Reciprocal IVF

In Reciprocal IVF, one partner assumes the role of the Genetic Mother by providing the eggs, while the other partner becomes the Birth Mother by carrying the pregnancy.

The eggs are fertilized with donor sperm, and the resulting embryos are subsequently transferred to the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy.

Reciprocal IVF

We take pride in being one of the pioneering fertility clinics in Northern California to offer In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for lesbian partners.

Reciprocal IVF can serve as an excellent choice for same-sex female couples who desire to share the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the biological connection to their child.

Additionally, it provides a viable option for couples where one partner is unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical or personal reasons.

Reciprocal IVF is a two-stage treatment. The first phase consists of the development and cryopreservation of embryos.

The second stage consists of the Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle.

Schedule Your Reciprocal IVF Consultation

Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to be intimately involved in the process of creating and carrying the child.

Reciprocal IVF Treatment Process

1 — Ovarian stimulation (Genetic Mother)

Your treatment is always individualized to maximize the probability of a successful outcome. You will receive your personalized ovarian stimulation calendar

2 — Egg retrieval procedure

The egg retrieval procedure is performed at our Clinic. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and we use very comfortable conscious sedation for analgesia

4 — Culture of embryos

Evidence of fertilization can be seen the next day, approximately 16 hours after insemination. The fertilized eggs are then transferred into a growth medium and continue to be cultured in our laboratory

3 — Fertilization of eggs

On average, eight to fourteen eggs are retrieved during the egg retrieval procedure. Once identified, the eggs are combined with sperm and placed in petri dishes filled with culture medium

5 — Embryo cryopreservation

All normally developing embryos are cryopreserved (vitrified)

6 —Embryo storage in liquid nitrogen

Following the cryopreservation process, the embryos are transferred to a liquid nitrogen storage chamber in our Clinic. Theoretically, there is no limit on the length of storage

7 — Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer (Birth Mother)

When you decide to conceive using your cryopreserved embryos, one or two embryos will be thawed and transferred into your uterus

Below is an example of a Reciprocal IVF treatment cycle. Your individualized protocol may take less or more time to complete.

Reciprocal IVF Procedure

Ovarian stimulation

There are various forms of ovarian stimulation protocols, each with multiple modifications. Your treatment is always personalized to maximize the likelihood of success.

The optimal protocol for your treatment is selected based on your reproductive history and your pre-treatment evaluation.

Ovarian stimulation takes approximately ten days. During this time, your progress is monitored by estradiol (estrogen, E2) and progesterone blood levels and ultrasound examinations.

Ovarian stimulation should result in the development of several eggs in each ovary. The ultrasound image shows a stimulated ovary. Each of the several follicles (dark circles) contains a microscopic egg.

Egg Retrieval Procedure

The egg retrieval procedure is performed at our Clinic. We provide comfortable, conscious sedation analgesia.

The egg retrieval is a quick and relatively painless procedure that takes about five minutes to complete. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

Administering Pain Medication

Dr. Polansky administers pain medication and relaxation drugs through the IV line, inducing a state of twilight anesthesia.
Most patients will fall asleep during the procedure, while some might remain awake and view the egg retrieval on an ultrasound screen.

Egg Retrieval Process

Under ultrasound guidance, Dr. Polansky retrieves eggs from the ovaries using a thin needle passed through the top of the vagina.
The needle aspirates the follicular fluid containing the eggs. The process is usually completed within minutes.
Embryologists then examine the follicular fluid under a microscope to identify eggs.

Fertilization of Eggs

On average, eight to fourteen eggs are retrieved during the egg retrieval procedure. Once identified, the eggs are placed in petri dishes filled with culture medium.

The composition of the culture medium resembles the fluid secreted by the Fallopian tubes, facilitating the development of eggs and embryos (fertilized eggs) in our laboratory environment, simulating the conditions in the Fallopian tubes.

Most commonly, frozen donor semen from a sperm bank is used to fertilize the eggs. The highest quality sperm are extracted from the semen and combined with the eggs three hours after retrieval. This in vitro fertilization process takes place over several hours in the evening following egg retrieval.

Culture of Embryos

Fertilization is usually observed the day after insemination, approximately 16 hours later. A normally fertilized egg (zygote) will exhibit two pronuclei representing the genetic material from the egg and sperm. The fertilized eggs are transferred to a growth medium and continue to be cultured in our laboratory.

The following day, embryos should divide into 4 cells, and by the day after, they should reach 8 cells.

By the fifth to seventh day after the insemination, the embryos should develop into the blastocyst stage, consisting of 80 or more cells.

This picture shows an advanced stage of blastocyst development. Notice the central fluid-filled cavity. The cells within the blastocyst have already differentiated into the inner cell mass (at seven o’clock) that will give rise to the fetus and the trophectoderm cells that will form the future placenta.

At this stage, the embryos are still microscopic, invisible to the naked eye.

Blastocyst cryopreservation

Embryos that develop normally are cryopreserved. Preparation for the freezing process involves removing water from within the embryos and replacing it with a cryoprotective substance to prevent ice crystal formation during vitrification and subsequent thawing.

The embryos are then flash-cooled to -196°C (-321°F). Such rapid freezing (vitrification) prevents damaging water crystal formation.

Liquid nitrogen storage

Following the cryopreservation process, the embryos are transferred to a liquid nitrogen storage chamber in our Center. Theoretically, there is no limit on the length of storage, but conceiving past the age of 40 may result in a high-risk pregnancy.

Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer

Once the Bith Mother decides to conceive with the cryopreserved embryos, one or two embryos will be thawed and transferred into her uterus. A large majority of the embryos will survive the cryopreservation and thawing process. The implantation rate of the thawed embryos should be the same as the “fresh” embryo implantation rate.

If you are successful, your pregnancy becomes indistinguishable from conception through intercourse, and your obstetrical care should be no different than if you conceived without any treatment.

Bay IVF Early Pregnancy Heartbeat

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.

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.

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.

This testing is required by the State of California. You and your partner must be tested for Hepatitis B-Surface Antigen, Hepatitis C-Antibody, HIV I&II, and RPR.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our sole goal is to ensure the success of your treatment!

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.

About half of our patients transfer two embryos at a time, while the other half choose to transfer only one embryo in each transfer. We will always provide guidance, but you will have the final say in whether to transfer one or two embryos.

Gender selection is an extension of IVF treatment that utilizes the Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) procedure to identify the gender of each embryo. With this method, prospective parents can know the gender of each embryo with 100% accuracy prior to transfer into the uterus.

Yes! We take pride in being one of the first fertility clinics in Northern California to offer In Vitro Fertilization services for lesbian partners. Our clinic is LGBTQ+ friendly and experienced in both lesbian IVF and Reciprocal IVF.

Your egg retrieval should be a very comfortable experience, as we use effective pain and relaxation medications. Most patients will sleep through the 5-10 minute egg retrieval procedure, though some may experience mild menstrual-like cramping.

We have occasionally provided IVF treatment to women over the age of 44 when their antral follicle count and AMH results suggest that their eggs are biologically younger than their chronological age.

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. Doing so can help you achieve weight loss at an optimal rate, which could significantly improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Our IVF Duo and IVF Trio Financial Plans can provide substantial savings compared with single-cycle IVF fees. Two- and three-cycle financial plans for Egg Freezing are also available.

Bay IVF has partnered with Future Family to offer accessible, personal, and affordable fertility care financing. Their mission is to make fertility care more accessible and affordable. Future Family loans are an alternative to high-interest credit cards and dipping into your savings. They offer 0% APR financing for those who are eligible, as well as low monthly payment plans. Prequalifying is risk-free, easy, and will not affect your credit score.

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 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.)

See All

Or Download a PDF

This is Erica

She will be providing you with exceptional support throughout your treatment journey at Bay IVF.

Listen to a typical conversation between Erica and a new patient.

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.)

See All

Or Download a PDF

This is Nisha

Your invaluable resource for effortlessly managing your appointments at Bay IVF.

Listen to a typical conversation between Nisha and a new patient.

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