LGBTQ+ IVF
We are a top-rated LGBTQ+ fertility clinic serving the LGBTQ+ community
At Bay IVF, we uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or genetic characteristics.
We provide family-building treatments to same-sex and transgender individuals and their partners: you are welcome here, regardless of your identity or relationship status.
Treatment Options for LQBTQ+ Community Members
Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF is a beautiful and loving method for same-sex couples to embark on their journey to parenthood. This process involves one partner providing the eggs while the other partner carries the pregnancy.
This approach enables both partners to have a biological connection to their child, fostering a profound sense of intimacy and shared responsibility throughout the treatment process.
Moreover, it serves as a testament to the strength and love shared between same-sex partners.
The cost of Reciprocal IVF at Bay IVF is $14,450
In Vitro Fertilization
In the process, one partner in a lesbian couple has her eggs fertilized through IVF using donor sperm from a sperm bank, sperm bank, and the resulting embryo(s) are then implanted into the same partner’s uterus.
This method enables same-sex couples to choose a sperm donor who aligns with their desired characteristics and undergo a fertilization procedure within a controlled and supportive environment.
At its core, this process is a celebration of the love and commitment that exists between partners.
The cost of In Vitro Fertilization at Bay IVF is $11,870
Donor Egg and Donor Sperm
If neither partner in a lesbian couple has sufficient egg quality for pregnancy, either partner can choose to conceive through Donor Egg IVF using donor eggs and donor sperm from a sperm bank.
An anonymous egg donor can be selected from one of the many egg donor agencies, or frozen donor eggs can be obtained from an egg bank.
Donor Egg IVF serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of human connection and the extraordinary measures we are willing to take to bring new life into the world.
The cost of Donor Egg IVF with donor sperm varies depending on the type of Donor Egg treatment.
Services Covered in the Reciprocal IVF Fee
Included
- All in-cycle Clinic visits, physician ultrasound examinations, hormonal assays, and physician clinical monitoring necessary for ovarian stimulation.
- Thawing of cryopreserved sperm
- Preparation of semen sample(s)
- Egg retrieval procedure, including analgesia and use of the procedure room
- Oocyte identification from follicular fluid
- Fertilization of eggs
- Embryo coculture with granulosa cells, including an extended culture of embryos
- Cryopreservation of all normally developing embryos
Please note that the Reciprocal IVF fee does not cover treatment medications (charged by a pharmacy), pre-treatment screening evaluation, laboratory testing required by the State of California and FDA, and subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer procedure(s).
Purchasing Frozen Donor Eggs
Finding an Egg Donor
You choose your frozen donor eggs from a donor egg bank catalog, and the egg bank will ship your selected frozen eggs to our Clinic.
The egg banks our embryologists recommend are Fairfax Egg Bank, Donor Egg Bank USA at California Cryobank, and Cryos International-USA.
Alternatively, you may be able to find an egg donor who is blood-related to you (the female partner) to preserve the genetic link, or you could choose an anonymous pre-screened egg donor from an egg donor agency. The donor will then become a patient at our Clinic.
Whether you use frozen donor eggs or an egg donor, once your Donor Egg IVF treatment is completed, your pregnancy will be indistinguishable from conception through intercourse.
We believe that everyone has the right to grow their family, and we are here to make that dream a reality.
We are proud of being one of the first Northern California fertility clinics to provide treatment for lesbian partners.
Bay IVF Treatment Fees
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Embryo Freezing
Frozen Embryo Transfer
IVF Plus
Embryo Freezing
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Gender Selection
Embryo Freezing
Reciprocal IVF
Embryo Freezing
Minimal IVF
Embryo Freezing
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Embryo Banking IVF
Embryo Freezing
Donor Egg IVF
Embryo Freezing
Frozen Donor Egg IVF
Embryo Freezing
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Embryo Assisted Hatching
Please note that the treatment fees do not cover medications (charged by a pharmacy), pre-treatment screening evaluation, and laboratory testing required by the State of California.
What You Do Not Have to Pay for at Bay IVF
We strive to minimize the financial impact of your fertility care. Our sole goal is to ensure the success of your treatment!
Administration of
Hormonal Injections
Some Medications for Ovarian Stimulation
Repeated Sonohysterograms
IVF Treatment Management
Repeated IVF Sperm Preparation
Use of Procedure Room for Egg Retrievals
Analgesia for Egg Retrievals
Extended Embryo Culture
Embryo Freezing
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Repeated Embryo Biopsies in the same IVF cycle
Repeated Embryo Freezing in the same IVF cycle
Repeated Pregnancy Tests
We welcome transgender patients and those preparing to transition to our fertility services.
Preserving fertility options for the future is important, and we’re here to support you. Let’s work together to achieve your family goals.
Prerequisites for Reciprocal IVF
Only a few treatment prerequisites are needed before the start of your treatment. 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 29 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, HTLV 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.
We believe that everyone has the right to grow their family
We are committed to providing inclusive care every step of the way, from consultation to post-conception
FAQ — Find Answers to Your Queries
Here are some of the most commonly asked fertility-related questions. A more comprehensive FAQ selection is available on the FAQ page
Do medications used in the IVF treatment have any side-effects?
Most patients should expect minimal, if any, side-effects from the In Vitro Fertilization medications. You should be able to continue with your everyday activities during your treatment.
How long does it take to complete a cycle of IVF?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the beginning of your treatment to egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?
Since we use strong pain and relaxation medications, your egg retrieval should be very comfortable. Most patients will sleep through the 5-10 minute procedure. Some may experience minimal menstrual-like cramping.
What is ICSI and how does it affect my embryos?
In the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection procedure, a single sperm is inserted directly into the center of an egg. ICSI has been used extensively since 1993, and approximately 2 million babies have been born worldwide without significant side effects using ICSI.
I am over 40. Should I plan to do PGT?
You may consider adding Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to your In Vitro Fertilization or Donor Egg IVF treatment. If you do, you will not need to do amniocentesis if you conceive.
Adding PGT to these treatments has not been shown to reliably improve the probability of a successful outcome, but it can reduce the probability of a miscarriage.
We look forward to meeting you at Bay IVF and, when your treatment is successful, celebrating your new pregnancy!
+Years of Experience
+Babies Born
%Compassionate Care
Hear from Our Patients’ Journey to Parenthood at Bay IVF!
I would highly recommend Bay IVF for those wanting to build their family and needing IVF support! Dr. Polansky and the whole Bay IVF team were so supportive and welcoming while also honest and realistic. Our girl is our dream come true!
Jennifer C.-F.This clinic has been amazing to work with. All the nurses and staff made sure I was always comfortable and were there to answer questions any time I needed. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Polansky and the team for everything they did for us.
Harpreet K.Words could never express the gratitude my husband and I will always have for Bay IVF! We did our research and decided to check out Bay IVF. We scheduled a consultation and felt an instant connection… love at first sight!
Chelsea L.
Bay IVF Early Pregnancy Heartbeat
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 freely shares his cell phone number, ensuring accessibility and availability 24/7.
Frank Polansky, M.D.
Dr. Polansky’s Communication With Patients
Real texts, anonymous patient names
Initial Appointment Questions
When you call to schedule your consultation, Erica will ask you a short series of questions regarding your reproductive history.
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your height
- Your weight
- Do you know which treatment you plan to have?
- How many times have you been pregnant?
- For each of your pregnancies, what was the conception date? (month and year)
- What was the outcome?
- Were the pregnancies with your current partner?
- If known, what is the cause of your infertility?
- What is your average cycle length? (number of days between onsets of your periods)
- Are you currently taking any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Are you allergic to any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Your partner’s name (if applicable)
- Your partner’s date of birth (if applicable)
- What is the length of your relationship with your current partner? (years and months)
- When was the last time either of you used any contraception?
- Is the male partner currently taking any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Is the male partner allergic to any medications? If yes, which ones?
- What is the total number of pregnancies the male partner has ever caused?
- Has the male partner ever caused a pregnancy without the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure?
- Has the male partner had a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal?
- If available, for each Semen Analysis, please give the date (day, month, and year), volume, concentration (sperm count), percentage of motile sperm, and percentage of morphologically normal sperm.
- Have you ever had any treatment for, or problems with, your lungs, heart, blood and blood vessels, breasts, digestive system, genito-urinary system, thyroid disease, diabetes, or neurological disorder? (female partner only)
- For each X-ray of your uterus and Fallopian tubes (hysterosalpingogram), laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or laparotomy, please give the procedure date (day, month, and year) and the findings.
- If available, for each FSH, LH, estradiol (estrogen, E2), and AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) test you have had, please give the date of the test (day, month, and year) and the result.
- Have you done any intrauterine inseminations (IUI)? If yes, how many?
- Have you had ovarian stimulation with injectable medications?
- For each IVF treatment you have had, please provide the following information if available: Date (month and year), the dose of medications to stimulate your ovaries, your highest estrogen level, number of ovarian follicles that developed, number of eggs retrieved, whether ICSI was done, number of embryos available, number of embryos transferred, number of embryos frozen, and the treatment outcome.
- Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how many cigarettes a day during the last three months? (Please remember that you must not smoke during your treatment.)
This is Erica
Erica works at the front desk. She will be supporting you throughout your treatment journey at Bay IVF.
Patients’ Thank You Cards
Your Initial Visit at Bay IVF
Attending a new patient appointment at a fertility clinic can be stressful. Our primary objective is to ensure that your initial visit is friendly and relaxing. We encourage you to ask questions at every step of the process.
1 — When You Arrive
You will be welcomed by one of the clinic receptionists. One of our nurses will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure
2 — 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
4 — Exam Room
One of the nurses will escort you to an examination room. Your examination will begin with listening to your lungs and heart
3 — 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
5 — 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
6 — Financial Part
Following that, you will have a discussion with one of the financial advisors regarding the financial aspects of your treatment, including potential treatment financing options
8 — Support 24/7
If you have any questions after leaving the clinic, please feel free to reach out to us via phone call, text, or email. Open and discreet communication is an integral part of the care we provide at Bay IVF
7 — What About Time?
Your entire visit is expected to last approximately one hour
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With Dr. Polansky
Online or In-Person
Call or Text Us: 650-322-0500
You can also complete the form below to request your initial consultation
Still Have Questions?
We understand that this is a significant decision, and it is important to us that you feel truly comfortable