please review the IVF Diet and Lifestyle document (PDF) for a comprehensive list of environmental reproductive health recommendations and a source for dietary supplements.
Let’s Begin This Journey Together
Your first conversation is free — no pressure, just real answers from people who care.
Call us today to speak directly with our team and take your first step toward growing your family.
Meet Your Doctor
- Dr. Polansky received his medical diploma from Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, in 1978.
- After completing his OB/GYN residency at Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, he graduated from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship at Stanford University in 1985.
- In the same year, he co-founded the Stanford IVF Clinic.
- Dr. Polansky obtained board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1986 and became REI subspecialty board certified in 1988.
- In 1987, he left Stanford University and established Nova IVF.
- In 2011, he founded Bay IVF, where he provides advanced fertility treatments with a holistic approach, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques.
- Dr. Polansky personally performs ultrasound examinations, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and ovarian and endometrial stimulations for his patients.
- He is deeply committed to his patients and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Frank Polansky, M.D.
Initial Appointment Questions
When you call to schedule your consultation, one of our Front Office Coordinators will ask you a short series of simple questions regarding your reproductive history. You will also have an opportunity to ask any financial questions.
This is Erica
She will be providing you with exceptional support throughout your treatment journey at Bay IVF.
Your Initial Visit at Bay IVF
A new patient appointment at a fertility clinic can be stressful. Our goal is to make your initial visit as friendly and relaxing as possible. We encourage you to ask questions at every step of the process to make you feel comfortable and informed.
When You Arrive
You will be welcomed by one of the clinic’s receptionists. One of our nurses will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure.
Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Polansky will ask you a series of clarifying questions and then provide you with a summary of the factors contributing to your infertility.
Ask Your Questions
You will then have a discussion with him about the most suitable reproductive treatment(s) for you. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Exam Room
One of the nurses will escort you to an examination room. Your examination will begin with listening to your lungs and heart.
Ultrasound of the Ovaries
The next step is a pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound will help determine the number of antral follicles present within the ovaries.
Financial Part
After that, you will discuss the financial aspects of your treatment with one of the financial advisors, including potential financing options.
Support 24/7
If you have any questions after leaving the clinic, please feel free to reach out to us by phone, text, or email. Open and discreet communication is an integral part of the care we provide at Bay IVF.
What About Time?
Your entire visit is expected to last approximately one hour.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With Dr. Polansky
Online (no cost) or In-Person
Call or Text Us: Call or text us at 📞 650 322 0500
You can also complete the form below to request your initial consultation.Let’s talk about your next step